Captain's Report

• Mission
• Major Features
• Performance
• Handling
• Boat Inspection
• Swim Platform
• Aft Deck
• Side Decks
• Foredeck
• Fly Bridge
• Fly Bridge Helm
• Salon
• Galley
• Lower Helm
• Engine Room
• Accommodations
• Guest Staterooms
• Port Stateroom
• Optional Equipment
• Price
• Observations

Mission

The Swift Trawler 47 was created for families, entertaining and mid-range cruising. To that effect, Beneteau designed the boat for practicality over style with a spacious fly bridge, functional foredeck, and a variety of options for overnight accommodations.

Major Features

• Steps to the fly bridge can be stowed when not in use

• Berths for up to eight

• Day head

• Three boarding points; the bow, starboard side deck, and swim platform

Performance

The standard power option is a pair of 425 horsepower QSB 6.7 Cummins diesel engines connected to straight shafts with four-bladed propellers. On board are two aluminum fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 510 gallons (965 L).

On our test we had four people on board and fuel tanks that were three-quarters full, while holding back 10 percent reserve for fuel. This resulted in a test weight that was approximately 31,935 lbs. (14,485 kg).

Top Speed. The Swift Trawler 47 reached a top speed of 26 knots in twenty seconds at 3090 rpm, burning 42 gallons (159 L) per hour with a range of 283 nautical miles.

Best Cruise. Coming up on plane in seven seconds, best cruise was achieved at 3000 rpm at 24.7 knots, burning 32.6 gallons (123 L) per hour for a range of 347.6 nautical miles.

At trawler speed, cruising at 8.1 knots at 1250 rpm, the 47 burned 3.8 gallons (14 L) per hour for an approximate range of 970 nautical miles.

Straight Shaft Drives. It seems that most boats we test these days in this size range are pod drives, but in the case of this boat they are not practical. First, they are very expensive. Second, they became popular 10 years ago because they were the only boats fitted with joysticks. But, with a bow thruster and large props, the boat can be easily docked. Our test boat had stern thrusters which makes the task even easier. Third, pod drives are more effective in higher planning speeds not appropriate for this boat, and even at that the fuel savings to be had will never cover the added cost of the pods themselves.

Sound Readings. Even though the engine room is right under the salon and adjacent to the lower helm where we took our sound readers – they were notably low. At 8.1 knots trawler speed, we recorded 73 dbA, at 2000 rpm it was 77, and 3000 rpm it was 81. All of these readings are relatively low and a testament to the sound absorbing material used in the engine room.

Handling

The Swift Trawler 47 performed well during slow speed maneuvers in tight conditions. With the big props and the bow and stern thrusters, the driver has precise control while pulling out of the dock. The big props are an important control factor when docking and are much better than pod drives which have smaller diameter and pitch dual props.

Underway, the Swift Trawler 47 is predictable and responds quickly, banking gently into turns and accelerating to planning and cruising speeds quickly. Once again, because the vessel has straight shafts and not pods, she has better turning performance, as pod drives are programed not to turn sharply at speed.

Boat Inspection

The Beneteau Swift Trawler has a LOA of 48’4” (14.73 m), a beam of 14’6” (4.42 m), and a weight of 27,958 lbs. (12,685 kg).

Swim Platform

The full beam swim platform can be either fixed or hydraulic. Both options have built in chocks for a tender, and the platform can be equipped with an optional lifting system. When the hydraulic version of the platform is lowered into the water, swimmers can use a fixed swim ladder on the transom to climb back onto the aft deck.

The ladder is positioned to port and is built in line with the walkway. A re-boarding ladder folds out of a hatch on the starboard side of the platform that can be used when the platform is not in the water. A boarding gate closes off the aft deck when the platform is not in use.

Aft Deck

The aft deck features a bench seat that spans from the boarding gate to the starboard hull, and on the deck are mounts for a removable table. Stairs to the fly bridge are opposite the boarding gate and to port. These can be manually compressed against the wheelhouse on a sliding mechanism to open more space on the aft deck.

Overhead is an extended flying bridge deck that provides coverage for the aft deck.

Two hatches in the sole lift up to access the 9.5 kW generator as well as a diverter for exhaust water, a water strainer, and battery. A table can be placed here for al fresco dining.

Side Decks

The Swift Trawler 47 has asymmetrical side decks, which can be accessed directly from the aft deck and through a side door, starboard to the helm. The port side deck is narrower, and is accessed by stepping up from the aft deck. The port side deck is 14” (35 cm) and the starboard one is 22” (55 cm) wide. While 14” is adequate to port and as wide as on many boats in class, the starboard side deck is favored.

The starboard side deck has a wind dam door that can be closed to provide more shelter to the cockpit. Another door is built into the bulwark in line with the helm, ideal for boarding from a dock. The bulwarks are high, and moving forward to the foredeck are grab rails for security.

Foredeck

A wide sun pad with space for three is the main feature on the bow. A panel lifts out of the sun pad to allow for more ventilation below in the master suite, and there is a Bimini that can be unfurled to shade the bow. The middle of the sun pad can be lifted and set to create a backrest and convert the pad into a bench seat.

Fully forward is a split bow rail for boarding. For ground tackle there are dual anchor rollers, hatches to store fenders and line, and two 10” (.25 m) cleats.

Fly Bridge

The fly bridge is accessed by ascending the ladder on the aft deck. Immediately to starboard is an open space, enclosed by grab rails, ideal for lounge chairs and a small table for day boating. There is a wet bar with an optional countertop grill and sink, as well as an optional refrigerator and waste bin in the cabinet below.

Serious cruisers will want to use it for other purposes, such as stowing a small dinghy or storing gear, such as crab pots. It really is not a large enough space for a proper 12’ to 13’ (3.66 m to 3.96 m) tender, which requires the optional hydraulic platform that our test boat had.

Forward is a dedicated social space with two L-shaped lounges positioned to port and starboard with seating for eight around an extendable, pedestal teak table.

There are two options for overhead shade: a canvas Bimini, or a hardtop with an electrically actuated shade controlled by a switch on the helm.

Fly Bridge Helm

The fly bridge helm is fully forward of the lounge seating and centrally placed. A compass is positioned on the centerline of the console, above the analogue gauges for the tachometers and fuel gauges and rudder indicator. These are flanked on either side by two 12” (.30 m) displays.

Below the screens and to the left is the Raymarine autopilot, the grid controller for the displays, and the remote spotlight controller. More electrical switches are to the right of the wheel, above the trim tab rockers. All the way to the right are the controls for the engine, bow, and stern thrusters.

The pedestal helm seat can swivel to face fore and aft. We liked that companion seats can by made by converting the forward sections of the lounge backrests to face forward. It is always advisable to have as many pairs of eyes look forward as possible. Plus, the captain likes company.

Salon

A sliding glass door separates the aft deck from the salon. The door fully opens to integrate the interior and exterior spaces, creating a wide-open feeling.

The salon is modular and features a starboard L-shaped lounge with a semi-folding, adjustable table, with storage cabinets to port. The bench seat can be transformed into another guest berth by converting the L-shaped lounge. A dividing rail and curtains add a sense of privacy. Overhead is a grab handle, convenient for moving forward and aft when the vessel is underway.

Galley

The L-shaped galley is integrated with the salon, with the double sink, oven and stovetop positioned forward and just behind the helm. There are compartments for storage in the counter and the port console. An optional microwave, which are not used much in Europe, can be installed. To port is a sliding window for ventilation. The refrigerator, which has a separate freezer section, is positioned opposite of the lounge against the aft bulkhead.

Lower Helm

The helm is forward of the salon and centrally positioned with excellent visibility. A compass is positioned at the top of the console and above the tachometers and fuel gauges for both engines. Below are two 12” (30.5 cm) touchscreen displays that show ship controls and systems. Beneath the screens and to the left side of the console are the electrical switches, autopilot, a rudder indicator, and USB port.

To the right are the controls for the bow and stern thrusters as well as the engine controls. The wheel measures at 24” (60.9 cm), is wrapped in leather and is vertically mounted against the console. To the left is the VHF radio and an engine display.

The helm seat is extra-wide with a flip down bolster. It may not be wide enough for a companion unless it is a child. Beneath the wheel is a flip down step for a short driver. The seat is directly in line with the starboard door that opens up to the side deck and a well placed midship cleat.

Engine Room

A hatch in the salon deck lifts for access to the engine compartment, with steps leading to a platform in between the two engines. Service points are easily accessed on the port hand side and the space houses sea strainers, water tanks, and dual fuel tanks. The engine compartment has been soundproofed with high-density foam, and while underway, the decibels never exceeded more than a conversational level during our test.

Accommodations

Pass down the companionway, positioned to starboard of the helm, to access the three staterooms. Just before the landing, at the bottom of the stairs is a cabinet with a combination washer/dryer.

Step through a sliding door to access the owner’s cabin, which is fully forward. The cabin has a double berth with sliding shelves underneath and overhead shelving on both sides. The stateroom has a TV, mirror, a hanging locker and a cupboard with shelving. The hull windows and a deck hatch provide ventilation and light.

Guest Staterooms

Back at the landing, to starboard is a guest room with a double berth. Storage is beneath the bed and in a small bedside table. The room has an opening porthole and light wells. There is limited standing room, as the bed is positioned underneath the companionway, so this space may be more comfortable for a child or used for storage.

Port Stateroom

Another guest room is immediately to port. It has twin berths that can be converted to a double. There is more standing room here with a large mirror, cupboards, shelving, and a large mirror. A hullside window with a porthole provides ventilation.

Guest Head/Day Head. Back in the companionway, forward and to port is a day head outfitted with a mirror, cupboards, two opening portholes, a toilet, sink and an enclosed shower with the toilet.

Optional Equipment

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 47 is delivered fully outfitted. There are options to customize or upgrade the interior and exterior decorations and there are some upgrades to the onboard conveniences, such as a watermaker, hydraulic swim platform, fiberglass hardtop, a rear camera, radar, and TVs for the cabins.

Price

The price starts at $733,000.

Observations

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 47 is an economical cruiser for traversing or exploring coastlines, and day boating. For boaters planning long distance voyages, such as the Intra Coastal Waterway, or the Great Circle Route around the U.S. east coast, this boat should certainly be a consideration.

Her hull length is 41’11” (12.77 m) with a beam of 14’6” (4.42 m), and she displaces 27,958 lbs. (12,862 kg). These are all specs that we might expect to see for express cruisers or flybridge cruisers, which have a different mission. The difference is that this boat is targeted to people who are thinking about more serious cruising – but not oceanic or more challenging cruising.

The fact that Beneteau has designed this boat mostly for day boating, indicates that they know their market pretty well. Most people who will buy this boat will be day boating, taking friends and family out for picnics, viewing yacht racing, and for short excursions. Then, perhaps, using the boat for a two-week to a month cruise along the coast.

With a displacement speed range of over 700 nautical miles, she can go most anywhere in Europe or North America in reasonable conditions. She has a CE rating of B14 and C16.

Standard and Optional Features