The Beneteau First 435 1984 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 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 52 2012 measures 55,8 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 11,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 435 1984 at 44,7 feet (1984). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau First 435 1984 tips the scales at 23 810 lbs — 23 808 lbs more than the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2012 at 2 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 Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2012 tops out at 2 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau First 435 1984 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2012 carries 1 057 gallons versus 52 gallons in the Beneteau First 435 1984. 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 52 2012 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 2012 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.

The Beneteau First 435 1984 uses Sloop rigging.

For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2012 carries 211 gallons versus 127 gallons on the Beneteau First 435 1984 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.