Beneteau First 265 1990 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Beneteau First 265 1990 or the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008?

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 is the longer of the two at 55,0 feet overall. The Beneteau First 265 1990 comes in at 26,5 feet, making it roughly 28,5 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Beneteau First 265 1990 has a documented max rating of 18 hp. Engine specifications for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Beneteau First 265 1990 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 is certified for 16. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat has the deeper draft - the Beneteau First 265 1990 or the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008?

The Beneteau First 265 1990 has the deeper draft at 4,1 ft, versus 4,0 ft for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008. A deeper draft generally means better upwind performance and stability, but limits access to shallow anchorages and some marina berths. Always check the controlling depth of your home port and favourite cruising grounds before committing.

Q: Which is the faster sailboat - the Beneteau First 265 1990 or the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008?

Based on rated hull speed, the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 has an edge at 23,0 knots versus 6,7 knots for the Beneteau First 265 1990. Keep in mind that actual sailing speed depends heavily on wind conditions, sail trim, bottom condition, and skipper experience - hull speed is a theoretical maximum, not a guarantee.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 measures 194" wide, compared to 114" for the Beneteau First 265 1990. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Beneteau First 265 1990 or the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008?

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 has the bigger tank at 1 057 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Beneteau First 265 1990. That 1049-gallon difference translates to roughly 3147–5245 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Beneteau First 265 1990 and Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Beneteau First 265 1990 and the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 are built by Beneteau. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Beneteau First 265 1990 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008

Beneteau

Beneteau First 265 1990

1990

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Beneteau

Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008

2008

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Beneteau First 265 1990 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Beneteau First 265 1990 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 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.

The Beneteau First 265 1990 carries a rated maximum of 18 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 carries 1 057 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Beneteau First 265 1990. 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 2008 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Beneteau First 265 1990 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 could be the deciding factor.

The Beneteau First 265 1990 has a documented displacement of 4 409 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.

Both boats draw a similar depth - 4,1 ft and 4,0 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Beneteau First 265 1990 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 265 1990 has a documented auxiliary engine of 18 hp.

Hull speed is rated at 23,0 knots for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 and 6,7 knots for the Beneteau First 265 1990. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 carries 264 gallons versus 17 gallons on the Beneteau First 265 1990 - a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.

Bottom line: The Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 at 55,0 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau First 265 1990 at 26,5 ft is the easier, lower-cost option - simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.

Measurements / Dimensions

Length overall - Detail26.50 ft

Length overall - Detail55 ft. 9 in.

Length - Feet26.5

Length - Feet55

Length overall - Meters8.08

Length overall - Meters16.99

Length overall - Inches318

Length overall - Inches669

Beam9.50 ft

Beam16 ft. 2 in.

Beam - Meters2.9

Beam - Meters4.93

Beam - Inches114

Beam - Inches194

Draft [max] - Detail4.11 ft

Draft [max] - Detail4 ft. 3 in.

Draft [max] - Meters1.25

Draft [max] - Meters1.3

Draft [max] - Inches49

Draft [max] - Inches51

Displacement4409.00 lbs

Displacementnot available

Length [at waterline]not available

Length [at waterline]37 ft. 5 in.

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches9

Body / Hull

Rudder1 spade rudder

Ruddernot available

Helm1 tiller

Helmnot available

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Gal7.9

Fuel tank capacity - Gal1057

Fuel tank capacity - Liters29.9

Fuel tank capacity - Liters4001.18

Horsepower18 hp

Horsepowernot available

Fuel typeDiesel

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeinboard

Drive typeInboard - Twin

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standard(2) 575 hp (2 @ 423 kW)

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail1,057 gal.

Performance

Maximum speed6.68

Maximum speed23 knots

Maximum speed measureknots

Maximum speed measurenot available

Cruising speednot available

Cruising speed18 knots

Operational Info

Sleeping capacity2

Sleeping capacitynot available

Cabins1

Cabinsnot available

Head1

Headnot available

Water capacity17.2

Water capacity264 gal.

RiggingSloop

Riggingnot available

Mast ConfigurationDeck stepped mast

Mast Configurationnot available

Boat typeSail

Boat typenot available

General Boat Info

Makenot available

MakeBeneteau

Modelnot available

ModelSwift Trawler 52

Model Yearnot available

Model Year2008

Beneteau First 265 1990 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Beneteau First 265 1990 or the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008?

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 is the longer of the two at 55,0 feet overall. The Beneteau First 265 1990 comes in at 26,5 feet, making it roughly 28,5 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Beneteau First 265 1990 has a documented max rating of 18 hp. Engine specifications for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Beneteau First 265 1990 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 is certified for 16. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat has the deeper draft - the Beneteau First 265 1990 or the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008?

The Beneteau First 265 1990 has the deeper draft at 4,1 ft, versus 4,0 ft for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008. A deeper draft generally means better upwind performance and stability, but limits access to shallow anchorages and some marina berths. Always check the controlling depth of your home port and favourite cruising grounds before committing.

Which is the faster sailboat - the Beneteau First 265 1990 or the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008?

Based on rated hull speed, the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 has an edge at 23,0 knots versus 6,7 knots for the Beneteau First 265 1990. Keep in mind that actual sailing speed depends heavily on wind conditions, sail trim, bottom condition, and skipper experience - hull speed is a theoretical maximum, not a guarantee.

Which boat is better equipped for long-distance cruising?

For extended passages, fresh water capacity is a key indicator of cruising readiness. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 carries 264 gallons of fresh water compared to 17 gallons on the Beneteau First 265 1990 - a meaningful advantage when watermaker installations or port stops aren't guaranteed.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 measures 194" wide, compared to 114" for the Beneteau First 265 1990. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Beneteau First 265 1990 or the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008?

The Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 has the bigger tank at 1 057 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Beneteau First 265 1990. That 1049-gallon difference translates to roughly 3147–5245 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Beneteau First 265 1990 and Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Beneteau First 265 1990 and the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 are built by Beneteau. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Beneteau First 265 1990 full specs ← Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 full specs