{"id":114365,"date":"2021-05-10T13:59:13","date_gmt":"2021-05-10T12:59:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/?post_type=review&p=114365"},"modified":"2021-05-10T13:59:13","modified_gmt":"2021-05-10T12:59:13","slug":"beneteau-swift-trawler-50-review-from-the-archive","status":"publish","type":"review","link":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/reviews\/trawler-yachts\/beneteau-swift-trawler-50-review-from-the-archive","title":{"rendered":"B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 review: from the archive"},"content":{"rendered":"

For decades, trawlers brought to mind a distinct set of values as much as they did a style: Herculean build quality and an indomitable go-anywhere hull, an immaculate engineroom bursting with engineering excellence and a good deal of redundancy.<\/p>\n

And a traditional interior often fashioned from big chunks of solid teak. Unsurprisingly, along with those elevated values came the correspondingly eye-watering price tag.<\/p>\n

More recently, the high volume production boatbuilders realised that they could build modern incarnations of the traditional trawler for a lot less money.<\/p>\n

Although some of the old trawler values inevitably have to be diluted.<\/p>\n

There is nothing stopping builders capitalising fully on others, such as deep bulwarks and safe walkaround side decks, high volume interiors, and the low-key styling that some buyers feel more comfortable with when they move from sail to power.<\/p>\n

And so a new genre of trawler was born, as characterised by B\u00e9n\u00e9teau\u2019s Swift Trawler range and Azimut<\/a>\u2019s fleet of Magellanos.<\/p>\n

Change never ceases though, and with B\u00e9n\u00e9teau<\/a>\u2019s latest Swift Trawler 50, architect Michel Joubert and designer Pierre Frutschi have moved on again.<\/p>\n

Most significantly, the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 is powered not by conventional shaftdrive but by pod drive, specifically twin 435hp Volvo IPS600.<\/p>\n

And although few trawlers could be described as sleek, the towering B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 has taken trawler styling to new heights.<\/p>\n

\"Be\u0301ne\u0301teau-Swift-Trawler-50

With the helm so far forward, there\u2019s lots of space for the galley and saloon.<\/p><\/div>\n

The result is a voluminous craft boasting accommodation that is barely believable for a boat whose hull length (excluding the bathing platform) is a mere 43ft 9in (13.33m).<\/p>\n

Part of B\u00e9n\u00e9teau\u2019s conjuring trick is designing the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 with bolt upright front windscreens that sit proportionately far further forward than usual.<\/p>\n

That endows the boat with longer than expected main deck accommodation \u2013 enough to incorporate a respectable pilothouse rather than just a simple helm station.<\/p>\n

\"Be\u0301ne\u0301teau-Swift-Trawler-50

Plenty of storage in the galley, include eye-level cupboards.<\/p><\/div>\n

Like the trawlers built by Grand Banks, this is open-plan to the rest of the saloon, not closed off like a Fleming or a Nordhavn\u2019s pilothouse would be.<\/p>\n

Open or closed though, with its small convertible dinette, starboard side door, plus an exemplary and expansive dash, the pilothouse adds a sense of serious intent to the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also an unexpected bonus below decks.<\/p>\n

\"Be\u0301ne\u0301teau-Swift-Trawler-50

Long windows allow for great views from the VIP.<\/p><\/div>\n

Although a number of similarly sized cruisers do offer a third cabin, outside of the aft-cabin boats from the likes of Broom and Atlantic I cannot think of another which offers the owners completely separate ensuite heads and shower compartments.<\/p>\n

Both have their own hand basins and plenty of floor space \u2013 they\u2019re not just tiny cubicles \u2013 and for owners intending to spend long periods on board I think they add a significant degree of flexibility to this boat.<\/p>\n

I would question the use of frosted glass for the doors though; I can\u2019t imagine much noise being held in check, and there are things which some of us prefer to keep as quietly private as possible.<\/p>\n

You have to accept that in return for getting your hands on this much boat for such reasonable money, something has to give.<\/p>\n

\"Be\u0301ne\u0301teau-Swift-Trawler-50

Good headroom and invaluable ventilation in the master cabin.<\/p><\/div>\n

So B\u00e9n\u00e9teau\u2019s archetypal mass-produced furniture takes the place of the solid chunks of teak you might find on more traditional trawlers.<\/p>\n

However, although it may ultimately lack the top-class finish evident on more expensive trawlers, B\u00e9n\u00e9teau has shrewdly used solid timber for the parts likely to sustain the worst wear: door frames, fiddles, drawer fronts and so on.<\/p>\n

Only time will tell, but I suspect the interior may endure wear and tear quite well.<\/p>\n

Cross channel dash: Driving the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50<\/h2>\n

Our test was an unusual one, a swift dash across the channel from the Hamble to the boat\u2019s home port of St Helier in Jersey.<\/p>\n

Actually, swift is a little generous \u2013 21 knots flat out is a modest speed for a 50 footer fitted with twin 435hp IPS600, even one like ours with its tanks full of fuel.<\/p>\n

For example, the 50-foot Prestige 500 we tested (MBY September 2011) achieved 28 knots with identical power plants.<\/p>\n

However, the 16 tonne (light) B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 is around 20% heavier, has a small keel and a lot more windage, plus it carries a little more beam.<\/p>\n

Those impediments produced a boat that exhibited disappointing fuel efficiency, e.g. 0.55mpg at 16 knots.<\/p>\n

Moreover, its efficiency only started to exceed 1.0mpg once it dropped below 10 knots; at 9.2 knots for instance, its 1.15mpg was level pegging with the 56 tonne Nordhavn 55 I tested (MBY August 2008).<\/p>\n

\"Be\u0301ne\u0301teau-Swift-Trawler-50

Things feel safe and secure on the \ufb02 ybridge thanks to the high seat-backs.<\/p><\/div>\n

So intrepid explorers need to be mindful of the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50\u2019s limited range at its higher speeds.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth noting that IPS can sometimes be sensitive to weight and weight distribution, so an B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 with a different load of fuel and water and cruising stores could perform quite differently.<\/p>\n

If the fuel consumption was a surprise, so was the handling.<\/p>\n

With its towering height \u2013 22ft 5in (6.82m) air draft including the topmost lights \u2013 I\u2019d been expecting at least a smidgen of rock and roll.<\/p>\n

But the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 confounded me by dishing up an impressively resolute and stable ride.<\/p>\n

And that held true even when we ploughed our way through a turbulent Alderney Race.<\/p>\n

\"Be\u0301ne\u0301teau-Swift-Trawler-50

The ST 50 dished up an impressively resolute and stable ride, even ploughing through a turbulent Alderney Race.<\/p><\/div>\n

The only time it rolled around noticeably was when we crossed the wake of the Azimut Magellano 43 that accompanied us across the Channel.<\/p>\n

At marina manoeuvring speed, the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 was equally impressive.<\/p>\n

And not just because the joystick provided unmatched low speed control, the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 also handled perfectly using the almost silent option of throttles and IPS vectoring.<\/p>\n

Its tall form may be more of a handful in windy conditions, but the optional bow and stern thrusters should take care of that.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s not forget that the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50\u2019s excellent underlying design makes all this manoeuvring a lot easier.<\/p>\n

\"Be\u0301ne\u0301teau-Swift-Trawler-50

Under way, helmsman cannot see aft through the saloon doors, but it\u2019s easy to use the side door to check aft.<\/p><\/div>\n

It\u2019s entirely possible to stand on the starboard side deck just outside the pilothouse door, and manoeuvre the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 into the tightest of berths using the joystick (perfectly located just inside the door).<\/p>\n

Then open the side gate and quickly pin the boat to the dock using the nearby spring cleat.<\/p>\n

Our B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50\u2019s owner, Greg, saw his boat as suitable for single-handed operation, and I agree completely \u2013 there are 40-foot sportscruisers that would be harder to park.<\/p>\n

Blatting across the Channel, I found the ride quality was a little disappointing.<\/p>\n

Although the very front end of the beamy hull is impressively sharp, it flattens out rapidly, and the wide low chines drop quickly into the water.<\/p>\n

Consequently, however I trimmed the boat \u2013 full tabs, no tabs, full tab on one side only to heel the boat away from (or into) the prevailing waves \u2013 the hull chattered its way across the messy Channel chop we encountered rather than slicing smoothly through.<\/p>\n

\"Be\u0301ne\u0301teau-Swift-Trawler-50

Unsurprisingly, the wheel isn\u2019t adjustable, but it\u2019s so big that it suits standing or sitting helmsman of all sizes.<\/p><\/div>\n

In its defence, the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 does position its helmsman an abnormally long way forward, so impacts and movements are exaggerated.<\/p>\n

However, I feel the boat has little excuse for the unrelenting squeaking that seemed to be coming from the glassfibre ceiling mouldings.<\/p>\n

Had VAT been added, our boat would have cost \u00a3744,000, and for that sort of money I\u2019d personally be expecting rigidly assembled silence.<\/p>\n

A closer look at the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50<\/h2>\n

View out<\/h3>\n
\"view-out-credit-Nicolas-Claris\"

The helmsman has an outstanding view.<\/p><\/div>\n

Big, bolt upright windscreens and windows may look utilitarian but they provide an outstanding view out for the helmsman and crew.<\/p>\n

Transom door<\/h3>\n
\"transom-door-credit-Nicolas-Claris\"

Transom door.<\/p><\/div>\n

It may be an extra, but it\u2019s not expensive and it adds big-boat style practicality to the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50, providing walk-in access to the full-width lazarette (or optional crew cabin).<\/p>\n

Mooring gear<\/h3>\n
\"mooring-gear-credit-Nicolas-Claris\"

Mooring gear.<\/p><\/div>\n

Raising the windlass platform to a practical level enlarges the lockers below.<\/p>\n

Cleats are a good size, but surely a 50 footer merits a second set of spring cleats.<\/p>\n

The engineroom<\/h3>\n
\"engine-room-credit-Nicolas-Claris\"

The engineroom.<\/p><\/div>\n

The engines are connected to the IPS drives using short cardan shafts \u2013 this places the weight of the engines slightly further forward, providing better weight distribution and balance.<\/p>\n

B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 verdict<\/h2>\n

The B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 causes us to pause and re-evaluate what the notion of a trawler means.<\/p>\n

If it means a practical roomy pilothouse instead of a simple helm station, then this boat fits the bill perfectly.<\/p>\n

Likewise, thanks to its waist level bulwarks and broad walkaround side decks, the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 provides a level of on-board safety, under way or at rest, that is in a different league to conventional flybridge cruisers of similar size.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, if you\u2019re planning to undertake intrepid, swift, long-distance voyages in all weathers, then this probably isn\u2019t the boat for you.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s ride wasn\u2019t terrible, it was okay, but at speed it is not in the same league as the more traditional trawlers; in comparison boats such as the Hardy 42, or any of AquaStar\u2019s or Fleming\u2019s trawlers, have a magic carpet ride.<\/p>\n

And at its swifter cruising speeds of 16 knots or above, its range only just pips 230 miles<\/p>\n

B\u00e9n\u00e9teau\u2019s assertion that \u201cthe innovative design enables a range of over 1,000 miles and fuel consumption less than 30 litres per hour\u201d holds at least one clue to the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50\u2019s appeal.<\/p>\n

According to our figures, that 1,000 mile, 30litres\/hr cruising nirvana only appears below 9 knots.<\/p>\n

At this speed, the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 makes considerable sense as a displacement cruiser, one with the invaluable ability to double its speed when a rapid dash for cover is required.<\/p>\n

It is impressively quiet at displacement speeds, and its low speed handling is excellent.Regardless of its speed, the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 offers the roomy accommodation that trawlers are renowned for.<\/p>\n

In truth, more traditional trawlers of the same true length would be hard pressed to match the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 in this department.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s an unusually safe and secure boat to wander around, and with its optional crew cabin it could accommodate up to seven people, more if you\u2019re prepared to temporarily cannibalise the saloon.<\/p>\n

So regardless of whether the B\u00e9n\u00e9teau Swift Trawler 50 is swift by your standards, or even an authentic trawler in your eyes, there\u2019s no doubt that it\u2019s a great family cruiser.<\/p>\n

First published in the January 2015 issue of MBY.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For decades, trawlers brought to mind a distinct set of values as much as they did a style: Herculean build quality and an indomitable go-anywhere hull, an immaculate engineroom bursting with engineering excellence and a good deal of redundancy. And a traditional interior often fashioned from big chunks of solid teak. Unsurprisingly, along with those […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":417,"featured_media":114370,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","tags":[],"review_manufacturer":[66],"review_category":[44],"review_type":[],"review_award":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review\/114365"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/review"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/417"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=114365"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review\/114365\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":114497,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review\/114365\/revisions\/114497"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/114370"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=114365"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=114365"},{"taxonomy":"review_manufacturer","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_manufacturer?post=114365"},{"taxonomy":"review_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_category?post=114365"},{"taxonomy":"review_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_type?post=114365"},{"taxonomy":"review_award","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_award?post=114365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}