2023 Beneteau Antares 8

Step into the wheelhouse and you’ll immediately notice how much glass you have around you—visibility is exceptional, whether you’re threading a crowded harbor or scanning for crab pots at dusk. The sliding side door makes short-handed docking a breeze, and the deep, secure walkaround side deck gives real peace of mind when moving forward underway. Aft, the modular cockpit seating can flip and slide to create a roomy lounging area or open fishing platform, and it all tucks away to give clear space around the engine when you need it. Below, the clever use of storage keeps weekend clutter out of sight, while the hull’s pronounced bow flare and stable beam help this compact cruiser feel bigger and more confident than its length suggests.

This Antares 8 is particularly well suited to local waters where conditions can shift from glassy to choppy in a single afternoon. The seaworthy hull form, with its strong shoulders and moderate draft, handles short, steep chop comfortably while still letting you nose into shallow coves and sandbars. Protected wheelhouse cruising means you’re not weather-dependent, whether it’s blazing sun, afternoon squalls, or a cool breeze. The generous cockpit converts quickly from a trolling and casting space to a shaded social area for sunset raft-ups. With economical outboard power and easy trailerable dimensions, it’s a practical choice for exploring distant ramps, barrier islands, and quiet back bays without needing a big-boat infrastructure.