On Board Review

Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Fly Review (2019 Edition)

Beneteau's beloved Swift Trawler range receives an exciting refresh with the introduction of the Swift Trawler 41, a versatile and highly practical cruiser offered in both Sedan and two-deck Fly configurations. Today, we take a closer look at the Fly version.

Since their debut on the market nearly 20 years ago, Beneteau's Swift Trawler range has been a leader in the next-generation trawler movement, earning accolades and praise along the way. Blending traditional charm with modern boat-building value, the range has continued to evolve and expand over the years.

While the lineup is now spearheaded by the impressive 62-foot Grand Trawler, the latest addition to the family is the more accessible 13.4-meter model, the Swift Trawler 41 Fly, available in both the two-deck Fly and low-air-draught Sedan configurations. Despite the exterior of the new 41 possibly appearing less trawler-like compared to previous models, the question remains: will it still deliver the character and appeal that we have come to admire from the Swift Trawler range?

Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Fly Key Facts

Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Fly illustration
  • LOA 44.062ft
  • Model Year 2019
  • Cabins 3
  • Max Speed 23 knots
  • Status In Production
  • Yacht Type Trawler Boat
  • Use Type Weekending

Design & Build

Beneteau's in-house design team has assumed complete responsibility for the exterior design of both the Swift Trawler 41 Fly and Sedan models. The outcome leans slightly more towards a flybridge aesthetic than traditional trawler design, with the superstructure featuring sharper edges and a departure from the classically rounded styling.

beneteau swift trawler 41 design
Beneteau's design work leans more towards flybridge styling than previous models but includes all of the key Swift Trawler features © Beneteau

However, the Swift Trawler 41 still incorporates many of the key features that have made the Swift Trawler line so beloved. The flybridge maintains a clean and functional layout, providing ample space for outdoor enjoyment. Additionally, a superb starboard working deck boasts a waist-high bulwark, protective overhang, and a convenient walk-through bulwark gate.

Beneteau has remained true to the Swift Trawler's heritage by retaining the shaftdrive propulsion system, offering a choice between twin Volvo Penta D4 270hp or 300hp engines. These powerplants drive the soft-riding semi-displacement hull to speeds of around 23 knots. While the lower horsepower option may have a slightly slower cruising speed, the range and everyday usability remain comparable.

Both the Fly and Sedan configurations share the same all-weather wheelhouse design with an inner helm. The main and lower deck layouts are identical, featuring a three-cabin, five-berth arrangement with a galley-aft salon. Beneteau has preserved the old-school round portlights, adding a touch of trawler charm, while also maximizing natural light with expansive salon windows, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere on the main deck.

Interior Accommodation

In the Swift Trawler 41, the galley aft design in the wheelhouse takes on the form of a full-beam kitchen. The worktops and cooking facilities are positioned to port, complemented by a refrigerator and freezer to starboard. Cabinetry and storage space extend forward into the lounge and dining area, ensuring convenience and functionality throughout.

To enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces, the cockpit doors slide completely away, creating a wide, unobstructed opening onto the aft deck. Additionally, a flip-up serving area/bar facilitates seamless interaction between the interior and exterior areas, perfect for entertaining guests and enjoying al fresco dining experiences.

beneteau swift trawler 41 salon
The 41 Fly and Sedan share the same bright interior design and layout. Note the swiveled helm seat joining the dining table © Beneteau
beneteau swift trawler 41 galley
beneteau swift trawler 41 cabin

Do the Shuffle

Clever and thoughtful design elements abound throughout the Swift Trawler 41, with folding and sliding features adding both functionality and versatility to the yacht. For instance, the lower twin helm seat can swivel around to join the U-shaped lounge seating, with its massive side door serving as a striking feature of the salon, opening up the interior to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

In the salon, the table can be folded out to accommodate six people comfortably for dining, surrounded by the incredible expanse of opening glass windows. Moreover, the table can be lowered to create an occasional berth or simply provide a spacious lounging area, offering flexibility for various activities.

The dining table on the aft deck is conveniently located near the galley, and the sliding transom seat can be pushed back to create more space for guests. Adding a couple of director chairs would further enhance the outdoor entertaining experience. These moving parts are standard, simple in design, and manual to operate, ensuring reliability and longevity for years to come.

beneteau swift trawler 41 cabin
The forward owner's cabin features excellent storage options © Beneteau

Three Cabins

Moving through the yacht is a breeze, thanks to numerous conveniently placed grabrails that are easily accessible. Descending below decks via a narrow stairwell, the owner's ensuite cabin lies forward in the bows, accompanied by a twin guest cabin to port. To starboard, there's a single bunk cabin with space for a washing machine and utility storage — a practical addition for a serious cruising yacht.

Each cabin is designed to be bright and well-ventilated, with ports for natural light and airflow. The owner and twin guests also benefit from hull-side windows, enhancing the sense of space and connection to the sea. Ample stowage space and useful cubby holes are available throughout, with the owner's double berth featuring a clever lifting mechanism to reveal a massive tray for bedding, blankets, and clothing. The only minor drawback is the presence of just one dedicated shower compartment — the ensuite is equipped with a toilet only. However, guests can utilize the day head's shower or freshen up on the deck as needed.

Overall, the interior is characterized by its cleanliness, brightness, and user-friendly design. As with other Beneteau models, the Swift Trawler 41's fit-out may appear clean and rudimentary initially but will undoubtedly be enhanced once an owner's personal belongings are onboard, adding depth and warmth to the space.

Helm Station

The lower helm benefits from the expansive sliding door, which seamlessly integrates with the deep glass sections surrounding the main deck. Positioned conveniently nearby is a bulwark gate, allowing the skipper to easily access the shore with a line, facilitating single-handing of the yacht with ease. This setup is particularly advantageous when weather conditions are less than ideal, offering excellent visibility across triple screens equipped with wipers for enhanced clarity.

The helm console itself boasts a straightforward and functional design, featuring an upright dash and wheel, with a single multi-function display (MFD) screen positioned centrally for easy access and monitoring of essential navigation data.

Swift Trawler
beneteau swift trawler 41 helm

While the lower helm serves its intended purpose efficiently, the upper helm is designed to cater to the needs of the entire family. Featuring a spacious centrally positioned console capable of accommodating two multi-function display (MFD) screens, the upper helm offers ample space for navigation and monitoring equipment. Additionally, the single helm seat is flanked by guest seating, creating a social and inviting atmosphere ideal for day cruising with family and friends. Moreover, the upper helm is well-suited for longer passages, providing a comfortable and commanding vantage point for navigating open waters

Deck Lifestyle

In the realm of modern trawler yachts, the design and functionality of the decks are paramount. They must strike a balance between being deep, wide, and safe while also fostering a social atmosphere, blending elements of a yacht with those of a working boat. The Swift Trawler 41 excels on all fronts, delivering an exceptional deck layout that meets these criteria with finesse.

Stowage options are abundant, ensuring that belongings and equipment are neatly organized and easily accessible. Furthermore, access around and onto the yacht is effortless, enhancing convenience for passengers and crew alike. Beneteau has carefully curated the design to ensure that both work and play are equally well catered for, creating an environment that is as functional as it is enjoyable.

beneteau swift trawler 41 decks
The 41 Fly's trawler credentials include a long flybridge that stretches back over the cockpit © Beneteau
beneteau swift trawler 41 decks
beneteau swift trawler 41 decks

The Swift Trawler 41's cockpit is designed for versatility, with features like the sliding transom seat and flip-up bar area creating an ideal spot for lunch while also clearing away to provide ample space under a full flybridge overhang. This area offers a safe and protected environment for all onboard, ensuring comfort and enjoyment for both young and old. The starboard deck, equally deep and well-protected, features a convenient bulwark gate for alongside boarding, located near the lower helm station for easy access.

The port deck remains perfectly usable, offering the familiar layout found on many 40-foot flybridge boats. Both side decks lead to a broad, rounded foredeck where managing anchoring and mooring lines is made easy. The coachroof sun pad boasts folding stainless steel backrests, while additional stainless steel grab rails are strategically placed across the deck, providing added safety and stability.

beneteau swift trawler 41 decks
The broad rounded bows create space for a flip-up seat and sun pad © Beneteau

Mast-erful Fly

The flybridge of the Swift Trawler 41 is adorned with stainless steel, and while the ladder leading up to the flybridge may not suit everyone's preferences due to its near-vertical angle, the flybridge itself is sure to impress. The design is centered around a substantial central mast, which adds character and lends a touch of sophistication reminiscent of larger yachts. Additionally, a wet bar is strategically positioned for convenience and entertainment.

Towards the forward section of the flybridge, guests will find comfortable lounge and dining seating arrangements, perfect for enjoying the views and socializing while underway or at anchor. The aft deck is left clean and clear, providing ample space for storage, including an inflatable dinghy, or simply for fully indulging in the amenities of the wet bar and grill without obstruction.

Our Verdict

The introduction of the Swift Trawler range marked a pivotal moment for Beneteau, aligning perfectly with the brand's ethos of delivering clean, value-for-money builds. It was a match made in heaven, with Beneteau's respectful yet playful interpretation of trawler style injecting a delightful charm into the lineup. While the Swift Trawler 41 may have evolved and perhaps lost some of the original charm seen in predecessors like the 42 and more recent 44, it continues to embody all the essential Swift Trawler features and attributes that we admire.

For those who may be deterred by the ladder leading up to the flybridge, the Sedan model offers a low-air-draught option, providing buyers with the same benefits on the main deck and below while catering to different preferences. Whether opting for the Fly or Sedan version, the Swift Trawler 41 presents an outstanding and affordable package for Owner-operated family cruising, combining practicality, comfort, and all-weather cruising capabilities in one impressive vessel.

Reasons to Buy

  • Bright friendly design inside and out
  • Safe, social and versatile decks
  • Innovative functional seating
  • Three cabins
  • Massive glass sections in the salon

Things to Consider

  • Design lacks trawler charm
  • Steep flybridge ladder

Looking to own a Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Fly? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Fly Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Fly, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!

Rivals to Consider

The trawler yacht market is about as diverse and innovative as anything on the water, the once traditional lines of the trawler have spawned some incredible interpretations, none more so than Cranchi’s weekend adventurer, the T43. A gloriously irreverent take on the trawler, the T43 comes with IPS pod drives and a 4x4 attitude. The bright, versatile interior includes a social salon and galley, below decks there’s a two or three cabin layout with an interesting two-plus-study arrangement.

The elegant and beautifully finished Magellano 43 from Azimut is another modern trawler mixing in a good deal of flybridge style. Inside, the galley aft layout is similar to the Beneteau, the main feature is a broad and luxurious forward Owner’s suite with two good guest cabins amidships.

The Nimbus 405 isn’t a trawler yacht at all, but its practical nature and understated lines make it an obvious rival to the Beneteau. A solid fast-cruising hull has a narrower beam and that is felt across a smaller salon and flybridge, but there are three cabins, with two basic, mattress-on-the-floor guest quarters and a separate forward cabin for the Owner.

We like to look at the brokerage market for possible rivals and there is one yacht that is very close to home for the Swift Trawler 41. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 is pretty much the same size as the 41 with similar fast-cruising 20-knot performance but retains more of that joyful trawler charm Beneteau bestowed on its earlier models. The interior is more traditional-trawler too, with the galley forward, up by the helm, Grand Banks style. Below decks, two spacious bright cabins are joined by a large toilet and shower compartment.    

Considering a new boat? Explore Beneteau's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.

Specifications

  • Length Overall 44.062ft
  • Beam 13.78ft
  • Draft(full load) 3.773ft
  • Hull GRP
  • Cabins 3
  • Berths 5
  • Cruising Speed
  • Max Speed
  • Fuel Capacity 309 Gallons
  • Fresh Water Capacity 106 Gallons
  • Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D4-270
  • Engine economic speed 14.6 knots
  • Engine max range (speed type) 186 (nm)
New Model Specs & Options

Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Fly Layout

  • Flybridge Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Fly

    The trawler ethos of the 41 keeps the aft deck clear with a smart central mast and wetbar separating the social seating forward. 

  • Main Deck Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Fly

    The galley aft design opens the wheelhouse onto the deck, a flip-up counter connecting inside to out.   

  • Lower Deck Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Fly

    Three bright cabins and two toilet compartments, but only one proper shower, create a friendly feel below decks.  

View All Layout Options