Both the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 and the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 measures 36,6 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 4,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 at 32,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 tips the scales at 16 466 lbs - 4 704 lbs less than the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 at 11 762 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 tops out at 425 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 carries 211 gallons versus 169 gallons in the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 11 passengers and at 36,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Beneteau Antares 9.80 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.