The predecessor model of our test boat was on the BOOTE test bench a good six years ago. Back then, Peter Lässig took the Antares 9 OB under the magnifying glass. Like its predecessor, the new Beneteau Antares 9 V2 is an all-rounder that impresses with its versatility and functionality. It is ideal for relaxed excursions or adventurous discovery tours with family or friends.
Where can the tours go? The Beneteau is certified with CE category B, which stands for "outside coastal waters". With its dimensions, it is just as suitable for inland waterways. It offers four comfortable berths for overnight stays. There is also a seating area in the saloon, which can be converted into a berth (1.95 x 0.96 metres) for an extra charge. Access to the boat from the aft is via the bathing platform and the stern entrance with door. The passageway is wide and there are handholds where you need them. Practical: a side door is also integrated into the starboard side of the side wall, making it easier to get on and off. But that's not all: when the door is open, a bathing ladder (extra charge) can be inserted, which guarantees a safe way out of the water in addition to the pull-out ladder under the platform. There is a standard rear shower for rinsing off after bathing.
Equipment options for the Beneteau Antares 9 V2
The cockpit offers a comfortable L-shaped bench seat (part of the Comfort equipment variant) with comfortable cushions. An extension with an additional bench creates a U-shaped bench that can be converted into a sun lounger. The ergonomics are also perfect, and the table is positioned so that four people can sit comfortably. A large sun lounger can be ordered for the foredeck for an extra charge. The preferred way forward is via the starboard side - the gangway is significantly wider there than on the port side. A sturdy railing ensures a secure hold.
The layout below deck is typical of a boat: the owner's cabin is located forward with a good-sized double berth. To save space, Beneteau has installed a sliding door at the entrance. Storage space is well distributed in lockers and under the berth. A hatch above the berth provides light and air. Additional daylight enters the cabin through side windows. The underfloor cabin is located amidships: the entrance area offers standing height (1.85 metres), while the height decreases above the berth - as is usual with this design. The double berth is comfortable, ventilation is provided via a side porthole and there is plenty of storage space.
The galley is located in the entrance area on the starboard side, from where the cabin crew has direct contact with the passengers in the saloon seating area and, when the stern door is open, also in the cockpit seating area. It is functionally equipped with a two-burner hob, sink, refrigerator and waste bin, and the storage spaces are suitably dimensioned. The toilet room is practical and well organised. There is a pull-out hose and a drain in the floor for showering. Ventilation is also provided here via a porthole.
Now to the driver's cab. The driver's seat is an adjustable bucket seat that can be moved lengthways and swivelled. This allows it to be integrated into the seat unit if required. The folding front cushion allows a comfortable standing position with secure support. All controls such as the gear lever, steering, bow thruster lever and trim tab switches are within easy reach. The co-driver's seat is installed on the port side; its backrest can be folded forwards and thus integrated into the aforementioned seating area. Practical: Together with the side sliding door and the window opposite, good cross ventilation is created in the wheelhouse. Two solid windscreen wipers with a washer system ensure a clear view on the safety glass windscreen. The compass is positioned so that it is easy to read, and the Garmin and Mercury monitors are installed without a mirror. The dark colour of the driving position reduces reflections in the windscreen, the rocker switches for the 12 V consumers are user-friendly and easy to reach.
The outboard motors
The basic version of the Antares is equipped with two 200 hp Suzuki outboards. Beneteau also offers optional motorisations with 2 x 250 hp from Suzuki, 2 x 200 hp from Mercury or 2 x 250 hp from Mercury. We travelled with two 200 hp Mercury outboards, which got the test boat planing smoothly. The transition to planing takes around six seconds. During the transition phase, the bow lifts from 2,000 rpm, but the forward visibility remains good at all times. The Antares planes from around 3,750 rpm (around 18 knots). The test boat makes good speed from 4,000 rpm, and at 4,500 rpm the economic planing speed (25.9 knots) is reached. With a fuel consumption of 2.85 litres per nautical mile and a fuel volume of 2 x 300 litres minus 15 percent reserve, the range is 179 nautical miles.
Test drive with the Beneteau Antares 9 V2
At full throttle, the Beneteau scratches the 35-knot mark. In fast bends, the hull pulls round sportily and always remains controllable. The test boat masters slalom courses directly and safely, and the hull acknowledges abrupt steering movements without rocking. The power trim is handled by an automatic system from Mercury, this "Active Trim" works reliably on our test boat. There are also trim tabs (included in the Comfort equipment) that help to compensate for heeling.
At 1,000 rpm, just under 4 knots to approx. 1,400 rpm (approx. 5.6 knots), the Beneteau makes a course-stable displacement run. The Antares also shows its uncomplicated side when manoeuvring: turning circles are small, both forwards and backwards. The combination of twin outboard engines and bow thruster does the rest. Practical: The door directly next to the driver and the centre cleat ensure that the Beneteau Antares 9 V2 can also be moored or towed easily on its own.
Technology and workmanship: The large cockpit storage compartment - accessible via a floor flap - contains the fuel filters and the well-secured tanks. The batteries are in frames and are additionally lashed down, the cable routing is clear and professional. A look inside the anchor locker confirms the positive impression: cleanly painted edges and surfaces as well as fittings fitted with through bolts. Overall, the boat makes a good impression in terms of installation and workmanship. Depending on the cruising area and the owner's requirements, air conditioning systems with corresponding generator (Fisher Panda 3.8 kVA) or inverter (12 V/230 V, 5 kVA) with battery bank can be ordered. Air circulation heating is also on the list, as are solar panels, a microwave and a complete set of anchor gear.
Technical data
- CE category: B/6, C/10
- Length over everything: (max.) 9.29 m
- Width: 2,99 m
- Displacement: 4,620 kg
- Draught (bottom drive): 0,96 m
- Clearance height: 3,27 m
- Fuel tank: 2 x 300 litres
- Max. motorisation: 184 kW (250 hp)
- Test motorisation: 2 x Mercury outboard engines with 147 kW (200 hp)
- Price: Basic version with 2 x 200 hp ex shipyard: € 160,888
- Dealer proof: beneteau.com
Measurement results
| Speed rpm | Speed kn | Consumption l/sm | Range sm | Volume dB(A) |
| 1.000 | 3,9 | 1,85 | 275 | 52 |
| 4.500 | 25,9 | 2,85 | 179 | 75 |
| 5.800 | 34,9 | 3,84 | 133 | 81 |
Conclusion
The Beneteau Antares 9 V2 is a versatile boat with high utility value that is just as impressive on holiday as it is on weekend trips. It is ideal for a family with two children or a trip with friends. With its two 200 hp outboards from Mercury, the Beneteau Antares 9 V2 is well motorised, agile and safe underway.
Advantages
Safe, good driving characteristics
Professional workmanship and installations
Comfortable sitting and reclining units
