The Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2009 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 42 2009 measures 44,3 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 23,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 at 21,0 feet (2004). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 tips the scales at 2 745 lbs — 2 723 lbs more than the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2009 at 22 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 First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 carries a rated maximum of 11 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2009 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2009 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2009 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 has a documented displacement of 2 745 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 draws 5,1 ft, compared to 3,0 ft for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2009. That 2,1-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.
The Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 has a documented auxiliary engine of 11 hp.
The Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 is trailerable, giving it a significant lifestyle advantage for sailors who want to move between lakes, rivers, and coastal waters without committing to a marina slip. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2009 carries 169 gallons versus 9 gallons on the Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2009 at 44,3 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau First 21.7 Swing keel 2004 at 21,0 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew, trailerable, and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.