2020 Beneteau Antares 27

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Richard Crowder

The Antares 27 is the largest of the three outboard-powered Antares models by Beneteau, one of the biggest pleasure boat manufacturers in the world. The Antares series is one of six series of Beneteau powerboats comprised of twenty-seven models up to sixty feet in length.

The Antares 27 has a twenty-seven foot overall length with a wide beam of nine feet ten inches. This wide beam pays dividends in interior accommodations in addition to providing a most convenient side deck walk-around on both sides of the cabin.

It rides on Beneteau’s proprietary Airstep® deep-vee hull design featuring ample freeboard plus two forward hull deflectors, the combination along with added bow flare results in a very dry and comfortable ride. Single outboard power of 350 horsepower is available but most will choose the twin 200 horsepower outboard power.

One of the Antares’ best features is the sliding starboard cabin side door right next to the helm seat. It provides immediate access for the captain to the starboard side walk-around deck to aid in docking, etc. Being a fully enclosed cabin with hardtop and aft salon bulkhead, the ability to open this door while underway provides lots of fresh air and a wonderful breeze.

The cabin is bright and open with its fully surrounding large glass windows, a one-piece windshield, and the floor to ceiling all-glass aft salon bulkhead which includes a three-leaf sliding door for excellent cabin access. Cross-ventilation is provided by the opening port side cabin window. More natural lighting is provided by a pair of almost full-length hardtop skylights and a highly desirable optional large opening hardtop sliding hatch.

A molded-in swim platform flanks each side of the outboard engine(s) with a recessed telescoping boarding ladder nestled within the starboard-side platform. A convenient stainless grab rail mounted to this platform aids boarding from both the water and the dock. From here, through-transom access to the deep cockpit is via a stainless steel transom gate.

Stainless steel grab handles and railings are provided throughout the cockpit. Real teak flooring is available as an option. A starboard side cockpit locker is dedicated to the propane tank which fuels the stove, while a port side locker is intended for mooring lines, etc. A cockpit shower is standard.

A substantial overhanging extension of the cabin hardtop provides weather and sun protection to the forward half of the cockpit while finished storage is provided by a large compartment hatch in the cockpit floor. More storage is provided within the four place transom bench seat. This seat conveniently slides forward to provide greater access to the swim platforms. An optional package provides U-shaped cockpit seating which, along with a cockpit table, converts to a huge sunlounge with more storage under the seat bases.

The interior salon layout with over six feet of headroom is fairly conventional with a convertible four-place dinette to port and the galley to starboard. The forward dinette seat uniquely converts to a forward-facing double-wide companion seat which raises in height during the conversion for better forward vision. The galley comes with a stainless steel sink, two burner propane stove, refrigerator, plus drawers and cabinets.

Ahead of the galley is a single helm seat with flip-up forward bolster and a compact dash featuring hydraulic steering, trim tab controls with indicators, twin fuel gauges, 12V and USB power outlets, dual windshield wipers with washers, and sufficient room on the dash for the engine controls and readouts. Garmin nine or twelve inch multi-function screens are available, as is a hardtop-mounted VHF radio and a Fusion stereo. A Garmin aft camera and radar are also available, as is a bow thruster.

The forward master cabin features a larger than double wide berth and is naturally well lit from hullside windows and twin overhead hatches. Storage is provided, as is a hanging locker. To starboard is a head compartment with marine head with covering fold-down seat, vanity with sink, storage, a pullout shower wand, and opening portlite. To port is a walk-in doorway leading to a double-wide mid-cabin berth with opening portlite.

Other notable optional equipment includes shore power, hot water with heater, foredeck sunpad, reverse cycle air conditioning/heating, electric or diesel cabin heater, galley microwave, bow ladder, larger fuel tanks, and an automatic trim system.

The Beneteau Antares 27 is a unique family cruiser in so many respects that makes it ideal for our Canadian weather and cruising habits.

2020 Beneteau Antares 27 Photo Gallery

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