The Beneteau First 435 1984 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Beneteau First 435 1984 caps at 13. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau First 435 1984 has a documented displacement of 23 810 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 435 1984 draws 7,6 ft, compared to 4,0 ft for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008. That 3,6-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 435 1984 uses Sloop rigging.
Hull speed is rated at 23,0 knots for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 and 8,1 knots for the Beneteau First 435 1984. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 carries 264 gallons versus 127 gallons on the Beneteau First 435 1984 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2008 at 55,0 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau First 435 1984 at 44,7 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.