Beneteau Antares 6.80 - about to purchase?

[Nautibusiness]

Duncan is right.

The modern 2s from Mariner, Mercury and Evinrude (for example) is a very good engine, on the right boat.
They are cheap to service, very reliable and very torquey. They are even almost as economical as the like for like 4 stroke and not to mention an awful lot lighter.
But, the benefits that make them perfect for a sports boat are far outweighed by the noise (which whatever way you look at it is more annoyingly rattly and decibel for decibel they are louder.) and the still fairly high consumption of oil on a cruiser.

Ian you have the right boat. Enjoy!

 

[Firefly625]

Thanks Duncan,

My main concern was the fact that it wasnt the normal engine for these boats and therefore future sale could be a problem. It seems the Suzuki is the usual engine on the Antares and either a Suzuki or Yamaha on the MF.

Ian

I remember when I was thinking of changing my MF625, I spoke to a broker at SIBS last year and when I spoke about part ex'ing it he said .."I assume you have a Suzuki engine", which I confirmed and told him it was a DF90, he replied, "Thats good, if it had had anything else on the back of it I wouldn't take it"....

Congratulations BTW, good choice of boat, its strange, with the old MF625 and Antares 650 the MF625 wons hands down for spec and detail IMO, now it has reversed, I think the Antares 680 looks much better and has better / safer cockpit arrangement than the MF645 which still has a very open transom... and that Suzuki 115 engine is just superb. Did you go for the full after enclosure???

 

[Matt341]

Thanks for the replies,

We liked the Cockpit on the merry fisher when the engine was down and the full width seat was in place but when the engine was raised it meant the whole rear seat was folded down which could have been a problem with our 2 dogs. The aft cushions were also huge and I imagine take up a lot of storage space, if using the boat on a rainy day I dont know where we would have stored these. Maybe just little things but in practice may have proved difficult.

However, eventually it was mostly down to the engine which as mentioned is better on the Antares.

We haven't gone for the full enclosure, we are going to see how we get on with the pilot house first but we may well go for a bimini or indeed a full enclosure eventually.

One thing we are hoping to have fitted before delivery is a shore power system. I would like to leave some tube heaters on in the cabin over the winter and also have a battery charger to keep the battery charged.

Best wishes
Ian

 

[Nautibusiness]

Ian

If you fit an aftermarket enclosure do not buy one from Beneteau. Get a good local cover maker to knock one up for you.

It will be about the same price, but far better quality. You can also improve on the standard one with little features you want, like an extra zip here or window there.

 

[Firefly625]

Ian

If you fit an aftermarket enclosure do not buy one from Beneteau. Get a good local cover maker to knock one up for you.

It will be about the same price, but far better quality. You can also improve on the standard one with little features you want, like an extra zip here or window there.

I do agree with you there, we had a Jeanneau cover and it was very good, however the later Beneteau covers do look a bit cheap. Obviously the 680 is a bit bigger than our 625, but I do strongly recommend an aft enclosure, especially if overnighting etc it makes the boat so much more usable and gives you loads more room! Also it keeps the cockpit nice and clean! We used to leave the Bimini cover up all the time when we used the boat, made it very much more comfortable in the summer & the aft enclosure just zipped up round the sides... just IMHO..

 

[Jim@sea]

Please remember all boats and engines are sold through "franchises" so whereas a boatyard may have a superb range of boats for sale they may be tied to selling a particular make of outboard, so in fact a better make of engine would not be available to you as another boatyard will have the franchise. Therefore you dont have a choice if you are going to PX with a package deal. I would certainly get a bigger engine. I would also try and find out if the engine manufactures are about to launch a new model or an improved engine and I would also try and find out the date of manufacture of the engine you are going to buy otherwise you will find that you will be buying the oldest (but brand new) engine they have in stock.

 

[Matt341]

Thanks for the replies,

We have a sprayhood and full enclosure on our current sail boat, the main reason for this was because we have no view if sat down below so we used the cockpit more as our lounge, this made the enclosure essential, especially in bad weather.

On the Antares the lounge area is in the pilot house so we have the 360 vision but we are also inside. This is why we think we may not need the full enclosure. However, we may well just get a bimini for the cockpit just to give some shelter.

As a very rough estimate what is the cost of a bimini for this sort of boat? And can it be left up permanently or will the wind catch underneath it and would water pool in it?

The engine is factory fitted from Beneteau so is around the same age as the boat which I think is around early 2010. We wondered whether it may be worth waiting for the 2011 models but dont think we would get a similar deal and want to be enjoying the new boat ASAP.

Best wishes
Ian

 

[PaulGooch]

We have a Merry Fisher 805, that came with a full aft enclosure, supplied by Jeanneau when the boat was new. We don't have the enclosure on the boat, because :

The side and rear sections restrict visibility and make it impossible to get to the stern cleats or to gain access to the side decks. So, before departing the berth, at least the sides have to be unzipped.

Visibility is also reduced to the point of being dangerous if the side and/or rear sections are in place whilst underway.

The enclosure makes the boat seem darker.

Finding somewhere to stow the sections when not in use can be a problem. Finding somewhere to stow the whole thing, if you took it down, is next to impossible. The frame doesn't break down into very small lengths.

Yes, it keeps some dirt from the cockpit, so does a hose. It does give some extra enclosed space when in the marina, but it's much nicer to sit outside.

We regularly fish from the boat, so the enclosure and it's frame are a pain, although this may well not apply to many people here.

The enclosure totally ruins the look of the boat.

As for the Sun cover/bimini/roof, apart from the frame still being a nuisance when we are fishing, that's not such a bad thing. It offers some shade from the Sun (on the 1.5 days a year when we get some). It obviously doesn't restrict vision and it doesn't spoil the boats lines too much.

IMO, the Sun cover has some limited value but the enclosure is more trouble than it's worth. There are obviously others here that have different needs than us, that find them of use. I'd suggest that you use the boat for a while and see if you feel you need one after a few trips out.

 

[DIW]

Completely agree with Paulgooch regarding the aft enclosure. We have considered a complete enclosure for our Beneteau 750 and came to the same conclusions as pg , especially the comments regarding spoiling the line of the boat and access restrictions. The biggest PITA with our previous boat was removing the fly cover and cockpit screens before going out , now we are on the boat and away in minutes. We did obtain a cost - Cover and screens supplied by Beneteau and fitted by 'Boatshed' approx £2500.00

 

[Matt341]

Thanks for the replies,

the enclosure on our sail boat is a right pain to store, the frame has to stay in place so is always in the way and the canvas is impossible to fold or roll in a shape that is suitable for storing so always gets chucked in the aft berth and for most of July and August that is where it stayed as we couldn't be bothered to take it up and down everytime we used the boat.

We want the Antares to be as simple as possible, e.g. get on, open the doors and turn the key and we are off. There are so many zips/buckles etc on our sail boat enclosure that it takes ages to get ready.

The idea of the bimini appeals just to have some shelter in the cockpit. My only concern though would be whether we could leave it up as even that would be a hassle to store etc.

As you can probably tell, after years and years of sailing we now what simple, no wind or tide to worry about and no covers etc. to remove before we can go out.

Thanks
Ian

 

[PaulGooch]

Thanks for the replies,

the enclosure on our sail boat is a right pain to store, the frame has to stay in place so is always in the way and the canvas is impossible to fold or roll in a shape that is suitable for storing so always gets chucked in the aft berth and for most of July and August that is where it stayed as we couldn't be bothered to take it up and down everytime we used the boat.

We want the Antares to be as simple as possible, e.g. get on, open the doors and turn the key and we are off. There are so many zips/buckles etc on our sail boat enclosure that it takes ages to get ready.

The idea of the bimini appeals just to have some shelter in the cockpit. My only concern though would be whether we could leave it up as even that would be a hassle to store etc.

As you can probably tell, after years and years of sailing we now what simple, no wind or tide to worry about and no covers etc. to remove before we can go out.

Thanks
Ian

Based on mine, i'd say you'd be OK to leave the Sun cover up all the time. It would be extremely difficult to store onboard if you did take it down though. We did originally think it would be useful, but after having it up for a trip or two, we took it back home. Sunglasses seem to work well in the cockpit

 

[Firefly625]

Completely agree with Paulgooch regarding the aft enclosure. We have considered a complete enclosure for our Beneteau 750 and came to the same conclusions as pg , especially the comments regarding spoiling the line of the boat and access restrictions. The biggest PITA with our previous boat was removing the fly cover and cockpit screens before going out , now we are on the boat and away in minutes. We did obtain a cost - Cover and screens supplied by Beneteau and fitted by 'Boatshed' approx £2500.00

... I have seen MF805 aft enclosure and agree, its not that pretty and does restrict rear view, but of course both the 805 and 750 are quite a bit bigger than a 680... it was just our experience with our 625 (yes, slightly smaller than a 680... but not by much) that we couldn't have been without our aft enclosure....but every boat is different, I didn't think the bimini cover on our 625 ever looked unsightly.... never pooled with water, was well secured and never flapped around... as I said ... all IMHO, and best to live with it a while and see what you need. As far as costs... £2500 total ripoff... last picture is my Hardy, full cover replaced for £750, the frame is part of the boat so no metalwork required, but size wise similar.. we never take our bimini cover off our Hardy either!

without it it looked very bare..

a very good quality £750 cover on my Hardy...

 

[duncan]

I would estimate 800-1000 including metal work - and mine is similar to the one above in design and breaks down to 4 bits (2 arches and 2 side supports) with 1 bit of canvas (sides and rear roll up when not in use. Stowage is easy when not in use.

Then again it uses the same clips/pegs as the tonneau cover I have - as I don't have patio doors! Thinking of adding a further clear 'cover' that provides the equivalent protection both for traveling and leaving the boat.

I sleep in mine as it's a bit bigger and an inboard engine box plus 2 infills give me a double bed across the back.....I'm not sure I would need a Bimini in the UK; I love the wheelhouse but like the sun when I stop.

 

[pboulton]

Hi
This has been an excellent thread for me as I too am in a quandry on whether to purchase a MF 650 or a Jeaanneau 645. I am a complete novice and my wife and 2 girls of 7 and 6 wish to take occassional fishing/overnight trip locally.
I have a number of questions to ask if you could please help:

1) I realise they are practically the same but what are the small differences?
2) The Yamaha and Suziki 115HP engines seem to be evenly matched but Yamaha seem to offer a 5yr warrenty instaed of 3 yrs. Therefore would the Yamaha seem the best choice? What are the costs for servicing these annually? What else each year needs to be done on the boat and at what cost?
3) How much can you typically barter from the RRP?

To throw things again I have been offered a 3 yr old MF 625 with only 10 hours use for £25k. Is it worth saving £10k over the above? What is the difference between this one and the above models?

I too missed the Aug edition of MBM and would really appreciate a scanned copy if someone has it.

Many Thanks and Best Wishes

Paul

 

[DIW]

... I have seen MF805 aft enclosure and agree, its not that pretty and does restrict rear view, but of course both the 805 and 750 are quite a bit bigger than a 680... it was just our experience with our 625 (yes, slightly smaller than a 680... but not by much) that we couldn't have been without our aft enclosure....but every boat is different, I didn't think the bimini cover on our 625 ever looked unsightly.... never pooled with water, was well secured and never flapped around... as I said ... all IMHO, and best to live with it a while and see what you need. As far as costs... £2500 total ripoff... last picture is my Hardy, full cover replaced for £750, the frame is part of the boat so no metalwork required, but size wise similar.. we never take our bimini cover off our Hardy either.

Firefly 625, thanks for posting photos, that canopy looks good, all in proportion.
Yes I thought the costs were pretty steep ! just checked the paperwork and the canopy and side screens from Beneteau were £1962.00 !!!! then you have to add on metalwork and fixing.

 

[Nautibusiness]

... I have seen MF805 aft enclosure and agree, its not that pretty and does restrict rear view, but of course both the 805 and 750 are quite a bit bigger than a 680... it was just our experience with our 625 (yes, slightly smaller than a 680... but not by much) that we couldn't have been without our aft enclosure....but every boat is different, I didn't think the bimini cover on our 625 ever looked unsightly.... never pooled with water, was well secured and never flapped around... as I said ... all IMHO, and best to live with it a while and see what you need. As far as costs... £2500 total ripoff... last picture is my Hardy, full cover replaced for £750, the frame is part of the boat so no metalwork required, but size wise similar.. we never take our bimini cover off our Hardy either.

Firefly 625, thanks for posting photos, that canopy looks good, all in proportion.
Yes I thought the costs were pretty steep ! just checked the paperwork and the canopy and side screens from Beneteau were £1962.00 !!!! then you have to add on metalwork and fixing.

Typically, items like the "Sun Awning & Aft Closing Kit" as they are described by Jeanneau will be thrown in at boat show time. Often included in a special pack etc.
If buying separately, they are sold as two items, but will include the frame work and fixings required.

You will get a better quality product made by your local company though.

 

[Nautibusiness]

Hi
This has been an excellent thread for me as I too am in a quandry on whether to purchase a MF 650 or a Jeaanneau 645.

****I take it you mean a Beneteau 650 or Jeanneau 625?
Or
A Beneteau 680 or Jeanneau 645?

I shall speak for the former as I haven't dealt in Jeanneau since the new ones have come out.
The hull is the same, as are the interior mouldings with the exception of the dashboard which on the Jeanneau is a little more swish looking.
The Jeanneau has one very wide side deck and one average side deck. The Beneteau as two average side decks. This gives the benefit of a very easy route forward on the Jeanneau, but the Beneteau then wins with an extra 3" of internal beam giving a little more space inside. The roof line of the Jeanneau looks a little prettier (IMHO) with the Beneteau looking a little like a ducks rear end.
In the cockpit the lazarette on the Jeanneau is a little larger than on the Beneteau, great! Until you then need to fold away the rear bench seat to open it.
The Jeanneau does benefit from raised side rails on the coamings as standard along with a nice sausage shaped back rest cushion on the transom seating... These are extras from Beneteau. Finally gel coat colour and decals distinguish the two.
BUT, they are both made side by side at Ostroda.****


I am a complete novice and my wife and 2 girls of 7 and 6 wish to take occassional fishing/overnight trip locally.


**** The 625 or 650 will be a little tight on space for a family of four to sleep onboard. Fine if you enjoy camping, but you will need the sun awning and aft closing kit with an airbed in the cockpit!****

I have a number of questions to ask if you could please help:

1) I realise they are practically the same but what are the small differences?
***Hopefully my description has shown the differences between the slightly smaller / older models. I don't know the new ones well enough to comment properly, but it will be remarkably similar, small changes.***

2) The Yamaha and Suziki 115HP engines seem to be evenly matched but Yamaha seem to offer a 5yr warrenty instaed of 3 yrs. Therefore would the Yamaha seem the best choice? What are the costs for servicing these annually? What else each year needs to be done on the boat and at what cost?
***Last time I looked Suzuki also offered a 5 year warranty.
I am not an outboard service engineer, but work on the principal that servicing costs will be on a par with those of a reasonably smart car (not a Smart car!).
If the boat is kept in the water you will need to antifoul her once a year unless you go for copper coat in which case a simple wash down will suffice.
To pay a yard to antifoul the boat from bare hull will be IRO £400 for the first year and then IRO £200 each year after.
You will also need to factor in lift out costs for engine servicing and antifouling.
Other than that, keep her clean and give her a really nice cut and polish once a year.***

3) How much can you typically barter from the RRP?
***As a boat dealer I am not going to disclose my margins, but I promise they aren't as much as people may think so don't be upset if you don't barter off as much as you would when buying a used fridge at a boot sale!
I know that everyone wants a deal and so there is often a small cash incentive, but most customers and dealers want to make sure they are getting value.
The dealer can do this with extras that are important to you. Gps? Fish finder? VHF? Safety Pack? Training?
You may not get all of those, but they are probably worth a lot to you and the dealer can offer things like this without devaluing the product too much with a sweeping slash to the price.***

To throw things again I have been offered a 3 yr old MF 625 with only 10 hours use for £25k. Is it worth saving £10k over the above? What is the difference between this one and the above models?

***I'll PM you about this one as I don't think it is appropriate to put it on the public forum.***


I too missed the Aug edition of MBM and would really appreciate a scanned copy if someone has it.

Many Thanks and Best Wishes

Paul

Hi Paul

I have tried to answer your questions within the text of your post...

 

[sandbank12]

Hi Matt 341
Have to Ask, did you get the Antares 680? If so are you happy with her?
Thanks
Sandbank12

 

[Matt341]

Hi Sandbank 12,

Wow this is an old thread!

This year will be our second seasons use of the 6.80 so it's been pretty well tried and tested.

We have not once regretted the purchase and are genuinely really pleased with the boat.

We have had a few very very minor issues, to note them all :-
1) Door lock mechanism became very stiff and on investigation the striker plate had worked loose and moved meaning the lock wasn't fully engaging. Tightened the screw and all was well.
2) The Raymarine antenna on the roof was failing to get a signal, sometimes it did, sometimes it didn't. This was looked at by the supplying broker and a new one was fitted promptly and no further problems.
3) A very small leak appeared around one of the windows, again, a screw had work loosed and it was easy to solve.

We have used the boat a lot in 2011 and have found it to be brilliant. Going from decades of sailing we really enjoy the simplicity/ability of jumping on, turning on the main 12v switch, key in ignition, ropes off and away to go.

As the months went on and we have used the boat in different conditions, so our confidence grew in how she would handle them. She cruises comfortably at 20knots and at this speed I have honestly been shocked at how excellent the fuel economy has been. I was expecting a lot worse. She obviously can go faster than this, the most I have done is around 26 knots but this was also with a dirty bottom! I don't doubt she would have gone faster again (nowhere near full revs).

One thing that did catch us out a little - advice was a little sketchy with regard to the service schedule. After speaking with our dealer, our local service agent & Suzuki we had 3 different patterns told to us for servicing. After much discussion we discovered it was correct to have the engine serviced at 20 hours (or approx 1 month!), then again between 6 months and 12 depending on the hours. Basically meaning, going from our usage we had to have 2 services within the 12 month period. As you can imagine this was rather costly. The last service was the more major and cost nearly £500 by the time we added on the lift out and lift in costs and storage ashore. We could have saved a little on the cost by taking her out on a trailer but I also needed to antifoul which can be tricky when on a trailer.

The steering position is a delight and visibility excellent.

One other small tip, it's worthwhile going for the upgrade pack. I can't remember the details/costs but I believe the additional windscreen wiper, curtains, radio etc is all part of the upgrade.

We are also very pleased with the amount of storage, the lazarette is spacious and has enough room for tools, numerous fenders & warps, 20litre & 5litre fuel can, hook up cable & other little bits. Most of the lockers inside the boat, such as the floor lockers and bow lockers are empty as we simply don't have anything to fill the space with.

I hope you find the above info helpful. Please let me know if you have any particular questions that I may be able to help with.

Best wishes
Ian

 

[Spi D]

+1 on the Suzuki.
You've picked the engine that to my humble experience (boating since 1968 in all kinds of vessels), is a beauty to own, a pleasure run and a joy to keep. Ever popular with fellow boaters and in all marinas because of it's low emission of noise and smell.

Congrats!