NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE At 42’7” with a 12’5” beam, the Antares 12 Coupe is Beneteau’s all-season family cruiser now making its North American premiere at the 2026 Miami International Boat Show. Twin 400 hp or triple 300 hp outboards and joystick control balance performance with practical handling. Large glazed surfaces, an electric sunroof, and modular cockpit extend living space while below there are up to three cabins and two heads.
STERNDRIVE CONTROL At 28'8" with a 21-degree deadrise, the SLX 280 pairs a deep-V hull with sterndrive propulsion. Our test boat, powered by a 430-hp Mercury 8.2 MAG Bravo Three, reached 49.7 mph and cruised most efficiently at 32.7 mph, burning 15.7 gph for a 219-mile range with 10% reserve. Dual displays and convertible bow and cockpit seating define her deck layout.
MADE FOR MILES During BoatTEST sea trials, the Riviera 6800 SY Platinum ran quietly and predictably through moderate offshore conditions. She combines IPS joystick handling, multiple docking stations, and a two-level layout with real range from a 1,189-gallon fuel capacity. The result feels suited to long coastal legs, day entertaining, and time spent underway rather than tied up.
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When navigating in thick fog with the radar on, which action should you take?
A. keep the radar on the shortest available range for early detection of approaching vessels B. secure the sounding of fog signals until a vessel closes within five miles C. station a look-out as low down and far forward as possible D. station the look-out in the wheelhouse to keep a continuous watch on the radar
Miami International Boat Show
A Weekend Check-In
MID-SHOW MOMENT The Miami International Boat Show runs February 11–15, and by Friday the field is fully revealed. For those attending this weekend, advance planning can save hours. BoatTEST coverage highlights what has drawn attention so far and supports scheduling VIP appointments across venues, helping visitors prioritize boats worth seeing before the show closes.
ON-WATER PRACTICE A written exam can earn a license in most states, but it never proves anyone can dock, maneuver, or manage pressure at the helm. SaferBoater puts certified instructors onboard to build real operating skills in real conditions, from small runabouts to larger powerboats.
OUT OF SIGHT A boat anchored for months looked secure until a squall pushed her into a seawall. The problem was not the anchors. It was chafe below the waterline. Repeated stretch, small-radius bends, heat buildup, aging nylon, and fiber-on-fiber abrasion quietly reduced strength. The article breaks down real causes of rode failure and practical ways to reduce, cover, replace, or transfer wear.
SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA Midweek windows, cold weather, and missing regulars lead to creative decisions. This week’s clips include trailers forgetting their job, jet skis riding inside minivans, improvised launches overseas, and riders discovering too late that flipping a ski is a learned skill. Add a submarine cameo and a waterfall rescue, and it escalates fast.
C) station a look-out as low down and far forward as possible
In fog, the Rules require a proper lookout by sight and hearing. Placing that lookout low and forward improves visibility and sound detection better than monitoring radar alone.
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