Antares 44 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Antares 44 is designed as a displacement cruiser rather than a racing multihull, yet its performance is notably consistent across a variety of sea states. Unlike many contemporary catamarans with high-volume, "fat" hulls that pound in a head sea, the Antares features narrow entries and a high bridge-deck clearance of 28 inches. This design choice significantly reduces bridgedeck slamming, a common fatigue factor for both the crew and the hull. According to editorial testing by Sail Magazine, the boat exhibits a balanced feel at the helm, largely due to the skeg-protected rudders and the concentration of heavy weights—such as the engines and fuel tanks—near the center of buoyancy.

The sail plan is optimized for shorthand handling. It typically features a large, fully battened mainsail and a self-tacking jib, which simplifies tacking in confined spaces. Many owners opt for the "Screecher" on a furler for light-air performance. While its Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio suggests it is not a "light air flyer," it maintains momentum well in a swell. A standout feature of the 44i and GS variants is the protected glass-windshield helm station. Unlike exposed flybridges or open cockpits, this "indoor/outdoor" helm allows the watch-keeper to remain dry and protected from UV rays while maintaining 360-degree visibility, a critical factor for long-distance passage making.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Antares 44 is defined by its "Owner’s Version" layout, which allocates the entire starboard hull to the owners. This suite includes a queen-sized berth, a dedicated office or "tech center" amidships, and a large head with a separate walk-in shower. The port hull typically houses two guest cabins and a second head. A hallmark of the Antares is the use of real cherry wood cabinetry and handcrafted finishes, which provide a traditional, "ship-like" feel that is often missing in the mass-produced, liners-and-laminates interiors of French-built competitors.

Variations between models are subtle but significant. The Antares 44GS (Great Southern) introduced refinements for Southern Ocean conditions, including improved insulation and updated galley ergonomics. The 44e model represents the builder's move toward sustainability, integrating a massive solar array—integrated directly into the hardtop—and electric propulsion systems. Regardless of the variant, the galley-down configuration (standard on most 44s) allows for a massive, unobstructed salon area with a panoramic view, which many liveaboards prefer for its separation of "work" and "social" spaces.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Antares 44 gained significant cultural visibility through the early voyages of the YouTube creators Gone with the Wynns. Their vessel, Curiosity, was an Antares 44i that they used to document thousands of miles of ocean crossing. Their extensive video series provided a rare, long-term look at the boat's durability and systems under constant use. The model is also a frequent subject of technical praise in books by cruising experts who value its "systems-first" approach, where every pump, wire, and valve is labeled and accessible for mid-ocean repair.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Antares 44 is built to a high standard, used buyers should focus on several model-specific areas during a survey:

• Propulsion Systems: Earlier 44i models were equipped with Volvo Penta engines and saildrives. Inspectors should check for corrosion in the saildrive legs and ensure the rubber hull seals are within their recommended replacement interval (usually 7 years).
• Weight Management: Because the Antares 44 is so popular with liveaboards, many units are heavily laden with gear. A buyer should verify that the boat’s waterline is still within acceptable limits, as over-loading can negatively impact the bridgedeck clearance and performance.
• Window Seals: The large panoramic salon windows are a signature feature, but like all large glazing on catamarans, they are subject to significant stress. Check for any signs of weeping or previous re-bedding.
• Solar Array Integrity: On newer "e" or Hybrid models, the integrated solar hardtop should be inspected for delamination or cell degradation, as these custom-contoured panels can be expensive to replace compared to standard flat panels.

Community & Resources

The Antares community is highly active, reflecting the boat's status as a long-term home. The Antares University is a unique resource provided by the manufacturer, offering intensive training for new owners on the specific systems of their boats. This reflects the builder's philosophy that a blue-water cruiser must also be a competent amateur mechanic.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Superior build quality with hand-fitted cherry wood and robust laminate schedules.
• Protected helm station offers excellent protection for all-weather cruising.
• High bridgedeck clearance minimizes slamming and enhances crew comfort.
• Specifically designed for a couple to handle without additional crew.

Cons:

• High entry price on the brokerage market due to low production volume and high demand.
• Narrower hulls provide less interior volume compared to "condo-maran" style competitors.
• Light-air performance may require frequent use of the engines or specialized reaching sails.