Antares and Barracuda – Winds of change among Beneteau outboards

by Beneteau on 15 Sep 2017 Immediately after the launch of the Barracuda 6 this autumn, Beneteau announced three new outboard models that will complete the renewal of the Antares and Barracuda ranges. With a higher level of finish and additional features, the new Antares 6 and 9, and the new Barracuda 9, perpetuates Beneteau’s traditional know-how in this market segment and vouch for their ability to marry tradition and innovation sensibly.

Antares 6 is a small pilothouse boat in its prime

The latest small outboard pilothouse boat, the new Antares 6 is loyal to everything that created the success of this range in the last 40 years. Whether for excursions, fishing trips, or picnics, this cruiser is as safe as they come and the ideal choice for a wide range of programmes. Revisiting the standards of comfort on this type of boat, the Antares 6 looks very modern and has a very practical cockpit. The aft sliding bench seat means you can lift the engine without damaging the seats.

Inside, some clever choices, such as the layout of the saloon with facing seats and the way the resting cabin below is opened up, result in an incredible feeling of space. Built on the latest generation of outboard hulls, this small new Antares is incredibly stable and truly a pleasure to drive. With its single engine homologated up to 115 hp, the boat is easier to handle, and its size allows it to nip about with ease. A must see in Paris at the end of the year.

Antares 9, lots of class for a small cruiser

The new Antares 9 has an Airstep® hull and up to 2 x 200 hp engine power. Her autonomy is also improved with the option of a 600 L fuel tank and a 160 L water tank. This development is consistent with the level of habitability and comfort proposed.

With two entirely independent cabins, a galley and a generously fitted washroom, short cruises with your family or friends have greater potential on the Antares 9. With wraparound windows, the pilothouse has a panoramic view of the sea making it strikingly bright. There is a real feeling of space and the lounge is cleverly organised with a co-pilot seat that can be swung round. This means you can sit facing the sea or facing the other saloon seat.

The driver will like the side door to starboard, which makes movement on board easier and facilitates manoeuvres. In the cockpit, the U-shaped bench seats convert to sun-loungers, promising enjoyment and relaxation together. There is a shift upmarket on this new Antares 9 and she is designed with careful attention to detail. She will be showcased at the upcoming Nautic boat show in Paris.

Barracuda 9, a generous adventurer

Following the launch of the smaller Barracuda 6 in the autumn, the new barracuda 9 will offer end the renewal of the range spectacularly, in the early months of 2018.

Showcasing matchless expertise in truly comfortable sport fishing, this new flagship will be loyal to its sport pedigree and robust, true to its origins. It will also lend itself to safe and pleasant ‘smart commuting’.

With highly functional fittings and impeccable finishes, the new barracuda 9 will mark another milestone in terms of perceived quality.

Her panelled freeboards will improve the comfort during fishing trips, while a starboard side access gate will make drawing alongside and climbing aboard easier. At the back of the pilothouse, a large full-beam glass door provides good ventilation and seamlessly opens up the living spaces on board. Another important innovation is the lengthwise saloon with facing seats, which makes moving about easier. The galley is as functional as ever and will be equipped with a large refrigerator.

With the driving station the Barracuda 9 forges generously ahead with a twin bench seat and a large dashboard that can hold two displays of up to 12”. The door closing off the cabins provides safety for the co-pilot safe and separates the pilothouse from the rest spaces. The lower deck will have a large cabin and a shower room with toilet as well as a mid-cabin that can be used either as stowage space or for an extra berth.

With the latest Airstep® hull, the Barracuda 9 is as comfortable to live aboard as it is easy to handle. Powered by two engines delivering up to 500 hp, two fuel tank capacities will be available (400 or 600 litres). You can confidently put out to sea (Category B) with up to 10 people on board.

Announced with a competitive price, the new Barracuda 9 has all it takes to maintain this boat’s status as a benchmark in countries with robust versatile boats. It will make its debut in the nautical world in spring 2018.

Barracuda 6, small, but plenty of space!

She has every chance of becoming the favourite outboard at the boat shows this autumn! Although the Barracuda 6 is only 5.52 m long and the smallest in the range, she marries speed, a high level of equipment and amazing optimisation of space. For example, a completely closed-off stowage area lies below the driving station and can be converted to a temporary berth, with a marine toilet on option – unheard of on an outboard boat of this size!

Boasting the sporty robustness that characterizes the whole range, the Barracuda comes with three different levels of engine power – 90, 115 and 140 hp – enough to please keen anglers and coastal cruisers. She is worth checking out at La Rochelle and Southampton in September, and then in Scandinavia where the range has met with resounding success.