The Beneteau Antares 8 2022 vs Beneteau Barracuda 8 2017 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 2022 at 26,5 ft versus Beneteau Barracuda 8 2017 at 26,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Barracuda 8 2017 tips the scales at 5 830 lbs — 221 lbs less than the Beneteau Antares 8 2022 at 5 609 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 300 hp, the Beneteau Barracuda 8 2017 has a 50-hp advantage over the Beneteau Antares 8 2022's 250-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Barracuda 8 2017 carries 74 gallons versus 9 gallons in the Beneteau Antares 8 2022. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

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.