Beneteau Antares 23 Review

Over the past several years there has been a major shift in boating across North America, as more young families discover that life really is that much better on the water. The heavy cabin cruisers of their parents’ generation – with their emphasis on indoor accommodations below decks – have given way to a new generation of boats with the emphasis on being outside and enjoying the sun. Lighter, faster, and built with low maintenance in mind, these new day boats are a much better fit with today’s busy lifestyles while still providing all the necessities for short cruises and long-weekend getaways. One of the best examples of this new breed of comfortable day cruiser is the delightful Beneteau Antares 23. Ingeniously combining traditional values with modern innovation, the Antares 23 might just be the ideal introduction to coastal or lake cruising.

Built to absorb big water while delivering exceptional performance and fuel economy, the Antares rides on an all-new hull design.

The tulip-shaped hull design of the Beneteau Antares 23 deflects waves effectively, but still ensures stability on the water while delivering exceptional fuel economy – no easy feat, but one which the company pulls off thanks to some truly inspired engineering. A bow thruster can be added for easy, power steering-like maneuvering, making it a cinch to parallel park between two moored vessels or keep full control when docking in currents, gusty winds or other difficult conditions. That’s rare on a single-engined boat of this size, so kudos to Beneteau for thinking outside the box.

The spacious aft cockpit includes a transom walk-through on the starboard side, eliminating the need to climb over the gunnels when boarding or accessing the swim platform.

The Beneteau Antares 23 is thoughtfully laid out, starting with a spacious rear swim platform that leads to a starboard-side transom walk-through – a nice touch that allows easy boarding from the dock without having to climb over the gunnels or step on padded seat cushions with wet or sandy feet. The step into the cockpit conceals a handy wet storage locker in the floor, complete with an overboard drain – the ideal place to stow wet swimwear. The open rear cockpit speaks to the versatility of the Antares design – while a deep, near full-width transom bench seat that extends forward on the port side provides a comfortable place to kick back and enjoy a summer’s day, there’s still plenty of space for fishing, getting ready for a picnic or setting up for a turn riding a towed tube. Install the removable, pedestal-mount cockpit table here and you have the ideal spot for lunch with a view, or add filler cushions to convert the space into an enormous sun pad. The choice of outboard power for the Antares 23 really opens up the cockpit to provide exceptional versatility and far more interior space than boaters are accustomed to seeing in a boat of this size.

Outboard power not only contributes to the Antares 23’s sparkling performance, but opens the stern for greater interior space.

Beyond that, the modular design of the cockpit allows it to be easily configured to add even greater versatility. There’s plenty of gunnel space for mounting fishing rod holders if desired, while an available overhead sun screen provides an escape from the mid-day sun for greater functionality.

The salon is spacious for a 23-foot boat, with a comfy dinette to port.

When it’s time to step indoors, access to the spacious salon is through a double sliding door. With its ingenious tilting design, the companion seat located to the left of the helm station can face forward or aft as desired. With its table lowered, at night this area provides additional, spacious double sleeping accommodation.

The driver’s seat tilts to reveal a cleverly equipped galley area with sink, fridge (optional), stove (optional) and storage. Look around and you have 360-degree views, thanks to the massive opening window glass that bathes the salon of the Beneteau Antares 23 in natural light and fresh air. An available sliding sunroof is a popular option, and really helps open up the boat on those gorgeous summer evenings.

The helm seat tilts forward to provide access to a fully-equipped galley.

The Beneteau Antares 23 is an ideal weekender, with its full double forward ensuite cabin. The beds have been carefully designed and the amount of storage space available is more than sufficient for voyages lasting even several days. With its deck porthole, the cabin is well-ventilated and well lit. The separate head with a proper flush toilet is another unusual feature for boat of this size, but much appreciated by owners and their families.

An available cockpit sun shade is one of many worthwhile upgrades available for this boat.

With its walnut trim, the new Beneteau Antares 23 manages to blend traditional luxury with modern contemporary style. Fit and finish throughout are impeccable – exactly as one would expect from Beneteau. The attention to detail throughout sets the Antares apart in a crowded market.

Rated to handle outboards of up to 250 horsepower, the Beneteau Antares 23 can get to its destination promptly – with the standard Mercury 200-horsepower four-stroke, top speeds will approach 40 mph. Equipped with twin 74-gallon fuel tanks, it also has the range to really get away from it all, making this elegant and sporty day cruiser a no-brainer choice for young families who appreciate incredible attention to detail and exceptional value.