The Beneteau First 32S5 1989 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 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 34 2012 measures 36,6 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 32S5 1989 at 32,6 feet (1989). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 tips the scales at 16 466 lbs — 5 222 lbs less than the Beneteau First 32S5 1989 at 11 244 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 34 2012 has a 397-hp advantage over the Beneteau First 32S5 1989'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 34 2012 carries 211 gallons versus 17 gallons in the Beneteau First 32S5 1989. 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 34 2012 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau First 32S5 1989 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 34 2012 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau First 32S5 1989 has a documented displacement of 11 244 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau First 32S5 1989 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 32S5 1989 has a documented auxiliary engine of 28 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 carries 85 gallons versus 40 gallons on the Beneteau First 32S5 1989 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 at 36,6 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau First 32S5 1989 at 32,6 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.