Yachting journalists who tested this boat called it a pocket cruiser with great potential.
The Swift Trawler 35 premiered at boot Düsseldorf in 2018. There we met. Then I read a number of articles about this curious cruiser, watched the MBY video report “48 hours aboard the Beneteau Swift Trawler 35” and now I can summarize my impressions. Sometimes I will compare this model with its predecessor, the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34, and if you remember that boat, you will understand how the shipyard has advanced in the topic of maximum customer satisfaction.
As outside, what’s inside?
In general, the ST35 and its predecessor are similar, but if you put them side by side, you can see the differences immediately. Among the most noticeable are the changes in the shape of the superstructure and glazing at the top and in the hull. Gone is the high mast (rudiment type) with the boom, which was occasionally used to launch the tender from the flybridge. A light radar arch appeared instead; this significantly lowered the height of the boat above the overhead line, which is important if you walk on water areas with low bridges. And on the transom, they came up with a telescopic launching device for the tender – the former tender site on the flybridge remained vacant.
The transom itself has also changed: instead of a solid “barrier with a wicket”, you see two hinged doors that, opening, unite the cockpit with a teak platform (width 0.85 m); each has a folding seat. The free cockpit will certainly be appreciated by anglers (after all, a trawler, albeit without a trawl). It is almost completely protected by the flybridge overhang and can be covered with body kits in bad weather.
The deck retains an asymmetrical layout with a starboard walkway at cockpit level; the flybridge also covers it, which is convenient. The side sliding door at the helm is now all glass, but I’ll talk about it further. From the cockpit to the bow (and back) you can also go on the port side, holding on to the handrail on the roof of the wheelhouse, and the belay on the other side – the rail.
Dossier Beneteau Swift Trawler 35
Length:
11.29
Width:
3.96 m
Draft:
1.17 m
Displacement (unladen):
8252 kg
Fuel supply:
800 l
Water supply:
2 × 150 l
Power:
425 h.p.
Sleeping places:
6
RCD Category “B”:
(8) / “C” (10)
Project / design:
Beneteau Power / Andreani Design
On the flybridge, protected by a soft top or bimini (you get there via the gangway from the cockpit), six people can easily sit at the table on the sofa. The helm is well equipped, and upstairs, in good weather, everyone will surely want to spend most of their time traveling. As, probably, on the foredeck, where there is a sunbed-“solarium” with backs like a chaise longue.
With its logical and practical layout, the Swift Trawler 35 cabin-cabin resembles the ST34, only with changes that increase functionality. Teak still dominates and the upholstery color palette is lighter, although the cozy feel is still there, as are the seat rails on the overhead. There are three zones, and each has something to say.
Dinetta. At the doors to the cockpit, there is a modern folding sofa, from which a sleeping place for two is formed, fenced off by a curtain – quickly, conveniently, gracefully. The extendable table is not attached to the deck and can be easily moved to the cockpit.
The steering console on the starboard side is small but well organized. Here we see an adjustable seat for two with a long bolster, on which you sit or lean your back, and a classic ship’s steering wheel.
On the dashboard – a standard Raymarine Axiom Pro MFD (9 “, optional 12”), a block of switches, controls for the autopilot, transom plates, steering wheel joysticks, a VesselView 4 “system monitoring display, analog instruments (tachometer, rudder angle indicator) and … plenty of room for additional equipment. Interestingly, the tilt panel rises on its hinges, allowing access to the wiring.
It is easy to quickly exit to the deck through a side door next to the steering console. When mooring, when you work with thrusters, thrusters and the steering wheel, you can half lean out to control the situation and even have time to jump out onto the dock with the mooring in hand.
The galley opposite the steering console is designed to make life easier on board and showcases a good selection of home appliances. There is a freezer / ice maker and a bench to sit down without losing control of the stove, and there was a place for the refrigerator under the seat by the steering console.
We go down three steps to the cabins and latrine. In the master cabin (bow), if we recall the ST34, there was a double-leaf door with latches, steps on the sides of the queen-size bed, large glazing instead of portholes, which made the cabin brighter. Items can be stored in louvered cabinets and in a locker under the hinged lid at the foot of the bed. The guest cabin on the port side with bunks in two tiers is spacious enough even for adults. Opposite is the latrine, in which the shower door is magnetically locked so that the rest of the room remains dry. All in all, the layout is ideal for a family with children, even if there are occasional guests on board.
Travel potential
The ST35 has a new slightly elongated transient hull with a camber in the bow and a false keel. Fans of transom speakers and IPS will not be pleased with the engine: there is a “lone” Cummins QSB6.7 diesel with a capacity of 425 hp. from. with a drive on the shaft, and there is no alternative to it. This decision also goes against the trend for powerful suspension brackets, but … this is a classic, and it will always find a place for itself both under the sun and in the sea.
With such an engine, the ST35 can develop 18-19 knots at 3000 rpm (data from different tests) with a fuel consumption of less than 80 l / h, which, with a reserve of 800 liters, gives a cruising range of 180 miles (10% reserve). But this is just a note. More importantly, at 15 knots (2600 rpm) at 53 l / h, the range is 204 miles, and in the displacement mode at 10 knots (2100 rpm), the flow rate is only 31 l / h (range 230 miles). By lowering the revs (and, of course, the speed), you can increase the range up to 1000 miles, but this is already too much … But in general, these figures are evidence of the hefty cruising potential of this compact boat. Along the way, I note that the ST34 used to be powered by a Cummins QSB5.9 diesel of the same power, and an increase in the working volume of the cylinders should increase the engine’s service life.
The boat quickly accelerates, developing a full speed in 16 seconds with a moderate differential, even with one engine it is stable on the course (the keel is working): it seems that you can not touch the steering wheel at all and save on the autopilot. Responsive to helm shifts, can turn steeply, but without drift and discomfort on board with a small radius of circulation. According to many observers, the Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 demonstrates confident behavior on the wave: the ride is soft, smooth, the hull reflects splashes, preventing them from getting into the foredeck and cockpit. Among other advantages is the excellent sound insulation of the engine compartment: the noise in the cabin is no more than 80 dB (A), even at full speed.
Eventually
Trawler yachts are really specific vessels. If you love sleek shapes, glamorous interiors and 50 knots, forget about them. But for those who like the leisurely transitions from parking to parking, they can be a good alternative to both a beach vacation and a small cottage on the shore. This is how I perceive the Beneteau Swift Trawler 35. It may not be a real trawler, but I like its architecture, thoughtful layout and functionality. Of course, you shouldn’t go out into the ocean on it, but ST35 is quite suitable for coastal areas of the seas, not to mention inland waters. Yes, this boat is “for an amateur”, but with it he will quickly become a professional.
Text
Alexey Maximov
Chief Editor
What do you think?