The Beneteau First 22 1978 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 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 52 2013 measures 55,8 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 33,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 22 1978 at 22,1 feet (1978). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2013 tips the scales at 4 516 lbs — 570 lbs less than the Beneteau First 22 1978 at 3 946 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 10 hp for the Beneteau First 22 1978 and 2 hp for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2013 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Beneteau First 22 1978 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 52 2013 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau First 22 1978 has a documented displacement of 3 946 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau First 22 1978 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 22 1978 has a documented auxiliary engine of 10 hp.
The Beneteau First 22 1978 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 52 2013 carries 211 gallons versus 13 gallons on the Beneteau First 22 1978 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2013 at 55,8 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau First 22 1978 at 22,1 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew, trailerable, and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.