Beneteau Antares 12 Coupe (2026-)

Overview

The reviewer introduced Beneteau as: "A French builder with a long history known for their innovative designs, quality craftsmanship, and the ability to build anything from a small day boat to a large yacht." She characterized the Antares 12 as: "A weekender and coastal cruiser perfect for a couple or small family who wants to spend more than a few nights on board exploring new places."

Power Options

The test boat was equipped with triple 300s; twin 400s are also available. The reviewer noted the builder's guidance on fuel consumption between the two packages: "They tell us that fuel consumption in the mid ranges and the highs and lows differ slightly between the two engine packages, but realistically overall, you're probably gonna be about the same." The stated benefit of the triple 300 configuration is a somewhat higher top speed.

Transom / Engine Access

The reviewer praised the full walk-around access around the motors: "So many boats, you just don't have this full walk-around around the motors. Easy, comfortable access all the way around is a really nice touch."

Cockpit Entry / Boarding

A fold-out section includes a boarding door for easy access in a marina or tight space, and can also open fully to expand the cockpit area.

Cockpit Coverage

The reviewer's first observation entering the cockpit: "How much coverage you have." The hardtop extends fully back, providing shade for everyone, while retaining the option to open portions for stargazing or sun.

Cockpit Table

Opens up and out for dining; also mounted on a high-low pedestal, allowing it to be lowered with a filler cushion added to create a large sunbed.

Side Decks / Walk-Around

The reviewer praised the boat's true walk-around design despite an asymmetrical layout (narrower on the port side to maximize interior volume): "I'm gonna feel secure walking all the way forward, putting out all of my fenders." She also noted the height of the stanchions running forward.

Bow Seating / Forward Door

The reviewer referenced a companion video for more detail on a specific forward door feature, calling it worth mentioning again as "such a smart thing all the way forward."

Access: A small step down leads up to the forward area.

Storage: Large storage lockers on both sides for fenders.

Convertible seating: The forward cushion functions as a large sunbed or flips up to become a loveseat, with a receptacle for mounting a table in either configuration.

Anchor System

Forward-most position: a quick electric windlass and Delta plow-style anchor. The reviewer noted a specific safety-focused design choice: "I like that they have done a split in the stanchions, so that if you come into any anchor issues, you can easily get up there and work around." A safety harness point is also provided.

Comparison to the Antares 11

The reviewer directly compared the 12's bow area to the smaller Antares 11 (visible over her shoulder during filming), noting the added length and beam translate to substantially more usable space forward: "With an addition of a couple of extra feet on the length, a little bit more on the beam, you can have so much more space up in this area."

Sunroof / Crossbar Accessory Mounts

A large opening sunroof lets in natural light, and crossbars have been added to support accessories such as bike racks or paddleboards. The reviewer relayed a use case shared by Beneteau staff during the walkthrough: "They've seen owners put bike racks, take it up to Martha's Vineyard for the day, pull those down, go and explore the island, and then you don't have to get those dirty bike tires in the back cockpit of your boat. You can put 'em up top."

Stanchion Height (Reiterated)

The reviewer again highlighted the stanchion height moving fore and aft: "I feel very secure."

Cockpit Storage (Under Sole)

The reviewer specifically noted being impressed by this storage area: strut-supported for easy lifting, revealing substantial space below.

Contents/use: Mechanical spaces are concealed behind nicely finished panels; the space can also hold folding bikes or inflatable paddleboards, with mechanical components still easy to access when needed.

Electrical protection: The reviewer noted major electrical panels are enclosed and watertight.

Show Availability

This is the world premiere of the Antares 12 Coupe. A flybridge version of the model will be shown at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Closing Assessment

"This boat fits the bill for a family-friendly cruiser. There's so many little touches throughout the boat that really elevate this boat." The reviewer noted the Antares line has existed for 45 years, and personally suggested it would be well suited to exploring "the Ontario [Narrows/Swamp — transcript unclear] cruises" (rendered ambiguously in the source audio).

Overview

This is the world premiere of the Antares 12 Coupe, an extension of Beneteau's bestselling Antares 11. The reviewer stated the impetus for the larger model: "They heard from their customers that they just needed a little bit more space because they're long-term cruisers or they're doing the America's Great Loop."

Remember: this is a 42-foot boat — the reviewer specifically flagged this size reference point before touring the accommodation spaces.

Cockpit-to-Salon Connection

A three-section door slides fully open to connect the interior and cockpit spaces.

Seating configuration: V-shaped seating with a convertible backrest — it can fold forward (allowing the occupant to remain part of the cockpit conversation) or flip up and back (bringing everyone around the interior table). The reviewer demonstrated this directly.

Table: High-low design; adding an infill cushion converts it into what the reviewer described as "almost a full-size bed."

Forward-facing conversion: The reviewer specifically praised an additional backrest-flip function allowing several people to face forward while underway: "Another smart touch that they have done, and one that I really appreciate."

Additional storage: Behind the seating area, dedicated to glassware and serving plates.

Galley

The reviewer's overall assessment: "A nicely equipped galley."

Features:

• Fiddle rail on the cooktop — reviewer: "I always love these. Keeps your pots in place when you're underway."
• Sink with an infill cover — reviewer noted this addresses a common tradeoff: "Cabin counter space is always at a premium, so I like that they've done that."
• Overhead storage: The reviewer specifically praised its inclusion, noting many builders skip it to preserve sightlines: "In so many boats like this, they don't do the overhead storage because they don't want to obstruct any views. As a liveaboard, I really appreciate all the storage options that they have on this boat." Two large overhead storage compartments are fitted.
• Pull-out trash bin
• Dedicated glass and/or bottle storage
• Convection oven
• Dual drawer refrigeration: top drawer can be a fridge, bottom can be fridge and/or freezer
• Easy access to air conditioning controls, onboard audio/music systems, and the electrical panel
• Pop-up TV: Nestled behind the galley for movie nights — reviewer: "I like that you can hide it away when you want to just have the views."

Natural Light / Sunroof

The reviewer noted the substantial ambient natural light in the salon, sourced from an electrically opening sunroof overhead. A crossbar is visible in the opening — noted by the reviewer as relevant to accessory mounting, to be detailed further in the companion exterior video. Shades are available to close for brightness control or bug protection.

Helm

Seating: A comfortable captain's chair with a flip-down bolster, adjustable fore and aft.

Midship door / docking layout: The reviewer specifically highlighted this design element: "One of the biggest things that I really like about this configuration is that I'm right here on my midships [cleat]. I got [the] joystick right here. So this boat, I can see single-handing really easily at the helm."

Equipment:

• Easily accessible throttles
• Phone charger
• Joystick controls, easily accessible
• Toggle switches
• One Garmin display fitted, with provision to add a second
• Compass mounted centerline with the steering wheel
• Steering wheel — reviewer called it "good-looking"

Sightlines (seated, per reviewer): At a self-reported height of 5'5", seated upright, the reviewer noted her sightline fell near the bottom edge of the fiberglass structure: "Our taller friends might have a little bit of an issue with the sightline, but in the standing position, or in the leaning position with the bolster up, I've got great visibility."

Comparison to Antares 11

The reviewer had toured the Antares 11 prior to this walkthrough specifically to enable comparison. Key differences noted:

Headroom: 6 feet, 9 inches in the main living space of the 12 — described as noticeably taller than the 11, contributing to a space that "feels a little bit bigger, a little bit brighter."

Biggest difference overall: The reviewer stated the accommodation spaces showed the largest difference between the two models, leading directly into the cabin tour.

Cabin Layout

Configuration: one cabin plus a forward master cabin (described by the reviewer as "one cabin, two cabins... and your forward master cabin"), plus two heads.

The reviewer's overall assessment of the guest spaces: "I think Beneteau has done a good job of bringing some of [a] homey feel into these guest spaces."

Port Guest Cabin

Currently configured as two separate berths, convertible to one large sleeping area via a slide-out insert and filler cushion. Includes a hanging locker and additional storage. This cabin has en suite access to a head, which is also accessible via a separate door from the companionway for use as a day head.

Day/guest head: Traditional layout, with a full walk-in shower. Headroom in this area was estimated by the reviewer at "at least six foot."

Starboard Guest Cabin

Single-bed configuration, with wall cutouts for storage, a hanging locker, and additional storage further forward.

Master Cabin (Forward)

Island berth configuration.

Features:

• Hull-side windows on both sides, each with opening port lights
• Overhead hatch for additional ventilation
• Overhead storage, plus hanging lockers on both sides
• Direct doorway access to a private en suite head

Master Head (En Suite)

Headroom: 6 feet, 3 inches.

Features: Separate walk-in shower, sink, ample storage. The reviewer's assessment: "Pretty typical layout, but I like that it has the separate walk-in shower."

Closing Assessment

The reviewer's summary of Beneteau's design goal for this model: "I think that they've done a good job of their mission on this boat. You can easily host two different friend groups overnight, or have all the space that you need to do the entire Great Loop."

Her overall characterization: "The 12 does really exemplify that life is better on a boat."