The Beneteau First 30E 1981 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 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.

The Beneteau First 30E 1981 carries a rated maximum of 15 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2009 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 2009 carries 1 057 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Beneteau First 30E 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 52 2009 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Beneteau First 30E 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 52 2009 could be the deciding factor.

The Beneteau First 30E 1981 has a documented displacement of 8 929 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 30E 1981 draws 5,1 ft, compared to 4,0 ft for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2009. That 1,1-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 30E 1981 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 30E 1981 has a documented auxiliary engine of 15 hp.

For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2009 carries 264 gallons versus 26 gallons on the Beneteau First 30E 1981 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.