Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 Boating Review

You’ll want to drift away in Beneteau’s new flagship..

Modern Boating tested Beneteau’s Swift Trawler 52 in France last year, and now the vessel has arrived on Australian shores. The fleet’s new flagship is an impressive yacht offering top sea-keeping qualities and plenty of creature comforts. The 52’s semi-planing hull, designed by Beneteau’s Michel Joubert and Bernard Nivelt, also gives increased performance compared to the Trawlers’ classic displacement hulls.

The interior layout is simple and understated, creating a warm atmosphere that invites relaxed living on board. The d’cor combines woods of contrasting colours, varying between warm shades and soft sand/beige colours, which are complemented by ample natural light.

A wheelhouse deck accommodates the main living area, the saloon and its extension. The saloon is set off by a wide U-shaped sofa, two armchairs around the bar unit and a large swivel folding table.

The helm position and the sea berth forward are totally independent of the saloon and give direct access onto the Portuguese bridge via two sliding doors. The main access to the flybridge is from the wheelhouse.

Below, two separate suites with shower and toilet will allow four to cruise comfortably. The owner’s cabin is the vessel’s master cabin. Over 12m squared and bathed in light, it has an uninterrupted view of the ocean and good sound insulation due to its central position.

The guest cabin at the front of the boat is fitted with a V-shaped berth that can be converted to a double berth. There is an adjoining head compartment with separate shower and toilet.

Outside, the large cockpit separated from the passageway by two doors gives access to the sunbathing platform, the engine room and secondary access to the flybridge. Deep and well protected side decks surround the whole boat. The foredeck is fitted with a wide bench seat and provides a pleasant sunbathing space.

On the flybridge, the helm position saloon is fitted with a sink and fridge for entertaining. There’s stowage space for a tender, plenty of open space for ‘rooftop’ outdoor living.

The 52 is fitted with two Volvo D9 575hp engines, shaft mounted and supplied by two interconnected fuel tanks each containing 2000L. The vessel averages 18 knots at cruising speed and 23 knots at maximum speed. Perfect for sweeping you away on a long weekend, or some lengthy cruising.