What stands out on the Antares 12 Coupé is the way it cleverly uses space to provide genuine liveaboard capability. It’s a cruiser designed to work just as well for a weekender in the Hauraki Gulf as it is for a two-week summer run up to the Bay of Islands.
Designed for all seasons, all conditions
At first glance, the Antares 12 Coupe is unmistakably a product of Beneteau. Sarrazin Design’s signature lines are evident in the graceful hull glazing and smooth profile. But look closer and you’ll see new thinking at work: a streamlined, sculpted aft coachroof that provides genuine cockpit protection, paired with a high freeboard and a sleek, protective coachroof that keeps the elements at bay. For those cruising in varied climates—from the brisk winds of Cook Strait to the blazing sun in the Coromandel—a retractable sunroof, optional cockpit enclosure, and generous ventilation options ensure comfort in every condition.
The electric starboard terrace is a standout feature. Deploy it at anchor and you’ve instantly got a private beach club-style platform for swimming, paddleboarding or just stretching out and soaking up the scenery. It’s a clever solution that extends usable space without compromising the sleek profile of the hull.
Family first: modular comfort and space
One of the defining features of the Antares 12 Coupe is its emphasis on family cruising and modular living. It’s a boat built for togetherness—whether that means sharing meals, anchoring off a quiet bay, or enjoying a day’s worth of watersports.
The main saloon in the wheelhouse is configured as a bright, sociable space with a U-shaped dinette and a fully equipped galley—perfect for prepping meals while still being part of the action. The clever design continues with the glass sliding door that vanishes into the bulkhead, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow between saloon and cockpit. When open, it turns the entire main deck into a free-flowing social zone that feels far larger than you’d expect on a 42-footer.
Below deck, the accommodation is generous and well-appointed. The forward master cabin includes its own private head and shower, while the guest cabin offers a similarly high level of comfort. A third space can be tailored to the owner’s needs—converted into an extra berth, a reading nook, or even dedicated gear storage. Factor in the convertible wheelhouse saloon, and you’ve got sleeping space for up to eight people, making the Antares 12 Coupe an ideal choice for family adventures or hosting friends.
Built for extended cruising
While many boats in this size bracket are geared toward short hops or weekend use, the Antares 12 Coupe is clearly designed with extended cruising in mind. Twin 400 HP engines (or optional triple 300 HP setup) provide the necessary grunt, and when paired with joystick control, handling is precise and confidence-inspiring—even in tight marina berths. For those planning serious mileage or tackling open water, the optional Seakeeper gyroscopic stabiliser delivers enhanced stability, reducing fatigue and seasickness over longer passages.
The boat’s fuel and water capacities (2x 587L and 400L respectively) give it genuine range. With light displacement at just over 9 tonnes and a draught of only 1.1 metres, it’s a capable coastal cruiser well-suited to exploring New Zealand’s varied coastlines and shallower anchorages.
Technology meets simplicity
Beneteau has also integrated its Seanapps connected system into the Antares 12 Coupe. This allows owners to monitor systems, prepare the boat remotely, and stay connected via a smartphone or tablet. For busy families or owners managing multiple logistics, this kind of digital oversight adds real-world convenience without overcomplicating the boating experience.
Elegant execution and practical detail
One of the most noticeable elements when stepping aboard the Antares 12 Coupe is the level of finish. The interior styling is crisp, contemporary and premium, with subtle lighting, high-quality upholstery, and thoughtfully placed storage throughout. The wheelhouse stands out with its commanding helm station and exceptional headroom, contributing to the open, airy feel.
The forward sundeck with integrated bench seating offers a quiet retreat for sunbathing or enjoying an evening drink, while wide, secure side decks provide safe movement forward—a feature that families with children will appreciate.
Throughout, the boat balances elegance with everyday practicality. Nothing feels overdone or gimmicky. It’s the type of vessel where you notice the thought that’s gone into how things work—the grab rails that are where you need them, the storage that’s both accessible and cavernous, and the layouts that adapt as your needs change.
In summary, the Beneteau Antares 12 Coupe feels like a natural evolution for a brand with a long-standing reputation in the family cruiser segment. It combines the DNA of the Antares range—safety, seaworthiness, and simplicity—with new-age features that genuinely enhance the onboard experience.
It’s a boat that’s ready for a wide range of use cases—from sunny days parked off Waiheke to longer runs up the coast, or even weathering a chilly southerly while anchored in a protected bay. With space for the whole family, clever adaptability, and solid offshore credentials, the Antares 12 Coupe presents itself not just as a stylish new model, but as a versatile platform for creating lasting memories on the water.
Specifications at a glance:
- Length Overall: 12.97m (42’7”)
- Beam: 3.78m (12’5”)
- Displacement: 9,029 kg (lightship)
- Draught: 1.1m (3’10”)
- Engines: Twin 400 HP or triple 300 HP
- Fuel Capacity: 2x 587L
- Water Capacity: 400L
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
Whether you’re upgrading from a smaller runabout or downsizing from something larger and more complex, the Antares 12 Coupe offers a well-balanced, confident step into the world of serious cruising—without sacrificing style or simplicity.
Learn more
To learn more about the Beneteau Antares 12 Coupé, contact Family Boats.
