The Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 vs Beneteau Flyer 12 2008 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Flyer 12 2008 measures 41,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 11,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 at 29,3 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 tips the scales at 8 155 lbs — 6 194 lbs more than the Beneteau Flyer 12 2008 at 1 961 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 Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 carries a rated maximum of 300 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau Flyer 12 2008 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Flyer 12 2008 carries 317 gallons versus 106 gallons in the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Flyer 12 2008 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Flyer 12 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Beneteau Flyer 12 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 41,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Beneteau Antares 8.80 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.