Beneteau Antares 6.80 - about to purchase?

[Matt341]

Antares 6.80 - about to purchase?

HI All,

We have been contemplating the idea of changing our Westerly Konsort sail boat for a motorboat with an outboard. The main reason being we can't stay onboard due to SWMBO's health and this means that we can't do any long distance sailing anymore.

We always seem to have the wind/tide against us and so decided a few months ago to advertise our Westerly for sale.

We have had a few enquiries but nothing serious and another summer has gone by in a blink. Its getting more and more stressful now hoping for her to sell and so decided to make enquiries into new boats with a possible part exchange.

We went to have a look at a new Beneteau Antares 6.80 which we have fallen in love with. There is not one disadvantage for us. Its a nice size, it has an outboard, at a push we can put it on a trailer and there is an "upstairs lounge" as well as a drivers seat so we can all be in the wheelhouse out of the weather. It also has a small bow cabin and a basic but practical galley area.

The broker has agreed to part ex our Konsort and they will take her from the berth and put the Antares in its place and spend a day giving us a hand over as its been a while since I last owner a motorboat. Im also considering doing an RYA motorboat course to ensure that I can berth her in the marina.

We have never been lucky enough to buy a new boat before and therefore have no ideas what name to choose.

We have heard that the Antares have a good reputation and friends that own them seem to be really pleased.

Whats the general opinion of this boat?

Edit - We have also seen a Merry fisher 645 which is rather similar to the Antares with just a few different things.

Are the merry fishers just as reputable as the Antares?

Whats the general opinion?

Thanks
Ian

 

[Ripster]

Just another thought for you and you may already know about them, but I did a PX deal with Essex Boat Yards a few years back against a S/H boat. Mind you I was doing Powerboat to Powerboat - just upgrading. Not sure if they handle Yachts? Just a thought.

My understanding and from what I have heard Antares are very safe bet - good all rounders. Only thing to consider is that if you wanted to sell it again after a short while, the loss against your new price might be substantial - ie high dep in the fist year or so. You may also like to look at the Jeanneau Merryfisher 725. Be worth you visiting SIBS too - there may be a deal to be had there!

Very good luck.

 

[Matt341]

Thanks for the reply,

I haven't tried Essex boatyard yet but have heard that they have a good reputation. My only concern is the distance, would they part ex even if the part ex boat is a fair distance away.

We have seen a merry fisher 625 but we discounted it as it had no real living space or seating for son and wife while underway. The bow cabin area was very crammed and although there was a table there it would have been difficult to eat around. What we like about the 6.80 is the living area in the wheelhouse. There is room for 3 around the table and visibility from there is excellent (after many years of sailing we feel like having an area where we sit and relax and at the same time be able to see whats happening around us). There is also the main driving seat which also has excellent visibility.

Depreciation is the problem with buying a new boat but fingers crossed we are hoping not to need to sell it for many years. We have seen quite a few boats and there has always been something we would have to compromise on them. We particularly want an outboard but older boats of this size tend to all have inboards.

The logistics of selling our current boat and finding a replacement immediately would probably not work for us with our luck and we could be paying marina fees for months before having a boat.

Thanks
Ian

 

[DIW]

Hi Ian,
We have recently purchased a Beneteau Antares 750, very similar to the 680 and our first new boat also. So far we are really pleased with the boat and the decision we made to 'downsize' from a Flybridge and the Antares 750 ticked all the boxes in a very similar way to yourselves.
ie Decent size wheelhouse, outboard engine, forward cabin with double berth, small (very small !!!) toilet and an excellent cockpit with a good social seating layout. The single engine and manoeuvering takes some getting used to again but we're getting there. I'm sure you will enjoy your boat as much as we do ours.

 

[Firefly625]

Hi Ian, Sound like a very good plan. Sometimes to part ex just takes all the hassle out of life and if the numbers still stack up well go for it. We had a Merry Fisher 625, and I found that a joy to manoeuvre. The Suzuki df 90 outboard on tickover was practically silent and I am a great advocate of slow berthing rather than the rush in an full astern brigade. Obviously there are times, in a cross wind or on a flood tide that perhaps you do need to pick up the pace when berthing, but our MF625 was always a joy to handle. With outboard power you get the opportunity when berthing to opposite lock and use a burst of astern to get the back of the boat against the pontoon. Being outboard powered she went astern very well and would go exactly where you wanted. It is quite a light boat but we used to find she cruised very comfortably at around 13-14knts, very little crashing if you hit a large boats wash at that speed. The 625 could reach 25-26knts wot so in smooth seas you can get places quickly. I imagine the 680 comes with a suzuki 115? or 130... but whichever the suzuki outboards are superb IMHO. Also the shallow draft means you can enjoy some far reaches of rivers many people cannot go..

 

[Matt341]

Hi All,

Thanks for the replies.

I have edited the main post but will also mention here,

Today we have seen a merry fisher 6.45 and feel that it does compare well with the Antares.

They seem just as popular as the antares but what are other opinions?

Thanks
Ian

 

[duncan]

the man who's views I respect on both these craft, and their ranges, doesn't seem to have been 'in' since your post - I have texted him...

 

[Matt341]

Many Thanks, will look forward to reading his thoughts.

Have just seen that Motorboat monthly magazine compared the 680 and 645 in the August issue. Im kicking myself over this as I was about to buy the magazine a few weeks ago and then I got talking to a friend who I hadn't seen in years and went for a coffee and forgot to buy the magazine!!

Would anyone be able to kindly scan a copy of the pages with the test or alternatively can previous issues be purchased?

Thanks
Ian

 

[Firefly625]

Hi All,

Thanks for the replies.

I have edited the main post but will also mention here,

Today we have seen a merry fisher 645 (2010 new) and feel that it does win us over even more than the Antares.

Small things such as the large sunroof and cockpit layout make the MF more appealing to us and the brokers have matched the other broker price.

They seem just as popular as the antares but what are other opinions?

Thanks
Ian

in MBM a couple of months ago there was a test of both MF and Antares

 

[whisper]

Many Thanks, will look forward to reading his thoughts.

Have just seen that Motorboat monthly magazine compared the 680 and 645 in the August issue. Im kicking myself over this as I was about to buy the magazine a few weeks ago and then I got talking to a friend who I hadn't seen in years and went for a coffee and forgot to buy the magazine!!

Would anyone be able to kindly scan a copy of the pages with the test or alternatively can previous issues be purchased?

Thanks
Ian

Hi Matt,
I think you'll find that in their comparable sizes both Beneteau and Jeanneau use the same hulls. The build quality and sea-keeping of these should therefore be pretty much identical.
The difference will be in the layout of the accommodation and deck arrangements.
It is only you who can decide which layout is best/most practical, for you.
Depreciation and ease of later resale, should be the same for both.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Nautibusiness]

the man who's views I respect on both these craft, and their ranges, doesn't seem to have been 'in' since your post - I have texted him...

Hi Duncan

I am assuming the text you sent last night was referring to this thread????


OK, I've only speed read the thread but here are some key facts.

Jeanneau own a factory in Ostroda, Poland called Ostroda Yachts.
This factory is wholly owned by Jeanneau and they don't have their boats built elsewhere in Poland by third party contractors (unlike several other manufacturers) which can lead to suspect build quality and corner cutting.

The boats built at Ostroda are built to Jeanneaus detailed specs and standards. Exactly as the boats built at other Jeanneau yards like Les Herbier in France.

All Jeanneaus motor boats under 8m (possiby some of the larger ones now too as I last visited the factory in 2007) are built at this factory.
Sharing the production lines are one other manufacturers boats.
All Beneteau motor boats under 8m are also built on this same production line at Ostroda.

As an example, when I visited, the Merry Fisher 625 was built directly alongside the Beneteau Antares 650 (the 645 and 6.80 were not available then).
To all intents and purposes, they are the exact same boat with a different badge.

There are subtle differences between the models.
Colour of graphics, an extra cushion here, a folding back rest there, a slightly different shape to the coach roof, a wider deck on one side... you get the picture, BUT the hull is the same.

So both boats will behave exactly the same so the choice should be down to which one you like slightly more from an aesthetics and practicality point of view.

Jeanneau do tend to add one or two little extras to their boats as standard (that extra cushion and the folding back rest are prime examples), but these extras usually come at a slight premium to the RRP. Some of the extras would be available as options on the Beneteau, but maybe not some of the physical extras which may offer more practical value to the owner.

The group (Beneteau) which includes Beneteau, Jeannea, Ocqueteau etc will often arrange for Beneteau to launch a new model, say at London Boatshow, reviews and feedback will be taken on the new model from dealers and users and then at, say Southampton Boatshow, Jeanneau will launch a remarkably similar model at a fractionally higher price, but with the refinements that have been suggested.

I hope all that is clear???? Simply put, They are almost the same boat. The important bit IS the same so the choice is which one you feel is more practical and prettier for you.

ENGINES!!!!!!

STOPPPPPP!

The 645 or 6.80 really wants the maximum engine size possible.
Do not go with the 90Hp whatever you do.
This assumes you will be using the boat at sea and not on inland waterways.

When loaded the 90Hp will really struggle to move the boat efficiently. This means you'll be forever loading on the power and running at WOT just to beat the elements.
This in turn means a MUCH larger fuel bill, more noise, more work at the helm and less enjoyment.

If memory serves me correctly, maximum engine size for the 645 and 6.80 is a 115 (ideally it would use a 130 or even a 150).
Assuming 115, only go for a 4 stroke (this is a pleasure boat, you'll soon get fed up with the rattly noise of an Optimax or an Etec). This noise is enhanced in ANY pilot house style of boat as the wheelhouse and large open plan cabin space acts as a sound box. In the wheelhouse it will always seem noisier than stepping out into the cockpit and sitting close to the engine.
...so go for a 115Hp 4 stroke engine (Suzuki or Yamaha).
The 115Hp will allow you plane more smoothly and beat the elements more efficiently and so you'll use a lot less fuel and have more fun at the helm as you won't be working so hard.
Remember this isn't a race boat. She may be fairly nippy, but you don't need the bigger engine for speed as she'll top out at just short of 30 knots even with the biggest engine option. You have the bigger engine for efficiency and smoothness.

And you have the bigger engine for resale values!
Go for a small and unpopular engine (90Hp = small, Optimax = great on the right boat, but unpopular on this style of boat-) and you complete package will depreciate much faster and be far harder to move on unless you drop your trousers when it's time to get soemthing different, be that in a year or 10 years time.
This is also exactly why you should by either Suzuki or Yamaha too. These are the choices offered by the factory and so the norm will be one of these options, anything different and the boat will stand out for the wrong reasons... just like if you buy a boat from Brunswick (eg a Quicksilver 645 Weekender) and fit anything other than a Mercury or Mariner engine.

OK, I hope you get the picture.
The above is just an opinion, but I know the Jeanneau range well and hence I also know Beneteau. Both are excellent choices, but make sure you get the right package for you.

Tom

 

[Matt341]

Thank you for the replies and a massive thank you for the detailed reply, Tom.

Its really helpful advice and I now know we have made the right decision. This morning we had a sea trial on an Antares 6.80 with Suzuki 115 four stroke (identical to what we will have). It was an absolutely wonderful experience and we have paid a deposit and arranged delivery for the Antares.

The Merry fisher had a smaller hp 2 stroke outboard, my concern with this engine would be the oil and the depreciation if we did ever re sell.

In practice we found that certain things on the antares were different at sea than on a pontoon. Yes the additional bulkhead causes a bit of awkwardness to get into the seat but when we were in Swansea bay in a force 6 easterly today I felt like the bullkhead was holding me in place.

I was concerned about the deck space on the Antares but found that it was fine.

The Suzuki seemed to give plenty of power and even in a F6 we were cruising at around 18 knots and at the same time we were comfortable and dry inside the cabin!

I cant wait to take delivery of the Antares now and we are sure that we have made the correct decision.

Thanks again for all the excellent advice.

Ian

 

[Nautibusiness]

Thank you for the replies and a massive thank you for the detailed reply, Tom.

Its really helpful advice and I now know we have made the right decision. This morning we had a sea trial on an Antares 6.80 with Suzuki 115 four stroke (identical to what we will have). It was an absolutely wonderful experience and we have paid a deposit and arranged delivery for the Antares.

The Merry fisher had a 2 stroke 90hp marinar optimax, my concern with this engine would be the oil and the depreciation if we did ever re sell.

In practice we found that certain things on the antares were different at sea than on a pontoon. Yes the additional bulkhead causes a bit of awkwardness to get into the seat but when we were in Swansea bay in a force 6 easterly today I felt like the bullkhead was holding me in place.

I was concerned about the deck space on the Antares but found that it was fine.

The Suzuki seemed to give plenty of power and even in a F6 we were cruising at around 18 knots and at the same time we were comfortable and dry inside the cabin!

The merry fisher didnt have a passenger wiper and the broker selling the boat said that we wouldnt have used it if we had one but we found the twin wipers on the antares were really useful.

I cant wait to take delivery of the Antares now and we are sure that we have made the correct decision.

Thanks again for all the excellent advice.

Ian

Well done Ian on making the choice that was right for you.

I personally would buy the Merry Fisher, but ask the dealer to fit a Suzuki 115Hp (as with the BtO), but as I detailed earlier, the boat is essentially the same so I would be choosing based on my own opinion of which looks nicer.

Please ask Peter Dickie to forward the commission cheque straight to me and apologise to Robin and Tony at Cambrian, but they should have fitted a 115Hp Japanese 4 stroke and then I reckon they may have got the deal.
(The above sentence is a little tongue in cheek, but I assume it was Dickies and Cambrian that you have been talking too).

 

[Matt341]

Well done Ian on making the choice that was right for you.

I personally would buy the Merry Fisher, but ask the dealer to fit a Suzuki 115Hp (as with the BtO), but as I detailed earlier, the boat is essentially the same so I would be choosing based on my own opinion of which looks nicer.

Please ask Peter Dickie to forward the commission cheque straight to me and apologise to Robin and Tony at Cambrian, but they should have fitted a 115Hp Japanese 4 stroke and then I reckon they may have got the deal.
(The above sentence is a little tongue in cheek, but I assume it was Dickies and Cambrian that you have been talking too).

Hi Tom,

Yes we are pleased with our choice to go for the Antares. One little thing about the MF was that it had a more cream hull rather than the white. I prefer the white on the Antares it seems to make the boat look younger. Having said that the hull lines were similar and the merry fisher did have a nice cockpit. To be honest the boats are so similar that its impossible to compare them. The deciding factor was the engine fitted to the antares and the lounge layout seemed to work well for myself and family when at sea.

The Merry fisher deal wasn't with Cambrian.

Due to the boat show over the next couple of weeks we will have to wait till the following week for delivery of the antares but this will give us time to take our belongings of our sail boat and get a smaller berth organised for the antares. Im also hoping to do a RYA motorboat course over the next couple of weeks to ensure I can handle the boat correctly in the marina.

Best wishes
Ian

 

[duncan]

sounds like everyone's happy

I would have commented on the engines (but knew Tom would make that point and was going to be able to respond) - I had a 175 in my Dell Quay 660 which was extremely economical at normal fast cruise speeds of 25-30 knots as well as having another 20 knots (light) available when conditions permitted and jetskiis needed a lesson...

Sure it will all work really well for you - and may see you on the water if you pop over to the south coast some time.

 

[Matt341]

Thanks Duncan and thank you for contacting Tom.

My concern with the lower hp is that it would be running flat out. Its nice with the antares that there will be some extra power available if needed.

It has been over 30 years since I last owned a motorboat so this will be a real learning curve. The sea trial was amazing today and although SWMBO was a little nervous at first we were soon laughing and enjoying the experience. We would have been rolling in the swell quite badly in the yacht but we were surprised how well the Antares coped. She just took it all in her stride and the power meant we were able to "keep up" with the waves.

Best wishes
Ian

 

[Nautibusiness]

We would have been rolling in the swell quite badly in the yacht but we were surprised how well the Antares coped.

Nice beamy boat with a tiny little keel that does a suprising amount of good both in reeling in lateral roll, but also keeping her tracking straight (and drifting with the tide not the wind if you fish) at low speeds.

She has a semi planning hull. Almost full planning (and she does plane well), but it's the semi planning hull that gives her a great compromise of all good traits at sea.
The only downside and this is common to all the semi planning and semi displacement pilot house style boats is that they can be a little hard riding in a full head sea with the odd slam from waves hitting the chine at the flare of the bow. Slow down a bit and they cope admirably, if a little wet.
They LOVE following seas, but you must be brave enough to load on the power. Trim her out a little, power up the wave, back off a little and then enjoy the ride. Power up the next and I promise you'll be grinning from ear to ear when you get it right.

...Cambrian would have fitted a Yamaha 4s if I am not mistaken... the only poople I can think of that would be silly enough to fit an under powered 2s to a pilot house would be a power boat dealer in North Wales???

You've definitely made the right choice for you, even if I disagree about the cream colour!!! ;-)

 

[Matt341]

Nice beamy boat with a tiny little keel that does a suprising amount of good both in reeling in lateral roll, but also keeping her tracking straight (and drifting with the tide not the wind if you fish) at low speeds.

She has a semi planning hull. Almost full planning (and she does plane well), but it's the semi planning hull that gives her a great compromise of all good traits at sea.
The only downside and this is common to all the semi planning and semi displacement pilot house style boats is that they can be a little hard riding in a full head sea with the odd slam from waves hitting the chine at the flare of the bow. Slow down a bit and they cope admirably, if a little wet.
They LOVE following seas, but you must be brave enough to load on the power. Trim her out a little, power up the wave, back off a little and then enjoy the ride. Power up the next and I promise you'll be grinning from ear to ear when you get it right.

...Cambrian would have fitted a Yamaha 4s if I am not mistaken... the only poople I can think of that would be silly enough to fit an under powered 2s to a pilot house would be a power boat dealer in North Wales???

You've definitely made the right choice for you, even if I disagree about the cream colour!!! ;-)

When we turned in the swell to return to the marina there was a wave behind us and it must have been twice the height of the boat. SWMBO was shouting that it was going to swamp the boat but with a quick throttle up we were clear of the wave and making excellent headway and although we were passing each wave we couldnt feel the "surfing" effect which we had on the sail boat. There was a certain amount of slamming at a certain speed but once we were doing 20 knots it seemed to stop, it was a pretty horrendous day as well and its unlikely we would ever face seas like that in the haven but its a comfort to know that the boat will take it.

Im silly about the cream hull, SWMBO liked it and it certainly wouldnt have put me off the boat. The most important thing is the engine.

Best wishes
Ian

 

[duncan]

there are some 2 strokes (and some others!) that do not meet the latest emissions regulations but there are a huge number that easily meet them.

definitely not an inferior engine IMO, and not always louder/more intrusive either.

 

[Matt341]

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