{"id":137811,"date":"2025-12-17T06:42:05","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T06:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/?post_type=review&p=137811"},"modified":"2025-12-17T06:42:08","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T06:42:08","slug":"swift-trawler-30-used-boat-review-big-boat-space-in-a-smaller-hull","status":"publish","type":"review","link":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/reviews\/used-boats\/swift-trawler-30-used-boat-review-big-boat-space-in-a-smaller-hull","title":{"rendered":"Swift Trawler 30 used boat review: Big boat space in a smaller hull"},"content":{"rendered":"

While a significant number of armchair experts insist the name \u201cTrawler Yacht\u201d has been adopted from the fishing industry, reflecting the traditional trawler\u2019s range, stability, and durability, others (like me) disagree. Stability? I once spent a long winter\u2019s day on a commercial trawler fishing out of Brixham, which tottered and rolled like a Friday-night drunk.<\/p>\n

The fact that the engine packed up in the pitch black, somewhere between Berry Head and Portland Bill, would lead me to question the durability element too. In the absence of a consensus, it\u2019s probably best to sidestep my own unfortunate experiences and go with Beneteau\u2019s take on what its trawler boats are all about.<\/p>\n

Beneteau says the concept boils down to safety, reliability, and something they call \u2018autonomy.\u2019 Autonomy is basically the ability to remain at sea for extended tours of duty. There is no doubt that Beneteau has successfully argued its corner on that score. Between 2003 and 2020, it delivered more than 1,300 Swift Trawlers to customers around the world.<\/p>\n

The Swift Trawler 30, on offer with Ancasta Lymington at an asking price of \u00a3185,000 tax paid, represents the baby of the range when it was launched back in 2015. It was quietly retired from the range five years later but never directly replaced. Instead, it was left to the ST35 to carry the can, although that too is being replaced by the all-new ST37 when it comes on stream next year. Swift Trawlers now run from the aforementioned 37-footer right up to the flagship Grand Trawler 63.<\/p>\n

\"\"

While the forward part of the flybridge is brilliantly sociable, the aft deck is left wide open<\/p><\/div>\n

Comfort at sea<\/h2>\n

One potential issue with relatively short flybridge boats such as this is their propensity to roll about a bit when the sea state picks up. This is due to the extra weight up top. But for many, including Ross McDonald, the owner of our review boat, that\u2019s not a deal breaker.<\/p>\n

Ross\u2019s background is in sailing, but having dabbled in motor boating with a Sea Ray 255 Sundancer, he elected to make the move to a larger powered vessel. He bought his Swift Trawler 30 in 2021. Having crossed the Atlantic in his sailing days, he knows a fair bit about foul weather too.<\/p>\n

We asked him how his semi-displacement Beneteau fares when the going gets tough. \u201cWell firstly, I\u2019d say that compared to the Sea Ray, she is infinitely better!\u201d he stated. \u201cBut if I were out and it was above a Force 4, then I would begin to think it\u2019s time to go back.\u201d Ross added that he doesn’t think he would go out if it were more, and if it starts to get lumpy, he slows it right down, perhaps dropping from 15\u00a0knots to around 10.<\/p>\n

\"\"

The linear starboard settee needs a couple of freestanding chairs to be seen at its best<\/p><\/div>\n

Layout options<\/h2>\n

In terms of accommodation, Beneteau describes the Swift Trawler 30 as a \u201cliveaboard\u201d boat. That\u2019s quite a claim for a vessel that\u2019s just 32ft 9in long with a beam of around 11ft 6in. But the reality is not quite as simple as that because the 30 was offered in two formats. The first was a single-cabin boat with a split bathroom.<\/p>\n

Article continues below…<\/em><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t
\n\t\t\n\"\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n
\n

\n Sealine F530 used boat review: More bang for your buck<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n <\/header>\n
\n

\n \n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n

\n
\n\t
\n\t\t\n\"\"\n\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n
\n

\n Princess 58 used boat review: Cherished flybridge yacht from a \"halcyon\" era<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n <\/header>\n
\n

\n \n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n <\/section>\n\n

In this single-cabin format, the heads and washbasin are to starboard with a separate shower room to port. Configured this way, extended stays or even living aboard could be justified for a couple. The alternative layout saw the separate shower room replaced by a compact bunk cabin. This is fine for a weekend with kids but not much more than that.<\/p>\n

Regardless of format, though, the Swift Trawler 30 does have a number of features that lend themselves to Beneteau\u2019s autonomy principle. First of all, there\u2019s the master cabin. Nestled in the forepeak, it provides a full-size double bed with small wardrobes on either side. Additional storage is provided beneath the mattress, which hinges up to reveal a generous locker.<\/p>\n

\"\"

There\u2019s nothing like a trawler for serious internal volume<\/p><\/div>\n

While space is at a premium in this cabin, as evidenced by a centre-split door instead of a full-size one, Beneteau has successfully shoehorned a significant amount into the space.<\/p>\n

Internal arrangement<\/h2>\n

Our review boat was of the split bathroom\/shower variety. In this format, both the heads and the shower room enjoy generous proportions\u2014more generous than many larger vessels, which is certainly a plus point for extended cruising. Up in the wheelhouse, Beneteau has worked its space-creating magic again. This is most notably seen in the over-achieving galley.<\/p>\n

The galley provides plenty of workspace and storage, plus an oven, a two-burner diesel hob, a fridge\/freezer, and a one-and-a-half bowl sink. Sharing the port side of the saloon aft of the galley is a floor-to-ceiling storage unit, which is also home to the boat\u2019s television. The starboard side of the wheelhouse is mainly taken up by a bench seating unit capable of accommodating three to four people.<\/p>\n

\"\"

The test boat\u2019s split facilities are ideal for liveaboard duties<\/p><\/div>\n

This seating pairs up with a free-standing table that has wings that fold out to convert into a dining table when required. It\u2019s perhaps not the most spacious or attractive dinette arrangement, but it\u2019s perfectly adequate, especially when you remember the dimensions of this boat. One thing we weren\u2019t particularly fond of, though, was the fact that the heavy table has to be lifted out of the way to access the engine.<\/p>\n

This heavy table is fine for two people but a bit of a grunt for the single-handed mariner. Furthermore, the floor itself uses an oddly slippery wood-effect surface, which means you need to pick the right footwear. As for the double-seated lower helm, we have no such reservations. It\u2019s very workmanlike and functional, and there\u2019s a comfy hinge-down foot brace below the wheel. Visibility is excellent and there\u2019s a door to starboard, providing instant access to the side deck.<\/p>\n

\"\"

A hinged ladder and twin transom gates make the deep-set cockpit much more versatile<\/p><\/div>\n

Cockpit and flybridge<\/h2>\n

Leaving the wheelhouse via the three-part aft sliding door takes you to the aft cockpit. Once again, every effort has been made to maximise the space here. The flybridge ladder, for instance, is hinged at the top and can be folded flat against the saloon doors to increase deck space.<\/p>\n

The transom, meanwhile, uses two doors, which swing outwards, connecting the cockpit directly to the bathing platform. The panels on our review boat were also fitted with optional flip-down seats, providing a further seating possibility for this highly versatile spot. For such a compact boat, the flybridge is surprisingly large with a single starboard helm position.<\/p>\n

\"\"

The skipper gets direct side deck access, a huge wheel and great visibility,<\/p><\/div>\n

This helm can be folded flat to reduce the air draft when passing under bridges. It also has an integrated coffee table on its left, which butts up against a four-seat unit, thereby connecting the helm very neatly with the guests. However, the space behind the helm has been left empty for free-standing furniture or deck storage. There\u2019s just about enough room for a small table and a couple of directors chairs.<\/p>\n

The absence of a wet bar and grill means that any food would need to be prepared in the galley and then hauled up the fly\u2019s seven-step ladder.<\/p>\n

\"\"

The port galley achieves way more than you would expect of a 33ft boat<\/p><\/div>\n

Engine options<\/h2>\n

The Swift Trawler 30 is a single-engined boat, which makes the optional stern thruster (and bow thruster) highly advisable. Our review boat had both and was equipped with a Volvo Penta D6-370 diesel. This sees it top out at just over 20\u00a0knots.<\/p>\n

Other power outputs included the D4-300 and D6-480. While a small flybridge boat always needs to be respected in a big sea, the 30 is a versatile and attractive example. It is a compact and modern trawler-style motoryacht at a relatively accessible price.<\/p>\n

\"\"

A tender and a set of cockpit canvases add some useful extra practicality to the mix<\/p><\/div>\n

Swift Trawler 30 specifications<\/h2>\n

MODEL:<\/strong> Beneteau Swift Trawler 30
\nDESIGNER:<\/strong> Beneteau Power-Micad & Andreani Design (interior)
\nHULL TYPE:<\/strong> Semi-displacement
\nRCD:<\/strong> B (8 persons)
\nLOA:<\/strong> 32ft 9in (9.99m)
\nBEAM:<\/strong> 11ft 7in (3.53m)
\nDRAFT:<\/strong> 3ft 5in (1.05m)
\nDISPLACEMENT:<\/strong> 6,000kg
\nFUEL CAPACITY:<\/strong> 720l
\nWATER CAPACITY:<\/strong> 300l
\nFUEL CONSUMPTION: <\/strong>4.09\/nm @ 19.1 knots
\nRANGE:<\/strong> 140nm at 19.1 knots with 20% reserve<\/p>\n

\n

\"\"If you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/h2>\n
\n
Motor Boat & Yachting is the world’s leading magazine for Motoryacht enthusiasts. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams, as well as tests and news of all the latest motorboats.<\/em><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Plus you’ll get our quarterly Custom Yachting supplement where we share the last on offer in the superyacht<\/a> world and at the luxury end of the market.<\/p>\n

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers<\/a> and save at least 30% off the cover price.<\/em><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

While a significant number of armchair experts insist the name \u201cTrawler Yacht\u201d has been adopted from the fishing industry, reflecting the traditional trawler\u2019s range, stability, and durability, others (like me) disagree. Stability? I once spent a long winter\u2019s day on a commercial trawler fishing out of Brixham, which tottered and rolled like a Friday-night drunk. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":418,"featured_media":137826,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","tags":[1620,1593,344],"review_manufacturer":[],"review_category":[2978],"review_type":[],"review_award":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review\/137811"}],"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\/418"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=137811"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review\/137811\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":137827,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review\/137811\/revisions\/137827"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/137826"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=137811"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=137811"},{"taxonomy":"review_manufacturer","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_manufacturer?post=137811"},{"taxonomy":"review_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_category?post=137811"},{"taxonomy":"review_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_type?post=137811"},{"taxonomy":"review_award","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_award?post=137811"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}