The Beneteau First 38S5 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Beneteau First 38S5 1989 at 38,5 ft versus Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 at 36,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 tips the scales at 16 466 lbs — 1 915 lbs less than the Beneteau First 38S5 1989 at 14 551 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 382-hp advantage over the Beneteau First 38S5 1989's 43-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 32 gallons in the Beneteau First 38S5 1989. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 11 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 38S5 1989 has a documented displacement of 14 551 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.

The Beneteau First 38S5 1989 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 38S5 1989 has a documented auxiliary engine of 43 hp.

For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau First 38S5 1989 carries 98 gallons versus 85 gallons on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.