Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 boat specs
Beneteau
Beneteau First Class Challange 1989
1989
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VS
Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 boat specs
Beneteau
Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022
2022
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Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 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 35 2022 measures 37,0 feet overall (2022), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 at 30,0 feet (1989). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 tips the scales at 18 187 lbs — 12 896 lbs less than the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 at 5 291 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 35 2022 tops out at 425 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau First Class Challange 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 35 2022 could be the deciding factor.

Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 displaces 18 187 lbs — a 12 896-lb difference over the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 at 5 291 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.

The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 uses Fractional Sloop rigging. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 has a documented auxiliary engine of 425 hp.

Bottom line: The Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 18 187 lbs displacement and 37 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 at 5 291 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail29.99 ft
Length overall - Detail37.00 ft
Length - Feet29.99
Length - Feet37
Length overall - Meters9.14
Length overall - Meters11.28
Length overall - Inches360
Length overall - Inches444
Beam10.66 ft
Beam13.30 ft
Beam - Meters3.25
Beam - Meters4.05
Beam - Inches128
Beam - Inches160
Displacement5291.00 lbs
Displacement18187.00 lbs
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail3.10 ft
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches37
Operational Info
RiggingFractional Sloop
Riggingnot available
Boat typeSail
Boat typePower
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity5
Cabinsnot available
Cabins2
Headnot available
Head1
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity8
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal211
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters798.72
Engine makenot available
Engine makeCummins
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower425 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeDiesel
Drive typenot available
Drive typeinboard

Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 or the Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022?
The Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 is the longer of the two at 37,0 feet overall. The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 comes in at 30,0 feet, making it roughly 7,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 or the Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022?
For trailering, the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 has the edge at 5 291 lbs dry weight versus 18 187 lbs for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 has a documented max rating of 425 hp. Engine specifications for the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 is certified for 11. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Is the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 or the Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 better suited for offshore sailing?
For offshore work, displacement and construction are the primary indicators. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 at 18 187 lbs displacement is the heavier, more load-carrying design — generally better suited to extended passages where seakeeping and provisioning capacity matter most. The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 at 5 291 lbs will typically be livelier and more responsive in lighter conditions.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 measures 160" wide, compared to 128" for the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 and Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 and the Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 2022 are built by Beneteau. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.