Trade-A-Boat 496 2017

creating a usable space with access

all around the sides and right into

the starboard corner.

Deep hatches under those bases

reveal loads of room for storage,

while a central lazarette can stow

fenders and lines as well as giving

access to the pick-up in the roto-

moulded 220L fuel tank.

Side access to the bow is helped by

a step from the cockpit, along with

handholds in the moulded cabin

roof and the high side-rail. Cushions

covering a double sunbed over the

forward cabin create more space to

relax and take in the view.

A sliding glass door and two steps

lead down to the wheelhouse, where

there’s more more multi-function

furniture that converts from dinette

into a comfortable bunk for two;

alternatively, the front dinette seat

can be reversed to make a forward-

facing mate’s chair. Beige cushions

and a brown oak laminate floor, plus

the timber table and accents break

up the white mouldings, giving a

neat and clean impression. With

opening windows along the sides and

an opening hatch in the 2m ceiling,

it’s airy and spacious, and has sliding

curtains for privacy.

Storage abounds – bookshelves

and little nooks on the side, large

bins under the seats and more space

deep under the wheelhouse sole.

The starboard portion of the

interior houses a basic galley with

a single-burner gas stove and

moulded sink set into a bench, with

a cupboard and Waeco fridge below.

To make more space on the bench,

the helm chair swings forward on a

hinged base, leaving room to boil the

billy on the go if conditions allow.

From an opening beside the helm,

you step down into the forward cabin

and a 2m east-west double berth.

As with everything on board, the

cabin can be converted – in this case

MAIN Despite a fairly solid 2500kg on the

water, the single 200hp Verado

accelerates hard and hit 34kt

FAR LEFT Sleeping space is surprisingly

generous, with 1.4m over the bed

LEFT Good use of glass makes the space

seem bigger than you’d expect

ABOVE RIGHT Compact galley gives you

genuine overnightly ability

The boat you want is easier to find tradeboats.com.au^51

Beneteau Antares 8 OB