Beneteau Antares 11

I own an Antares 11 and I have some plusses and minuses to report. It is very easy to use and the joystick function makes docking a breeze. It handles very well in calm and rough seas - had it out in 6' swell and it was fine. Great speed with twin merc 300's. Great vessel for fun on Narragansett Bay environs. That said, there are some real flaws. First and most inmportantly, quality is not like the old Beneteaus. The company moved production to Poland and the quality is shaky. Leaky overhead, misaligned cabinets, A/C works great in cooler weather but completely fails to keep up with hotter temps (we're in RI which isn't exactly 'hot weather'). Even the toilet seat was dielivered in the wrong size. One design flaw is that the helm is very hot in warm weather - zero wind flow and no windows to allow wind flow. BTW - it is not exactly cheap either. Also, Beneteau completely eliminated ANY direct contact and all complaints/concerns must go through the dealer. It is impossible to complain about a bad dealer to Beneteau HQ

Your comment about poor helm design is similar in other French boats. I looked hard at a Junneau Leader but the helm was incredibly uncomfortable for a big guy. No way to move the helm seat back, so close to the console my knees were jammed into it. Helm seat comfort should be a priority -- it's where an owner spends most of his time on a boat. Jeanneau and Beneteau are two of the biggest boat builders in the world -- you'd think they could figure out how to build terrific helms by now.

CONGRATULATIONS. Which model did you get, and what do you think of it? I plan to look at an Antares 11 to replace my 34 Formula. Looking for something easier to operate and maintain. We like to cruise the south shore of LI, and entertain the idea of transporting it to Boca Raton for the winter. Would love to get your input.
Thank you

What is the issue with the fiberglass?
Where on the south shore of LI are you? I’m trying hard to see a Antares. Have an appointment to travel to Groton CT to see one on Friday. Is that the closest dealer? Or Point Pleasant NJ? Neither is convenient from East Rockaway. I am told there will be models on display at Ft Lauderdale boat show.
bob

Thank you. That sounds like a great trip! We've been up the Hudson to Lake Champlain and Montreal. Lost an outdrive one year when I hit a floating log near Troy. Spend a fair amount of time travelling through NY harbor.
Think I want to look further at the Antares. Have an appointment in Groton CT this weekend (quite a haul). Doug mentioned a dealer in Havestraw so I'll have to check them out.
We have been boating for about 40 years. Had a 52" Jefferson, took her from Norfolk to Key West then to Ft Myers where hurricane Ian destroyed it. Have a 34 Formula that we love, but am finding it harder each year to do little things like walk to the bow and general maintenance, which is why the Antares attract me. I'll let you know what we do after the trip to CT..
Bob