I became acquainted with a Beneteau Swift Trawler earlier this year as part of a three-person crew that cruised the 47-foot model nearly 400 miles, most of which we ticked off in the open Pacific. From a 22-knot cruise in flat seas just outside Seattle to a confident 10 knots blasting through 10- to 12-foot head seas where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the ocean, the Swift Trawler impressed with its ability to handle myriad sea conditions with aplomb.
The 41 is the sixth iteration of Beneteau’s successful semidisplacement line—over 1,500 Swift Trawlers have been built over a 10-year period—and falls in the middle of a series that includes vessels from 30 to 50 feet. Slated to replace the 44, it retains what makes the line a winner: A hybrid hull that returns economical fuel consumption from displacement to planing speeds and an asymmetrical layout, with a wider starboard side deck that’s accessed aft or from the salon via a wide sliding door next to the lower helm.
One major change is relocating the forward galley aft, a trend I’d like to see throughout the model line. It’s executed well, the ideal spot that links both the aft deck, the dining area’s C-shaped settee and starboard-side helm. With the glass door secured in its pocket and large forward-facing and side windows, the salon is a light-filled space where several people can be comfortable while underway. The choice of woods helps—the light finish of the standard Alpi teak is a fine match—as does well over 6 feet of headroom. For dinner on the hook, the captain’s double companion seat rotates to meet the dining table. The salon converts into a double berth, complementing her three staterooms belowdecks.
The other notable update is a series first—a Swift Trawler 41 Sedan. It has fluid lines, at once looking clean and stylish sans flybridge and not just a 41-footer with a scalped upper helm. Credit goes to Pierangelo Andreani, a one-time Pininfarina designer who has worked with Beneteau since the mid-aughts.
The 41 Sedan comes in $30,000 less than the 41 Fly model, with the same aforementioned salon and belowdecks layout. A pair of large sunroofs in her hardtop adds even more light and ventilation. Due to the fiberglass hardtop (the flybridge has a canvas bimini), interesting options include a rack for SUPs and bikes and a quintet of solar panels.
Both the Sedan and the Fly are equipped with Beneteau’s Ship Control, the interface that centralizes nearly all of the vessel’s electronics. It was on the 47 and within minutes I picked it up, controlling the lights, genset, AC and heat and Fusion stereo system, to name a few. I’m also happy they kept the lower helm’s large, destroyer-style, leather-clad wheel: It just feels right. Twin 270-hp Volvo Penta D4s are standard; optional 300-hp D4s keep the same footprint and add 60 hp.
As much as I appreciate the functionality and added space of the flybridge—the 41 Fly’s centerline helm looks to have the same excellent sightlines as her larger kin—I’d be hard-pressed to pick the Fly over the 41 Sedan. It’s up to you to decide, as Beneteau builds both 41s on a proven hybrid hull that promises safe, economical cruising.
Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Specifications:
LOA: 44’1″
Beam: 13’9″
Draft: 3’9″
Displ.: 32,394 lbs. (Sedan); 33,540 lbs. (Fly)
Fuel: 309 gal.
Water: 106 gal.
Standard power: 2/270-hp Volvo Penta D4-270 inboards
Cruise Speed: 16 knots
Top Speed: 23 knots
Price: $710,000 (Sedan); $740,000 (Fly)
