Beneteau just introduced its new Antares 11, the 36-foot flagship of its outboard lineup and the first with a balcony – part of the bulwark in the cockpit that folds out to create a larger social space there. The new Antares, a family weekend cruiser, is powered by twin 300-hp Suzukis, and speeds are expected to be over 30 knots.
The Antares 11 is unusually open and filled with light, from large windows all around the salon and from a super-sized sunroof (which could be replaced with optional solar panels). Glass doors slide open aft to merge the salon and the cockpit into one social area, all on the same level. Even the two cabins below have natural light from large windows running along the hull sides.
In addition to all its windows, the Antares 11 is marked by the large cabin top that extends all the way aft to the transom (providing protection from the elements), and by its asymmetrical side decks, with a larger walkway on the starboard side that has a boarding gate opposite a door opening to the helm station.
The L-shaped seating in the cockpit converts to a sun lounge with a headrest. There’s another sun lounge on the foredeck with an adjustable backrest.
In the salon, the full-sized galley is on the starboard side, with an L-shaped settee to port; it faces a table on a stainless steel pedestal. The helm seat is forward to starboard; visibility is great in all directions. The boat comes with powered hydraulic steering and a bowthruster. The twin outboards should make driving fun, with their fast acceleration and nimble maneuverability.
Below, the master stateroom is forward with an island bed, storage space and an en suite head and shower. A full-beam guest stateroom is amidships, tucked under the salon, and has a double bed and a single bed, making it particularly appealing to families.
Specs.: LOA: 36’3”; Beam: 11’1”; Draft: 4’2”; Disp.: 13,455 lbs.; Fuel: 211 gals.; Water: 52 gals.; Power: 2×300-hp Suzuki outboards.
