The Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2011 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 52 2011 measures 55,8 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 18,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 at 37,2 feet (1979). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 tips the scales at 17 637 lbs — 17 635 lbs more than the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2011 at 2 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 60 hp, the Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 has a 58-hp advantage over the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2011'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 52 2011 carries 1 057 gallons versus 66 gallons in the Beneteau Evasion 37 1979. 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 52 2011 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2011 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 has a documented displacement of 17 637 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 uses Masthead-sloop rigging. The Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 has a documented auxiliary engine of 60 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2011 carries 211 gallons versus 132 gallons on the Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2011 at 55,8 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau Evasion 37 1979 at 37,2 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.