A family cruiser in the Fort Lauderdale lineup
The Antares 12 Coupe is part of BENETEAU's published 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show fleet. At 12.97 metres overall, it lies in the luxury cruising category and brings a very different design brief to the event than the company's new open-air Gran Turismo models. The Antares emphasises a sheltered main saloon, practical movement and accommodation suitable for extended outings.
The 12 Coupe is not being described as a new world premiere in Florida. Its presence instead allows owners to compare a roofed cruiser with more exposed sport boats and decide which approach better suits local conditions. For families cruising through changeable weather, the ability to move indoors without ending the day can be at least as important as exterior styling.
Dimensions that suit serious coastal use
BENETEAU states a length overall of 12.97 metres, a beam of 3.78 metres and a maximum draft of approximately 1.10 metres. Published dry weight is around 9,029 kilograms, before all normal operating equipment and stores are loaded. The manufacturer describes Sarrazin Design as responsible for the styling and identifies the craft as a development of its longstanding Antares family.
Dimensions need to be checked in the context of the complete outboard installation. The engines, aft boarding arrangements and optional equipment can affect berth planning and the space needed for safe movement alongside. A buyer should measure the boat as delivered and verify clearance at any intended marina, particularly where a berth has tight limits on overall length.
Why the coupe roof is useful
The Antares 12 Coupe combines large areas of glazing with a long roofline extending towards the cockpit. The result is intended to give passengers wide outward views while placing the principal indoor living space behind substantial shelter. That can make a longer coastal journey less tiring, particularly when the sun is strong or conditions turn damp.
Owners should inspect ventilation and the transition between the cockpit and saloon rather than assume protection guarantees comfort. The ability to open doors and windows, manage temperature and keep water out can decide whether the cabin is pleasant on a humid day. Visibility from the helm, both when docking and when travelling at speed, deserves the same careful evaluation.
Outboards and a flexible power package
BENETEAU publishes a maximum engine configuration of three 300-horsepower outboards for the Antares 12 Coupe. Its fuel capacity is listed as two tanks of 587 litres each, and the freshwater supply at 400 litres. The arrangement uses engines outside the main hull, helping preserve valuable interior volume while giving technicians direct access around the stern.
Buyers should make sure the quoted price covers the precise propulsion package they intend to use. Different engine choices may change acceleration, cruising speed and running cost; the maximum approved configuration should never be treated as the only one available. Ask for engine-specific performance information and a demonstration of low-speed handling with a normal load aboard.
A cockpit that can be configured
BENETEAU's official diagrams show alternative cockpit treatments, including an optional U-shaped seating arrangement and different overhead configurations. That matters because a family using the yacht for swimming may prioritise clear access to the bathing area, while another owner may prefer an extended dining space under the roof. The same hull can therefore serve different everyday routines.
Every alternative should be evaluated for safe circulation rather than for the number of cushions fitted. Passengers need clear walkways, predictable handholds and a practical place to secure personal belongings. The stern is also a working area when handling lines or returning from the water, so furniture should not unnecessarily complicate those tasks.
Cabin practicality for an overnight passage
The builder describes the Antares 12 Coupe as a versatile family cruiser intended for longer voyages, and its published layouts include a dedicated lower-deck accommodation plan. The practical advantage of this type of yacht is that people can spend part of the journey indoors and still have private space for rest. This makes it a more domestic proposition than a completely open dayboat of a similar length.
Buyers should inspect the berths and heads on the exact boat, checking light, ventilation and storage with realistic overnight bags in place. The ease of reaching the saloon from below is important for children and older guests. If the owner intends to stay aboard for several nights, electrical autonomy and water-management arrangements deserve just as much attention as decorative finishes.
How to use the Florida display
The Antares 12 Coupe is a particularly useful boat to examine alongside BENETEAU's Gran Turismo 40 Open and Swift Trawler 54, which offer contrasting philosophies of speed, shelter and cruising duration. Its appeal is the balance of external deck access, outboard power and a substantial enclosed living area. These attributes are best judged by walking the full length of the boat.
Prospective owners should request a complete specification and local service details, then arrange a sea trial that includes slow-speed handling and normal passage speeds. The yacht's stated passenger category and relevant load limits should be checked against its individual documentation. That method reveals whether the sheltered Antares layout is a better match for regular family cruising.
