Beneteau Antares 12: A Versatile Cruiser Stealing the Show at Southampton Boat Show
Fresh Lineup at Southampton Boat Show: Beneteau Antares 12 – New Models Showcased
The Beneteau Antares 12, a shining star at the Southampton Boat Show, is a testament to the Antares line's legacy of imbuing smaller boats with big versatility.
This 42-footer packs a punch with its spacious flybridge, expandable cockpit, and roomy bow lounge, all serving as independent dayboating zones. Yet, it's the lower deck that truly shines for extended cruising. The owner's bow cabin and primary twin cabin both boast ensuite bathrooms. Although the twin cabin doubles as a day head, space remains for a modular third cabin convertible to a single berth, double berth, or dedicated storage room.
The dinette increases potential sleeping capacity to eight, while performance isn't compromised. With beefy V10 400hp Verados or triple V8 300s on the horizon, the top speed is expected to reach high 30s. Some might prefer the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295, but if you're seeking an all-weather, multi-purpose cruising machine at a great price, the Beneteau Antares 12 is hard to beat.
Key Specifications:
- Length: 42ft 7in (12.97m)
- Beam: 12ft 5in (3.78m)
- Engines: Twin 400hp - triple 300hp outboards
- Top Speed: 37 knots
- Price: from €415,000 ex VAT
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Beneteau Antares 12 vs. Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295: A Battle of Versatility and Comfort
Both the Beneteau Antares 12 and the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295 are well-regarded motorboats, each offering a unique cruising experience. Here's a comparison of their key specifications and cruising capabilities.
Beneteau Antares 12
- Length and Beam: Approximately 12.97 meters (42.5 feet) in length.
- Capacity: Can accommodate up to 12 people, with 2 cabins and 4 berths.
- Bathrooms: Equipped with 2 bathrooms.
- Cruising Capabilities: Designed for comfort and versatility, suitable for day trips and short cruises. Its expansive interior and exterior layout make it ideal for social gatherings.
- Design: Interior design by Sarrazin Design, with exterior and naval architecture by Beneteau.
- Recognition: Finalist in the Flybridge (up to 60ft) category at the Motor Boat Awards 2025.
Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295
- Length and Beam: Typically around 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length.
- Capacity: Generally accommodates fewer people compared to the Antares 12, with a focus on family cruising.
- Cruising Capabilities: Known for its stability and comfort, offering a smooth ride suitable for family outings and weekend getaways.
- Design: Jeanneau's design emphasizes practicality and comfort, with a layout that often includes a large cockpit and comfortable interior spaces.
Comparison
- Size and Capacity: The Beneteau Antares 12 is slightly larger and can accommodate more people, making it better suited for larger groups or social events.
- Cruising Style: Both boats are designed for comfort, but the Antares 12 might offer more versatility due to its larger size and design features.
- Design and Features: Both brands are renowned for their quality and design, but the Antares 12 benefits from Sarrazin Design's interior styling, while Jeanneau emphasizes practicality and family comfort.
Ultimately, the choice between these two boats depends on your preferences: whether you prioritize a larger, more social layout or a more intimate, family-oriented experience.
- The luxurious Beneteau Antares 12, starring at the Southampton Boat Show, offers speed and performance, boasting a roomy flybridge and a spacious lower deck for extended cruising.
- The Antares 12's lower deck is a standout feature, featuring an owner's bow cabin, a twin cabin with ensuite bathroom, a potential third convertible cabin, and a dinette augmenting sleeping capacity to eight.
- Despite its size and features, the Antares 12 doesn't compromise on performance, anticipating a top speed in the high 30s with powerful engines.
- For those seeking an all-weather, multi-purpose cruising machine that combines speed, luxury, and home-and-garden comfort, the Beneteau Antares 12 is an excellent choice in the realm of versatility and lifestyle.
