The Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 vs Beneteau Barracuda 9 2011 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 at 29,3 ft versus Beneteau Barracuda 9 2011 at 28,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 tips the scales at 8 155 lbs — 1 102 lbs more than the Beneteau Barracuda 9 2011 at 7 053 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 400 hp, the Beneteau Barracuda 9 2011 has a 100-hp advantage over the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011's 300-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 106 gal and 106 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Beneteau Barracuda 9 2011 and its 400-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 with its 300-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.