Beneteau Swift Trawler 35

Evolution is a good thing in the boating world, and Beneteau has proven a very nimble pupil by making design changes in response to customer feedback.

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 35, replacing the ST34, pleases with modern lines, excellent natural light ingress and ingenious space-saving naval architecture. 

More notable improvements include an aft cockpit hinged transom that opens to the sea, and folding bench seats on either side provide room for a waterside table, ideal for coffee in the morning or a romantic sunset dinner. Another neat feature is a flybridge ladder that stows flush against the wheelhouse, offering additional deck space as needed. Launching a dinghy is easier than ever: Instead of launching from the flybridge, the Swift Trawler 35 has stern davits concealed at deck level.

Built on a flared, semi-planing hull, the Swift Trawler is powered by a Cummins 425-hp engine. A 211-gallon fuel tank with a range of 228 nautical miles at cruise solidifies Beneteau’s reputation as a long-distance cruiser. The easy- to-maneuver package instills safety and confidence for owners who want simplicity and classic touches.

Good days will find the skipper and company enjoying the ride up top in a familiar setting: U-shaped seating, a folding table and a captain’s chair. The space previously dedicated for the dinghy now offers some room for two deck chairs and a small table.

Inside the steep wheelhouse, new floor to ceiling windows open up the starboard salon, offering 360-degree visibility. Drawer-style refrigerator and freezer compartments in the galley reflect the updated look. One feature not changing is the foldaway bed/sofa combo, allowing six to sleep comfortably and with some privacy. 

Forward is the lower helm station sporting large flat-screen Raymarine electronics and bowthruster and sternthruster controls. A sliding door gives the captain easy access to the starboard side deck — perfect for single-handed cruising.

Below deck, French doors give a spacious entrance to the master stateroom, now bathed in natural light thanks to much larger hullside windows. Portside, an over/under-style bed remains popular with grandkids or, more often than not, becomes a glorified closet as couples embark on the Great Loop journey of a lifetime.