2006 PDQ Antares

antares 44 catamaran review

The Antares 44 is widely regarded as one of the best liveaboard, bluewater cruising catamarans available, built for safety and comfort on long passages rather than charter. Reviews consistently praise its robust construction, protected propulsion system, and high-quality, lightweight interior finish.

Key Features & Design

• Bluewater Focused Design: The boat is engineered for offshore reliability, featuring a robust shaft-drive propulsion system and skeg-protected rudders for durability when crossing oceans, a significant differentiator from many production catamarans that use exposed saildrives.

• Enclosed Helm: The helm station is enclosed within the cockpit area, providing a safe and protected watchkeeping position with a hard windshield and wipers, effective in all weather conditions. A large skylight allows visibility of the mainsail.

• Galley-Down Layout: The galley is located in the port hull, a design choice that offers extensive counter space and storage (15 cupboards, five drawers), appealing to long-term cruisers.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: The interior features high-quality woodwork (often Brazilian cherry finish) using lightweight honeycomb core materials, providing a warm, traditional feel without compromising on weight or strength.

• Performance: The Antares 44 is designed to be light and fast for a cruising boat, capable of averaging 180- to 200-mile days in favorable conditions. Its narrow hulls and proper bridge deck clearance minimize pitching and wave slapping.

• Systems & Equipment: Standard equipment is extensive and typically includes solar panels built into the hardtop, a large battery bank, a watermaker, and a generator, making it highly self-sufficient for extended cruising.

• Engine Placement (Midship): The use of shaft drives necessitates placing the engines (twin Yanmar 40 HP diesels) further forward in the hulls, beneath the saloon floorboards. This central location improves the catamaran's balance, keeps the center of gravity low, and reduces pitching motion in waves, leading to a more comfortable ride.

hano hou current upgrades and maintenance and information

Replaced House batteries 9/23/25 upgraded to Glass Mat L16 AGM 6V 390AH

1,560 AH VS Factory 780 AH

New 2023 INMAR 320R-A aluminum bottom dinghy

New 2023 Mercury 20 HP 4 strokeModel ME 20MHS4

Removed washer/Dryer for more storage space, new one could be easily installed

New inverter charger Master Volt Power Combi Pure Sine Wave inverter /Charger

Floscan gauges Partially installed Starboard side

New Fuel Separators and filters Port and Starboard 10/7/25

New fuel lines to support and starboard engines 10/7/25

Port and starboard fuel tanks polished 10/7/25

Replaced Starboard Alternatorwith new12/12 /25

Replaced Port Alternator with Rebuild12/12/25

Listing MLS by Yachtr.com