Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 Fly Review (2019 Edition)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.