The Beneteau First 41S5 1989 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 2013 measures 49,2 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 7,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 41S5 1989 at 41,4 feet (1989). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 2013 tips the scales at 35 264 lbs — 18 950 lbs less than the Beneteau First 41S5 1989 at 16 314 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 50 hp, the Beneteau First 41S5 1989 has a 48-hp advantage over the Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 2013's 2-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 50 2013 carries 317 gallons versus 32 gallons in the Beneteau First 41S5 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 50 2013 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Beneteau First 41S5 1989 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 2013 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau First 41S5 1989 has a documented displacement of 16 314 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau First 41S5 1989 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau First 41S5 1989 has a documented auxiliary engine of 50 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau First 41S5 1989 carries 159 gallons versus 2 gallons on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 2013 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 2013 at 49,2 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau First 41S5 1989 at 41,4 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.