Beneteau’s new Swift Trawler series flagship

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Beneteau has been busy showcasing its Swift Trawler 48, the new flagship of the ‘seaworthy passage maker’ series that starts with the 35 and includes the 41 in Sedan and Fly versions, while also inspiring the Grand Trawler 62.

Measuring 14.74m with a beam of 4.50m, the Swift Trawler 48 shares the same teak slat fashion plates framed in stainless-steel as seen on the Grand Trawler 62. It also features naval architecture by MICAD, although interior and deck design is by Andreani Design, whereas Nauta Design handled these areas on the 62.

The successor of the former 47, the Swift Trawler 48 is rated for 12 persons in CE Category B, with the standard pair of Cummins QSB 6.7 litre 380hp engines providing a top speed of 21 knots, while the upgraded 425hp engines give a top speed of 25 knots.

MICAD has designed a semi-planing hull that optimises fuel efficiency across the speed range, with 1,930 litres of fuel on board offering a 600nm-plus at nine knots displacement speed or 280nm at 18 knots efficient planing speed, both while retaining a fuel reserve of 10 per cent. Add in 640 litres of fresh water and this allows for considerable autonomy away from the dock.

The aft cockpit can fit a folding table, two director chairs and a large bench seat, while the foot-pedal operated sliding flybridge stairs, starboard acrylic ‘wind stopper’ door and overhead handrail are among functional features.

The double transom gate opens onto a large swim platform with an optional hydraulic lifting system able to carry a 350kg dinghy, while the bathing ladder has swimming-pool handrails.

The generous flybridge offers 215sqft of floor area. Adjustable backrests at the forward end of L-shaped sofas either side of the helm enable guests to either face the table area or forward, such as during passage making.

Options include a flybridge T-top with inset sliding soft-top. Aft is a transverse wet bar facing forward, while the aft flybridge space allows for sun loungers or toys.

The foredeck includes the option of a sunpad with lift-up sections creating forward seating. The asymmetrical deck layout allows for a wide, well-protected starboard side deck with high bulwarks.

The interior is accessed through patio doors and includes a large, L-shaped aft galley aft to port with a full-height 255-litre fridge freezer and large overhead lockers outboard. The standard galley has a gas oven or optional multi-function electric oven, a clever ‘magic corner’ pull-out stowage unit, cupboards and drawers, plus space for an optional dishwasher.

The raised-edge Corian worktop features a gas or induction cooktop and large sink. Opposite the galley is a spacious sideboard with cupboards and an internal bottle rack. The sideboard can be configured with an icemaker, Villeroy & Boch crockery stowage and an illuminated glassware cupboard above.

Forward of the galley is a large, raised U-shaped dinette providing seating for up to eight with great views all around and in social proximity to the helm. The aft end of the seat has space for a 23-bottle wine chiller. On the portside dashtop, the large stowage unit can house a 40in TV.

The helm station with adjacent side door leading to the starboard midships cleat and bulwark gate allows for easy docking and circulation. The helm has space for two 12in Raymarine MFD screens and the Beneteau Ship Control system.

In addition, an aft docking camera, stern docking lights and the Cummins integrated joystick system can be specified. The helm dashtop, console and adjustable pilot seat are finished in dark grey.

The Swift Trawler 48 can easily sleep up to eight persons in three cabins on the lower deck and the saloon dinette, which easily converts into a double bed with wrap-around privacy curtains as standard.

On the lower deck, the forward owner’s cabin features a double berth that lifts to reveal stowage underneath. There are overhead lockers and wardrobes, large hull windows with inset portlights and an overhead hatch which offer natural light and ventilation. The en-suite bathroom includes a separate shower cubicle with teak-slatted seat.

The port guest cabin benefits from a large hull window with inset portlight, stowage, wardrobe and two single berths with an infill to make up a double berth. This cabin also features an en-suite door to the portside day head, which also features a separate shower cubicle with teak-slatted seat.

The starboard guest cabin has two portlights, a transverse double berth and a double door wardrobe that’s large enough to house an optional washer/dryer.

The standard joinery is teak, while oak is an option. In addition, the sideboard doors, owner and port cabin wardrobe doors can be specified with wood or crème slatted doors with inset panels.