Beneteau ‘flagship’, the Swift Trawler

by Bob Wonders on 13 Jul 2008 The Swift Trawler 52 is a superb example from the famed Beneteau yard, perhaps better known for its sailboats, but rapidly making a claim as a builder of premiere powerboats.

According to the manufacturer, the Swift Trawler presents as a large yacht with excellent sea keeping characteristics that ‘holds high the aims and values of the marque.’

This excellent vessel was unveiled in Sydney last week for the first time and is scheduled to make its debut at the forthcoming Sydney International Boat Show (July 31-August 5).

The Swift Trawler is part of a four series range from Beneteau, which also builds and markets the outboard-powered runabouts designated ‘Flyer’, the ‘Monte Carlo’ line up of open and enclosed sport boats and the ‘Antare’s’, a range of versatile craft with and without flying bridges and aimed at cruising and fishing enthusiasts.

Sydney-headquartered JW Marine, Australian and New Zealand distributors of the Beneteau powerboat range, is confident the Swift Trawler 52 will win its share of admirers when it debuts at the Sydney show.

The semi-planing hull of the Swift Trawler 52 was designed by Beneteau’s Michel Joubert and Bernard Nivelt, two men who need little introduction to Beneteau fans.

This is a hull which gives superior performance to the more traditional trawler-style displacement hull design, yet it retains exceptional sea keeping qualities.

Capable of a brisk 23 knots at wide open throttle and an efficient 18 knot cruising speed thanks to its dual Volvo Penta D9 shaft drive diesels of 575hp, the Swift Trawler 52 boasts interconnected fuel tanks each containing 2000-litres, ensuring long-range cruising.

The interior of the vessel is sure to win hearts and minds; a warm atmosphere that issues a clear cut invitation to live aboard, clever use of contrasting timbers emphasises the stylish furnishings.

Colours vary from warm shades through to soft beige, all bathed in natural lights.

Essentially, according to JW Marine, the interior has been designed for ease of living and maximum comfort.

The wheelhouse deck accommodates the main living area, with a superb saloon featuring a wide U-shaped sofa, a bar unit that includes two armchairs and a large swivel folding table.

A counter suspended on a pillar, separates the well equipped galley.

The helm position and a forward sea berth are independent of the saloon and offer direct access onto the ‘Portugese bridge’ via two sliding doors, with the primary access to the flying bridge from the wheelhouse.

Below, two separate suites each with en suite allow four people to enjoy cruising in comfort.

The owner or master cabin is a delight and offers more than 12 square metres with an uninterrupted outlook, numerous stowage and hanging lockers, even a deck.

It has excellent sound insulation due to its central location.

On the port side, there is a space with a choice of configurations; an owner can choose it as a third cabin, as a dressing room, perhaps as a private office.

A guest cabin forward has a fitted vee berth easily converted to a double and an adjoining had compartment with shower and toilet.

The exterior of the Swift Trawler 52 offers a large cockpit separated from the passageway by two doors and gives access to the aft swim platform, the engine room and secondary access to the flying bridge.

Deep and well protected side decks surround the vessel with the foredeck having a wide, built-in bench seat providing a pleasant place in the sun.

The flying bridge is excellent, with in built sink and ‘fridge, stowage for a tender and ample space to enjoy the great outdoors.

An outstanding trawler-style yacht in every respect.

Specifications:

LOA 17.0-metres
Beam: 4.92-metres
Displacement: 25,000kg
Draft: 1.30-metres
Fuel capacity: 4000-litres
Water capacity: 800-litres


For further information contact JW Marine, Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney, telephone (02) 9518-6977 or visit the website, www.jwmarine.com.au