Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Sedan Review

In this walkthrough, we introduce Swift Trawler 41 Sedan - a typical Beneteau’s high-speed trawler and we talk about its unusual aesthetics and nautical advantages.

topRik team shares the impressions from getting on board the Beneteau Swift Trawler 41, using photos and videos to paint the full picture. We also provide excerpts from the reviews of the leading yachting media with reference to articles written by well-known yachtsmen-journalists.

Swift Trawler composite yacht range is represented at the Beneteau shipyard quite widely. But Swift Trawler 41 stands apart among this size range. This is the only yacht in the line, which is available in two versions: Sedan and Fly.

Fly modification provides a third deck - flybridge. In the Sedan version, solar panels and sunroofs are located on the roof of the superstructure, which provide natural light and ventilation. In all other respects, these twins are quite similar, except, of course, for some seakeeping characteristics, which have changed due to the weight reduction of the yacht. So, it is better to limit the maximum speed to 20 knots, although the topRik team reached 23 knots with good boat’s behavior, but more on that later.

The main advantage in the layout of both versions is the transfer of the onboard galley from the bow to the stern of the cabin - this solution was first implemented on Beneteau trawlers. Thus, more efficient use of space was achieved on the main deck. Below we provide a schematic view of the main and lower decks - and you can see for yourself how convenient the movement on board has become.

Wherever you go next: into the saloon or along the side on the foredeck with comfy sun loungers, for those who like to lie in the sun, movement is unconstrained everywhere.

As marketing coordinator for Beneteau Robert Shaffer said, the company strives to take into account the feedback from Swift Trawler boats users. These yachtsmen spend five to six summer weeks on the yacht and they care about the quality of life on board and the amount of storage space. They don't need 40 knots and a James Bond lifestyle. They live measuredly, enjoying the journey - this boat is clear and understandable for many who, like us, love its predictability, reliability and comfort down to the smallest detail.

topRik team is ready to subscribe to every word in this brief definition of the main advantages of Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Sedan - a real expeditionary motor yacht.

 

Features

 

Maximum Speed and Fuel Consumption

Max speed	Up to 20 knots
Cruising speed	Up to 11-16 knots
Fuel consumption	70 l/h when planning at a speed of 16 knots

 

Price calculator

 

Review of Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Sedan by topRik Team

Since the topRik team knows Beneteau sailboats and motor yachts well from own experience, after seeing this yacht’s silhouette we realized that this is a unique phenomenon in this line while still on the approach to the pier. And this is why.

 

View from the Pier

The Swift Trawler boats, which set a new direction for the development of mid-size motor cruisers after their launch, can hardly be called typical.

Swift series has been updated several times, and today it consists of four models: 35, 41 (Fly and Sedan ) and 48th. Previously, there were still Swift Trawler models 30, 47 and 50/52.

No matter how you look at Trawler from the pier, you will immediately notice that all these boats are characterized by the following design solutions:

• high superstructure on a high-sided hull;
• asymmetrical deck layout with a passage on the starboard side, partially protected from above;
• a large cockpit in the stern and a seating area on the foredeck with sunbeds;
• door to the deck on the starboard side directly from the helm station;
• powerful railing throughout the perimeter;
• transom platform with hydraulic option.

What are we missing from this list? Oh yes, flybridge variations with bimini or wetbar. And you already know why: the uniqueness of Swift Trawler 41 Sedan is the lack of a flybridge - the only one in the entire line. “That’s why it began to look especially harmonious,” noted one of the topRik experts, an opponent of retreating from naval classics both under sail and with engines.

The above list of characteristic parts in the Swift Trawler design may seem standard. But designers from the Italian bureau Andreani Design put everything together in such a way that boats, and especially Swift Trawler 41 Sedan among them looks absolutely non-trivial. Their brutal and even aggressive style attracts and excites their readiness to conquer the seas.

 

At the Transom

Almost a classic transom wall, if not for the passage to the cockpit on the starboard side. And of course, the bathing platform is also not included in the trawler classics in general, but has long been a sign of Swift Trawler's DNA.

A relatively small bathing platform (about a meter wide) has a little "secret": on the starboard side, under the cover, there is a folding ladder, so is it convenient to go down into the water and climb on board.

By the drain hole in the bottom of the hull, you can already tell that the Swift cockpit Trawler 41 is self-draining, and by the way, it's time for us to go up there.

But first, familiarize yourself with the layout of the main deck area, which we will have to explore in the near future, moving along the route: cockpit - saloon - foredeck.

 

In the Cockpit

In the Fly version, there is a ladder in the cockpit leading to the flybridge. Its absence in the Sedan version expands the space of the cockpit. But this does not negate the fact that the transom sofa can also be moved during loading or you can install a folding dining table here, which is hidden next to the entrance to the saloon.

The photo above clearly shows how the folding galley top in the saloon and the folding three-leaf transparent door combine the cockpit and saloon into one large space. You don't have to go far to get treats from the stove or drinks from the refrigerator. And folding chairs are stored in the aft compartment below the deck, the hatch into which is clearly visible in the same photo. Under the seats of comfortable sofas there are lockers for storing marine toys or transoms.

From the cockpit a ladder leads to the port side deck. The starboard deck is level with the cockpit, and the ladder leading to the foredeck is located opposite the exit to this deck from the helm station. What is the advantage of such a design, we will tell you further.

 

In the Saloon

This is a fairly spacious and high room, which includes a full galley, a large dining area with a folding table, plenty of storage space and a helm station on the starboard side.

The room has two undeniable advantages. First, there is simply a sea of natural light: the glazing is extensive, almost panoramic. The second is the amount of storage space, and in the most unexpected places too.

So, the galley is not only a stove, oven and sink, but also a refrigerator, freezer, ice maker and many places to store kitchen utensils, dishes and non-perishable products. And if you fold the payol in the galley area, the entrance to the engine compartment will open.

The dining area includes a large C-shaped sofa, under the mattresses of which there are also lockers, and a transforming table.

It can be folded out, doubling the size of the tabletop, and the height of the legs can be adjusted. As a result of such manipulations, with the help of another mattress, the dining area turns into a sleeping place for two people.

And now it's time to go to the working area - the yacht control station. Its location, as well as the design of the chair, are very well thought out. It is separated by a sufficiently wide passage and a closet wall so that the rest of the passengers do not interfere with the skipper managing the yacht, even if everyone gathers at the dining table.

At the same time, the helmsman can easily join the diners - just turn the chair towards the table. The helm seat can be adjusted to suit your height and driving position, whether standing or sitting.

We hope you got a complete picture of the saloon by looking at the photos taken from different angles. And at this stage, you are probably already interested in the door that leads from the helm station to the starboard deck. We think this is a great solution because it allows you to maneuver in tight spaces without breaking away from the thruster and controlling the distance to the hull of the neighboring yacht, as Capt. Steve Larivee does on the picture below.

But let's take a closer look at the helm panel. Yes, this is a helm, not a car wheel. Thanks for that, Beneteau!

On the control panel the Swift Trawler range draws special attention to the powerful engine control lever. You can see that the joystick handle is located very conveniently for manipulations when mooring and unmooring.

The Raymarine chartplotter, proven by time and by our experts, guarantees good image quality and prompt map output for route control.

In addition to navigational equipment and instruments, all indicators of yacht equipment are also displayed here so that the helmsman can control its condition without looking up from controls and communications. The location of all the details of the panel is very convenient – everything is at your fingertips.

Now we are almost equally close to the foredeck and the descent to the cabins on the lower deck. So, let's finish with the main deck, and then we'll go to our cabins and relax before heading out to sea.

 

On the Foredeck

Anchor, anchor chain, anchor locker and vertical electric winch - all this Swift Trawler 41’s anchor arsenal is located at the bow of the yacht.

The photo below clearly shows not only the anchoring equipment, but also the reliable protection of the ship's passengers thanks to stainless steel handrails. They run along the entire perimeter of the vessel, where the level of the side decks is higher than the level of the deck in the cockpit.

Here you can also equip a large lounging area, installing mattresses with rising backs and sunbeds according to your needs.

And at the end of our study of the main deck - a little information about the materials from which the hull and its components are made. The innovative technology of structural counter-molding from monolithic laminate is used, as well as the proven technology of sandwich panels made of fiberglass, polyester resin and balsa core. For decks, in addition to the gelcoat coating, a non-slip coating with diamond grit was used.

 

On the Lower Deck, in the Cabins

Half of the lower deck is given over to cabins. There can be 2 or 3 of them - at the request of the owner.

The forward master cabin is quite spacious and of a normal height. It is also notable for its elongated portholes located where the sides collapse, a double bed with a locker for things underneath and cabinets with ventilation and internal lighting. The upper skylight will let in fresh air, and retractable mosquito nets will protect against insects.

The cabin is equipped with its own small, but ergonomic latrine and shower room spaced apart on different sides (each room has its own porthole and skylight).

Another bathroom on the starboard side, equipped with a shower, washbasin, latrine, bedside table, shelves and a mirror, is designed for guests.

Two guest cabins are located on the sides. In the cabin on the port side, two single beds can be converted into one king-size double bed. This cabin is equipped with a wardrobe for storing clothes and personal belongings, shelves, and an opening porthole.

The space on the starboard side can be used as a cabin with a bunk bed or a single bed or as a pantry where you can store water toys, passenger luggage, etc. There is quite enough space for all this.

 

At the Sea

Remember - we named Swift Trawler 41 Sedan a true expedition yacht. Yeah, and now we could see some skeptical expressions. Then you should be reminded of the successful journey of Swift Trawler 34 through The Great Loop, as the "around the world" route in the eastern United States is called, with a length of 5,000 to 7,500 miles along the ocean coast and inland waters. The trawler, which was 2.5 m shorter than the model 41, was hit by a 40-knot wind, with meter-high waves as common occurence. Thanks to an article in MBY, this "circumnavigation" entered the history of Beneteau’s trawlers. So, the definition of "expedition" for these yachts is well deserved and confirmed by the authorities of the yachting world.

topRik team could not embark on such a grandiose task as a trip around the world, since they we were testing a new trawler as part of a boat show. Rain and some rough seas made it possible to evaluate the behavior of Swift Trawler 41 Sedan at different speeds.

Let's say right away that we were easily able to exceed the declared maximum speed of 20 knots. And that’s when we understood the reasons for this limitation: at 23 knots, the boat, much lighter due to the lack of a flybridge, sometimes begins to react to the oncoming wave, which is expressed with the sound of an impact, but without noticeable jumps. At the declared maximum speed, we crossed our own trail several times, and did not notice any sounds, let alone yaws or jumps.

Swift Trawler 41 Sedan went to planning in 8 seconds, reached the maximum speed in 11 seconds.

Comfortable cruising speed to us was from 11 to 16 knots. At a speed of 16 knots, fuel consumption was 70 liters per hour. The range at this speed is about 250 nautical miles.

And if you prefer to travel without the glimpse of coastal scenery in your eyes, then at 7 knots you will cover about 1000 miles with some recommended contingency fuel on top.

Based on our testing, we conclude that the parameters of stability and unsinkability, propulsion, seaworthiness (specifically ability to withstand waves) and handling all correspond to the characteristics of an expedition yacht.

 

Advantages

The main advantages of Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Sedan: also main requirements for expedition yachts with a limited sailing region.

• Quality of used materials (stainless steel, monolithic laminate, balsa core sandwich panels) and equipment used (Raymarine, Volvo, Yanmar).
• Counter-casting technology, resin injection molding used for making the hull and decks, non-slip deck coating with diamond grit, reliable perimeter railing, no sharp corners on the furniture .
• Excellent seaworthiness characteristics, among which the most important are: stability, unsinkability, maneuverability, significant cruising range with sufficient speed characteristics.
• Comfort on board for both management and long life on a yacht.

And another important advantage is the price of the vessel: there are not many boats of this price category and with such capabilities. That is, if you are not obsessed with speed, for moderate money you can get as much fun and much more volume inside compared to any express cruiser of the same size.

 

Reviews of Swift Trawler 41 from Professionals

 

Video Reviews

More interesting footage on one of the best trawlers out there, coming from popular yachting channels.

Aquaholic does a great job explaining what this boat is about and why you should consider it in the first place:

BoatLife delivers a great speed test in favorable weather conditions:

2020 Boot Dusseldorf presented many hulls to the world, Swift Trawler 41 among them:

More footage of the interiors:

Another walkaround from BoatTube, this time at 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival:

 

Conclusion

Safe, fast, comfortable, with a long range and plenty of storage space, motor yacht Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Sedan, it would seem, is intended exclusively for personal use. Here one can argue, since we have experience in using such small comfortable yachts for renting out - but with our own skipper and for corporate events of small companies or family cruises.

But mostly, of course, Swift Trawler 41 Sedan is designed for the owner who:

• wants to spend a lot of time on board alone, practically choosing the yacht as his second home;
• wants to provide his family with a reliable, safe and comfortable boat for long trips and weekend cruises;
• likes to explore the coasts and islands in the company of his closest friends;
• strive for long-term solitude in romantic conditions with a loved one;
• wants to feel the wind in her hair, but not get tired of managing the sails.

 

Where to Buy Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 at a Bargain Price

Why topRik is the right place to buy Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Sedan at a bargain price?

Because our experts have many years of experience in cooperation with the French boat manufacturer Beneteau. Yachts from this shipyard make up a significant part of our SimpleSail fleet.

The employees of the marketplace, by the way, are experienced yachtsmen, they are well aware of the characteristics of sailing and motor yachts of the leading manufacturers.

Our sailors have extensive experience in sailing various yachts to our marinas in Montenegro and Croatia from different shipyards and from dealers around the world to various customer’s locations.

Get started with a call and a free consultation. Better yet, you can do it while configuring Swift Trawler 41 Sedan of your dreams. It's also free and you don't even have to register to use our free virtual configurator. You get two free services at once, even without becoming a client of the marketplace.

And when you become one, all the experience of our experts will work for you to save you from problems and boring chores:

• searching for a yacht with favorable terms of sale for you;
• negotiations with a representative of the manufacturer or dealer;
• paperwork;
• control of the configuration and condition of the yacht at the place of shipment;
• transfer of the yacht from the shipyard of the manufacturer or dealer to your berth.

To get everything at once - you just need to use the feedback form, call or send a message to [email protected].