The Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 has earned its place as a modern classic in the powerboat world. From its efficient hull and striking design to its comfortable living spaces, this versatile cruiser offers the perfect balance of performance and elegance. Whether you’re planning extended cruising or seeking a capable liveaboard vessel, the ST42 continues to be a standout choice for those who appreciate quality, seaworthiness, and timeless style.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the Swift Trawler 42, including expert reviews, videos, key features, and more.
Why the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42?
The Swift Trawler 42 delivers what many coastal cruisers dream of: fast, fuel-efficient cruising in a true yacht-like layout. Built with a performance hull capable of speeds up to 20 knots, the ST42 offers both upper and lower helm stations, safe movement topside, and two spacious staterooms below.
Highlighted by rich, lustrous joinerwork throughout, the interior is bright and welcoming thanks to the 360º visibility from the salon and pilothouse. From its neo-classical styling to its smart deck-level galley layout, the Swift Trawler 42 is a testament to Beneteau’s attention to detail and heritage in boatbuilding.
Swift Trawler 42 At A Glance
QUICK SPECS
- Overall Length: 44’3″
- Hull Length: 40’0″
- Beam: 13’11”
- Draft: 3’5″
- Displacement (light): 24,019 lbs
- Fuel Capacity: 395 gal
- Water Capacity: 169 gal
- Engines: Up to 2 x 370 HP
- Cruising Speed: 18–20 knots*
KEY FEATURES
- Upper and lower steering stations
- Wide, safe walkarounds with high bulwarks
- Deck-level galley and panoramic salon
- Two spacious double staterooms
- Master stateroom with en suite head and separate shower
- Large flybridge with room to entertain and carry a dinghy
- Fully protected cockpit with wing doors
- Rich interior woodwork and classic lines
- Excellent cruising range thanks to efficient hull and generous tankage
DESIGNED BY JOUBERT & NIVELT
Naval architects Michel Joubert and Bernard Nivelt are known for creating seaworthy, elegant designs that age gracefully. Their work spans everything from America’s Cup contenders to rugged offshore cruisers. With the Swift Trawler 42, they collaborated with Beneteau to deliver a vessel that feels at home anywhere — from calm inland passages to offshore adventures.
One early reviewer called her “a new classic,” and we think that says it all.
Options & Digital Resources
ENGINES & GENERATORS
- YANMAR 4LHA-STP 240 HP
- YANMAR 6LYA-STP 370 HP
- Cummins QSB 5.9 380 HP
- VOLVO D4 300 HP
- VOLVO D6 (310 HP
- Onan Cummins 7/9 QD
- Onan Cummins 11/13.5 QD
The Yanmar 6LYA-STP diesel engine has earned its place as a trusted powerhouse in the marine industry, particularly as the engine of choice for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42. Known for its balance of performance, efficiency, and reliability, this engine is a favorite among boaters who prioritize dependable power and smooth cruising. In this article, we explore the features of the Yanmar 6LYA-STP, discuss its advantages for the ST42, and highlight why this combination is ideal for both coastal and offshore adventures.
RESOURCES
AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
- Owner’s Manual
- Engine Performance (Yanmar)
- Engine Performance (Cummins)
- Engine Performance (Volvo)
Swift Trawler 42 Reviews
MBY.com – Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 review – Dave Marsh, May 10, 2021
French designers Joubert/Nivelt have dished up a big flybridge that extends well aft and out to cover the side decks and the aft cockpit. Not only does this give the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 a lovely big-boat feel, it provides enough space on the flybridge for an inflated 11 ft (3.2m) tender.
Yachting Magazine – Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 Review – Chuck Husick, October 4, 2007
The Beneteau 42 can cruise all day at better then 20 knots without abusing her engines, structure or systems. The waterline beam, just under 14 feet, accounts in part for the ease with which the boat achieves her cruising speeds-it is somewhat smaller than what has become common of boats of this type. Whatever penalty the slightly narrow beam might have exacted on interior space and stowage is offset by Beneteau’s experience building sailboats, where every cubic inch is put to use.
Canadian Boating – Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 Review – Reprinted From L’escale Nautique
Its elegance immediately elicits an admiring whistle. What a look! What style! Beneteau has not missed the mark with this entry into the trawler yacht category. A beautiful way to remember that the Beneteau family began business by constructing fishing boats. The first of Beneteau’s Swift units, designed by architects Michel Joubert and Bernard Nivelt, were manufactured in France and imported into the US in 2004. Since then, the Beneteau shipyard in Marion, South Carolina has been producing all models destined for North America.
MBM – Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 Review – Carl Richardson, July 2004
Beneteau have done a great job of providing practicality and form to the deck areas. Essentially, there is two boats’ worth of space. Boarding from either the wide shelf of bathing platform or the wonderful little bulwark gate amidships, you are transported into a world of teak that is a joy to walk upon.
REVIEWS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
- Power & Motoryacht Review
- Press Week Review
- Soundings Review
- Something Different
- Beneteau’s New Generation Swift Trawler 42
- Boat A Source
- Boat Test
- Motorboating
- Yachting
Beneteau ST 42 Videos
More
HISTORY
Groupe Beneteau is one of the largest builders of powerboats in Europe and has been building engine-driven vessels for over 100 years. Tested on the Bay of Biscay, Beneteau vessels are built to weather some of the most challenging seas in the world and have a solid reputation for ruggedness and sea kindliness. From commercial fishing vessels to high-tech hydroplanes, Beneteau has gained extensive knowledge over the years by constructing a wide range of inboard and outboard powered boats. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 was introduced in 2004 and was built in France and Marion, SC, with production ending in 2010.
AWARD
Murray Yacht Sales was awarded the Most Successful Launch of Beneteau Powerboats in America at the 2005 Cannes Yachting Festival.
MORE SWIFT TRAWLERS
- Beneteau Swift Trawler 30 (2016)
- Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 (2011)
- Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 (2017)
- Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 (2020)
- Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 (2011)
- Beneteau Swift Trawler 47 (2018)
- Beneteau Swift Trawler 48 (2022)
- Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 (2012)
- Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 (2007)
- Beneteau Swift Trawler 54 (2024)
- Beneteau Grand Trawler 62 (2021)
FOR SALE
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