The Swift Trawler 48 is one of Beneteau’s most appealing trawlers to date, designed for owners who crave extended cruising but don’t want to sacrifice modern comfort and a touch of elegance. At 48 feet in length, this trawler sits right in the sweet spot for couples, families, or friends looking for long-distance adventure, but without the bulk of a full-size yacht. With its balance of efficient cruising, spacious interiors, and seaworthy design, the Swift Trawler 48 is aimed at boaters who want to go further while enjoying every mile of the journey.

This model reflects the evolution of Beneteau’s trawler line, with smarter layouts, better fuel efficiency, and enhanced technology. If you’re exploring the idea of owning a long-range cruiser that’s equally at home along the coastline as it is tackling open water passages, the Swift Trawler 48 deserves a close look.

Lifestyle and Purpose on the Water

The Swift Trawler 48 is first and foremost a boat for people who see boating as a lifestyle rather than a weekend escape. Its large fuel tanks, stable hull, and generous storage capacity make it perfectly suited for extended voyages, whether along the Intracoastal Waterway, through the Caribbean, or even across to the Mediterranean.

Unlike performance-oriented center consoles or sportfishers, this boat emphasizes efficiency and liveability. It isn’t about arriving first—it’s about enjoying the journey and having everything you need onboard to live comfortably while you explore. This purpose makes it an excellent fit for experienced cruisers who plan to spend weeks or months onboard.

Who Will Love the Swift Trawler 48?

The Swift Trawler 48 appeals to owners who want a balance of autonomy and comfort. It is designed for couples who are ready to downsize from larger motor yachts while still maintaining long-distance capability, or for younger families seeking a safe and spacious trawler for coastal adventures.

Its layout, with multiple staterooms and a wide saloon, makes it comfortable for hosting friends. At the same time, the helm setup and maneuvering aids—like bow and stern thrusters—mean it can still be handled confidently by a couple without needing extra crew. For anyone who values fuel economy, seaworthiness, and a relaxed pace, the Swift Trawler 48 ticks all the boxes.

How Does the Swift Trawler 48 Compare to Other Offshore Boats?

When measured against traditional motor yachts, the Swift Trawler 48 stands out for its efficiency. While a yacht of similar size might consume significantly more fuel, this model is built around long-range cruising, offering nearly 600 nautical miles of autonomy at economical speeds. Compared to semi-displacement cruisers from brands like Grand Banks or Absolute, the Swift Trawler 48 holds its own with smart space usage and a more approachable entry price.

What it sacrifices in top-end speed, it makes up for in practicality and ease of ownership. Owners looking for comfort, extended range, and reliability often find that the Swift Trawler range provides a sweet balance without the intimidating operating costs of a full yacht.

Layout, Specs, and Interior Design

The design of the Swift Trawler 48 is both practical and stylish, reflecting Beneteau’s dedication to optimizing space for liveaboard comfort.

• Type: Trawler Yacht / Long-Range Cruiser
• Length Overall (LOA): 48 feet
• Beam: 14 feet 9 inches
• Draft: 3 feet 10 inches
• Fuel Capacity: Approximately 510 gallons
• Water Capacity: Around 169 gallons
• Engines: Twin Cummins QSB 6.7L, 425 HP each
• Top Speed: Around 25 knots
• Cruise Speed: 18–20 knots
• Hull Design: Semi-displacement hull designed for stability and efficiency
• Accommodations: 3 staterooms, 2 heads, spacious saloon, and flybridge

Inside, you’ll find a saloon bathed in natural light with panoramic windows. The galley is positioned aft for seamless entertaining, while the three cabins include a forward master, a guest double, and a twin, all well-appointed for comfort. The flybridge offers an excellent vantage point, with space for dining, lounging, and sunbathing.

Cruising and Handling Experience

Underway, the Swift Trawler 48 feels steady and predictable. Its semi-displacement hull allows it to move efficiently at both displacement and planing speeds, which is ideal for long passages. At an economical cruise of around 9–10 knots, fuel burn is impressively low, stretching its range for long-distance exploration.

When conditions demand more speed, the twin Cummins engines provide enough power to comfortably push into the 20-knot range. Docking and close-quarters maneuvering are made simple thanks to bow and stern thrusters, which many owners appreciate in busy marinas.

Safety and Reliability at Sea

Safety is clearly a design priority on the Swift Trawler 48. Wide walkarounds with high bulwarks make moving around the deck secure, even in rough seas. Sturdy stainless rails, non-slip surfaces, and well-placed handholds give owners peace of mind.

On the technical side, the boat can be outfitted with advanced navigation aids like radar, AIS, autopilot, and dual helm controls. The redundant systems and reliable Cummins engines ensure that owners can trust their boat when miles from shore. For families or couples, this sense of security is priceless.

Ownership Considerations and Practical Costs

Owning a Swift Trawler 48 involves balancing premium comfort with manageable expenses. Dockage fees for a boat of this size vary by region, but expect around $12,000–$20,000 annually in popular marinas. Maintenance is more approachable than for a full-sized yacht, but as with any twin-engine cruiser, annual servicing is a necessity.

Fuel costs depend heavily on how you run the boat. At displacement speeds, economy is excellent, but sustained planing speeds increase consumption noticeably. Insurance premiums are reasonable compared to performance boats, thanks to the trawler’s focus on safe cruising. Many buyers appreciate that the Swift Trawler line tends to hold its value well, especially among experienced cruising couples.

Features That Stand Out

What truly sets the Swift Trawler 48 apart are its features designed for liveability:

• Spacious flybridge with seating for up to eight and panoramic views.
• Galley aft layout, perfect for entertaining and outdoor dining.
• Large master stateroom with en-suite head, plus two well-sized guest cabins.
• Expansive storage for provisions, gear, and long-haul cruising.
• Efficient hull design offering long range at lower speeds.

These features make the Swift Trawler 48 as comfortable for weekend getaways as it is for ambitious voyages.

Owner and Expert Feedback

Owners often describe the Swift Trawler 48 as “the perfect compromise between yacht and trawler.” Many highlight how manageable it is for a couple, yet still large enough to invite family or friends for extended stays. Experts in the industry often point to its fuel economy and practical design as its strongest attributes.

One reviewer compared it to larger trawlers and noted that the Swift Trawler 48 offered nearly the same comfort levels but at a fraction of the cost and with far less stress when docking.

Conclusion

The Swift Trawler 48 is not about chasing speed—it’s about embracing distance and comfort. It’s ideal for couples or families looking to spend serious time on the water, with enough room to host, relax, and enjoy extended adventures. With its mix of efficiency, safety, and style, it stands out as a reliable companion for those who see the journey as the true destination.

For boaters evaluating whether a trawler is the right fit, the Swift Trawler 48 proves that you don’t have to compromise between seaworthiness and comfort. It’s a smart, stylish, and capable choice that’s built to keep up with wherever your cruising plans may take you.

FAQ

How much does the Swift Trawler 48 cost?
The price varies depending on options and location, but most buyers can expect an MSRP starting around $1 million, with well-equipped models costing more.

How many people can the Swift Trawler 48 sleep?
It comfortably accommodates six in three cabins, with additional space in the saloon if needed.

What is the range of the Swift Trawler 48?
At economical displacement speeds, it offers nearly 600 nautical miles of range, making it ideal for long passages.

Is it easy to handle for two people?
Yes. With bow and stern thrusters and excellent helm visibility, many couples operate the boat confidently without additional crew.

Can the Swift Trawler 48 handle offshore crossings?
Absolutely. Its semi-displacement hull, reliable engines, and robust safety features make it capable of handling offshore passages in the right conditions.

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