A sheltered solution for family boating
The BENETEAU Antares 7 is a compact motorboat that makes day trips practical in more than one season. Rather than placing every seat in an open cockpit, it gives the helmsman and passengers a protected wheelhouse. That makes the model especially relevant where cool winds or light rain shorten the useful boating season.
The manufacturer describes the Antares 7 as a versatile family weekender, with a separate fishing-oriented version also available. The boat measures 7.48 metres overall with a 2.50-metre beam. Those dimensions are modest enough for many marina berths while still permitting a cabin and a dedicated main cockpit.
BENETEAU's powerboat design team is credited with the naval design and Sarrazin Design with the interior. The more important point is the arrangement: a sheltered helm, social seating and enough overnight provision to change plans when the family wants to stay away until morning.
Making the interior count
Large areas of glazing help the wheelhouse remain connected to the surroundings and allow passengers to watch a changing coastline. Inside, a modular saloon can serve as a practical sitting area during pauses. The owner must balance this comfort against narrower deck passages than those of an entirely open centre-console boat.
BENETEAU points to an offset cockpit that creates a particularly wide passage along the starboard side towards the bow. Such circulation is important when handling fenders and ropes or stepping towards a mooring point. A prospective buyer should test that route with one hand available for a secure grip.
A forward double berth provides overnight potential, while a separate toilet compartment is offered as an option. There is also a galley arrangement in the wheelhouse. Check which furnishings, electrical fittings and equipment are actually included in the chosen configuration, because a pleasant weekend depends on more than a mattress.
What the specifications tell an owner
The official maximum outboard rating is 200 horsepower and the fuel tank holds 170 litres. These are useful headline figures but not a guaranteed range or cruising speed. Real consumption depends on engine selection, load, sea conditions, propeller setup and the reserve left for unexpected delays.
BENETEAU quotes a minimum draft of 0.50 metres and a maximum of 0.80 metres, together with an air draught of 2.30 metres. The dimensions matter around tidal harbours and low bridges. Owners must verify actual clearance once antennas, rails and additional equipment are fitted.
The published lightship displacement is approximately 1,886 kilograms, before the weight of a fully loaded operating package is considered. Those contemplating road transport need to calculate the total weight with engine, fuel, trailer and equipment. Towing suitability cannot be judged on the empty-boat figure alone.
Fishing, weekending or both
The model can be set up with comfort-led cruising in mind or chosen in a separate Fishing version. Anglers should evaluate cockpit room, rod arrangements and how water drains from working areas. Families staying overnight might instead give priority to cabin ventilation, cooking space and reliable sheltered seating.
Roof racks, a forward sunpad and connected boat-status monitoring appear among the model's described features or options. Availability can vary with market and specification, so it is important to discuss an exact boat with the dealer. Electronic status monitoring is useful but should never replace a physical pre-departure inspection.
Antares 7 offers a middle route between a small open dayboat and a larger motor cruiser. Its promise is that owners can leave harbour on a day that is not perfectly sunny and still enjoy a comfortable place to gather. A sea trial with the intended family and equipment is the best way to test that claim.