The Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2013 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2013 measures 45,5 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 15,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 at 30,1 feet (1981). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2013 tips the scales at 23 957 lbs - 15 139 lbs less than the Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 at 8 818 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 50 hp, the Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 has a 48-hp advantage over the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2013's 2-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2013 carries 370 gallons versus 40 gallons in the Beneteau Evasion 29 1981. 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 44 2013 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 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 44 2013 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 has a documented displacement of 8 818 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 has a documented auxiliary engine of 50 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2013 carries 169 gallons versus 53 gallons on the Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 - a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2013 at 45,5 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau Evasion 29 1981 at 30,1 ft is the easier, lower-cost option - simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.