On the Swift Trawler 54, this includes a VIP guest cabin in the bow, a cabin with two single beds and the owner's cabin (roughly in the centre of the boat), which extends across the entire width of the boat. The latter has a double bed and plenty of storage space. The en-suite wet room, which has a large toilet and washbasin, is almost self-evident; the shower is separated from this area by a divided door. The guests share a wet room, which is also spacious and offers good comfort. It can be accessed directly from both cabins and also from the vestibule as a day toilet entrance.
The cabin on the port side is equipped with two single berths and is ideal for children and teenagers. The shipyard has fitted a double berth and plenty of storage space in the forward cabin. Two window fronts with bull bars allow air and daylight into the cabin. The sleeping cabins are accessed via a staircase installed on the starboard side next to the driving position.
Beneteau Swift Trawler comes with seating area and table
The helm station on our test boat is equipped with two large monitors and plenty of technology and has a comfortable driver's seat (with side rests) that can be adjusted in all directions. There is a seating area with a table in the driving position, ideal for socialising and enjoying meals with the skipper. The driver can also rest here when travelling on a longer passage, of course only with the appropriate technology such as the autopilot and warning system switched on. The stairs leading directly to the flybridge are also installed in this area.
The fully equipped galley is located aft and is conveniently positioned in the centre, making it easy to reach from both the driving position and the saloon. A good idea is the side door in the centre of the divided galley, which leads to the side deck (port). There is plenty of storage space in the saloon and a comfortable seating unit where you can also eat, drink and relax. I particularly like the large windows in the saloon and driving position area and the 360-degree all-round view they provide.
Now continue aft through the large stern door into the cockpit, which can be equipped with a table, an L-shaped bench or the U-shaped bench. Free-standing chairs can also be added. The sides continue towards the bathing platform. Plus: doors are installed at the passages. Bathing enthusiasts will be delighted with the huge, non-slip platform that moves up and down on our test Beneteau at the touch of a button. Steps automatically "extend" together with it. There is also a bathing ladder under a hatch and an emergency access ladder (port side).
Large lounger on the foredeck of the Beneteau
Sun-seekers will find a place on a comfortable, huge lounger on the foredeck, which can be reached safely via wide side decks. As already mentioned, a staircase in the area of the driving position leads to the flybridge. Up here there is plenty of space, beautiful furniture, a wet bar and a practical layout. All good conditions for a cosy get-together.
A hardtop is partially enthroned above the Fly, which also covers the driving position. The latter is well organised and offers the driver a comfortable sports seat from which he can enjoy a great view. Driving and manoeuvring is done with smooth and precise gear shifting, joystick, control levers for bow and stern thruster and a well-placed steering wheel. Another slimmed-down control station with joystick can be found in the cockpit on the starboard side, which is particularly helpful for mooring manoeuvres.
Also interesting:
The engine compartment can be accessed via a large storage space under the cockpit, with quick access via a hatch in the floor (with ladder). Another good access option can be found aft. The rear section of the cockpit can be raised at the touch of a button. A solid door provides access from the storage compartment to the engine compartment. The two Cummins diesels are securely mounted on solid foundations. The cables are laid in cable ducts or bundled and secured with clamps. Two tanks are also located in the engine compartment and are fitted with a transparent inspection pipe to check the tank contents. The installation of two fuel filters per engine and fuel shut-off valves, together with the fire extinguishing system, demonstrate a good safety standard.
The overall workmanship also leaves a good impression: this starts with the clean plastic surfaces, continues with the fittings and railings and ends with the interior fittings. Here are two details: there are door frames with rubber seals to prevent the doors from rattling and door catches that remain open in the door lock and only click out again when the door is closed.
Stabilisation system from Sleipner
But now back to the helm below deck and out of the harbour and onto the sea. On the test day, the Mediterranean near Barcelona was quite choppy. We had to deal with waves of around 1.5 metres in height. This is a swell that the Swift Trawler can handle well, regardless of the direction in which you approach the wave. The hull also shows its best side in tight, fast bends. A stabilisation system from Sleipner has a positive influence on the handling characteristics. It works with so-called "vector fins", which compensate for the boat's movements and, according to Beneteau, consume up to 50 % less energy than a gyro system.
The shipyard recommends a cruising speed of 8.0 to 12 knots. From the measured values (manufacturer's specifications), a consumption of 3.40 litres/nautical mile is calculated at 8.1 knots, which in turn results in a range of 861 nautical miles plus 15% reserve with the two tanks (1720 litres each). A good value for a long range cruiser. At full throttle at 17.5 knots, the range is reduced to 233 nautical miles in purely mathematical terms. Harbour manoeuvres are easy with the joystick system.
The Beneteau also offers plenty of comfort at anchor. A very special package can be ordered for this: 18 solar cells with over 2,000 watts in combination with 10 x 24V/ 200 ampere-hour lithium batteries, which can power the boat for eight hours without a generator when fully charged.
Technical data
- Shipyard: Beneteau / F
- Type: Swift Trawler 54
- CE category: B/14
- Hull and deck: Plastic
- Length over everything: 17,13 m
- Width: 4,95 m
- Displacement (test boat): 30,5 t
- Depth: about 1.15 m
- Clearance height (with standard equipment): 6,54 m
- Fuel tank: 2 x 1720 litres
- Water tank: 2 x 400 litres
- Holding tank: 170 l
- Sleeping places: 6 + 1
- Bunk dimension: Bow cabin 1.60 m x 2.01 m, centre cabin 1 x 0.76 m x 1.90 m and 1 x 0.76 m x 2.00 m, owner's cabin 1.60 m x 1.98 m
- Standing height/seating height: Bow cabin 2.2 5 m, mid-cabin 2.04 m - 2.44 m, owner's cabin: 1.78 m - 2.08 m, saloon 2.06 m, galley 2.04 m, under hardtop 2.12 m, flybridge 1.98 m - 2.10 m
- Sun lounger: Fore deck 2.20 x 2.10 m
- Freeboard: 1.11 m (with hedge walk)
- Interior cockpit side height: 0,83 m
- Change course: Direct with joystick system
- Motorisation: 2 x Cummins QSB6.7, 404 kW (550 hp)
- Price (with standard equipment ex shipyard): 1,394,442 Euro
- Dealer proof: beneteau.com
Measurement results
Conclusion
The Swift Trawler 54 is a great boat for travelling long distances. The entire equipment offers the carpool a pleasant stay on board, both during the journey and at anchor or in the harbour.
