The Beneteau First 325 1984 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Beneteau First 325 1984 at 34,1 ft versus Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2013 at 36,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 325 1984 tips the scales at 9 700 lbs — 8 058 lbs more than the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2013 at 1 642 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 425 hp, the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2013 has a 397-hp advantage over the Beneteau First 325 1984's 28-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 34S 2013 carries 211 gallons versus 13 gallons in the Beneteau First 325 1984. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 10 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

The Beneteau First 325 1984 has a documented displacement of 9 700 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.

The Beneteau First 325 1984 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 325 1984 has a documented auxiliary engine of 28 hp.

For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2013 carries 85 gallons versus 53 gallons on the Beneteau First 325 1984 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.