Beneteau Antares 8 for sale

The Yachting Address Review — Bénéteau Antares 8

The Antares 8 is the model within the Antares range that has evolved the most — and the most frequently. Across thirty years under the same name, it has gone through five generations, three propulsion philosophies and two major architectural revolutions.

On the used market, it is also the Antares model offering the widest range of prices and buyer profiles: from €30,000 for a well-kept 1991 Antares 805 to more than €100,000 for a nearly-new 2024 Antares 8 OB V2 Fishing.

Knowing how to read this market is the first skill of an informed buyer.

The Antares 8 generations: five families, five different markets

The Antares 805 (1989–2000, 8.10 meters) is the grandfather of the lineage — an enclosed-wheelhouse diesel inboard cruiser with unmistakable 1990s lines, built with the structural robustness of Bénéteau’s first large production generations. Well-preserved examples still available today — increasingly rare — generally trade between €25,000 and €40,000. These are boats that have often accumulated decades of navigation and absolutely require serious inspection of engines and underwater hull condition before purchase.

The Antares 8 S and 8.80 (2008–2018, 7.98 to 8.91 meters depending on version) represent the transition generation — powered by single outboards (150–200 hp) on the S versions and twin outboards on the 8.80 HB. This generation dominates today’s used market between €58,000 and €95,000.

The Antares 8.80 HB is the most sought-after version from this period: its twin-engine setup provides propulsion redundancy and noticeably stronger performance than single-engine versions, without reaching the complexity of a full inboard cruiser.

The Antares 8 OB (2016–2021, 6.98 to 7.48 meters) was the first fully outboard-powered version of the modern generation — shorter than its predecessors but redesigned internally around the Air Step hull concept. Initially, this version surprised many buyers accustomed to the larger Antares 8.80, but it quickly found its audience among boaters seeking a modern, accessible and economical enclosed-wheelhouse boat. Used 2016–2021 examples generally range between €50,000 and €90,000.

The Antares 8 OB V2 (since 2022, 8.06 meters) is the current benchmark and the dominant model on both the new and nearly-new market. At 8.06 meters overall length — finally consistent with the “8” designation again — it benefits from a revised cockpit layout, wide starboard side deck access and an even brighter wheelhouse. This is the model dominating listings between €79,000 and €105,000.

The Antares 8 Cruising and 8 Fishing are essentially commercial variations of the V2 — different equipment and cockpit layouts rather than fundamentally different architectures, exactly like the Cruising/Fishing distinction already seen on the Antares 7.

What the Antares 8 OB V2 genuinely delivers

The Antares 8 OB V2 occupies a strategic position within the Antares family — it is the first model where owners genuinely begin to live onboard rather than simply spend the day at sea.

At 8.06 meters with a single Suzuki DF200 or DF250 APX outboard, it offers a true forward double berth cabin, a dinette with table and seating, a compact but functional galley and a complete bathroom with toilet and shower. These are real living spaces suitable for two adults over several days — not simply marketing compromises.

The redesigned cockpit of the V2 is the other major improvement compared with previous generations. The U-shaped rear seating, widened starboard walkway and swim platform directly accessible from the cockpit create an outdoor living space unusually generous for an 8-meter boat.

At anchor, this becomes the real center of life onboard — and Bénéteau clearly understood that when designing this generation.

The engines: 200 or 250 hp?

This is the most common question on this model, and it deserves a direct answer.

The Suzuki DF200 APX is the reference configuration — sufficient for the vast majority of real-world uses, with lower cruising fuel consumption and slightly cheaper yearly servicing. Under normal load (2–3 adults with day equipment), it propels the Antares 8 comfortably at 25–28 knots.

The Suzuki DF250 APX is the premium engine choice — the additional 50 hp become genuinely noticeable under heavy load (4–5 adults with luggage) and in rougher conditions. The extra power reserve matters far more than the marginal top-speed increase. For Atlantic or Brittany boaters regularly navigating wind and chop, the 250 hp setup deserves serious consideration.

On the used market, the value difference between 200 and 250 hp versions generally ranges between €5,000 and €8,000 for equivalent condition and model year — a difference that makes sense if your boating program regularly involves difficult weather or heavier onboard loads.

Antares 8 vs Merry Fisher 795 Série 2: the unavoidable comparison

The comparison is systematic in this market segment, and both boats deserve to be compared honestly.

The Merry Fisher 795 Série 2 is slightly longer (8.14 meters), with a taller wheelhouse and a marginally larger forward cabin. Jeanneau’s French dealer network is also among the densest in the country — a genuine advantage for servicing and fast resale.

The Antares 8 OB V2 responds with a larger cockpit, easier swim-platform access and more contemporary exterior styling. The Suzuki APX engine setup is also generally perceived as quieter and smoother than some competing configurations.

The final choice between the two is often made behind the helm: the Antares 8 feels slightly more dynamic to drive, while the Merry Fisher 795 S2 often reassures less experienced crews thanks to its taller wheelhouse and marginally roomier interior.

What to inspect before buying used

On older Antares 8.80 HB twin-outboard models: inspect both engines carefully with complete maintenance history and invoices. On twin-engine boats older than ten years, impeller replacement intervals, anode condition and electrical wiring inspections are non-negotiable. A complete twin-outboard service can represent €1,500–€3,000 if maintenance history is incomplete.

On recent Antares 8 OB V2 versions: inspect wheelhouse seals carefully for possible water ingress, verify bow-thruster operation if installed and inspect exterior upholstery condition. Light-colored fabrics used on recent versions reveal poor winter protection very quickly. Complete Suzuki yearly servicing history with invoices is mandatory.

On all versions: inspect battery condition carefully — often neglected on seasonal boats — and verify the operation of the electric windlass when installed.

Antares 8 market prices in 2025–2026

Indicative ranges, May 2026 market. VAT included unless otherwise stated.

Our verdict

The Antares 8 is the most versatile and most active model of the entire Antares range on the French used market. Its offer is also the broadest — from €25,000 for a thirty-year-old boat to more than €100,000 for a nearly-new example — making it simultaneously the richest and most demanding segment for informed buyers.

A well-equipped 2022–2023 Antares 8 OB V2 with Suzuki DF250 APX is currently one of the most intelligently calibrated family weekenders available within this price category. It is a boat that genuinely delivers on its promises in real-world use, resells well and whose owners generally speak about it with the quiet satisfaction of people who know they made the right choice.

• Overall Length: 8.06 m
• Overall Beam: 2.8 m
• Dry Weight: 2,545 kg
• Air Draft: 2.33 m
• Minimum Draft: 0.6 m / Maximum Draft: 0.8 m
• Fuel Capacity: 340 L
• Freshwater Capacity: 100 L
• Maximum Engine Power: 250 HP
• CE Certification: C9 / D9