The Beneteau Idylle 11.50 Fin keel 1983 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2011 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 Idylle 11.50 Fin keel 1983 at 37,8 ft versus Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2011 at 36,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Idylle 11.50 Fin keel 1983 tips the scales at 11 464 lbs — 9 861 lbs more than the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2011 at 1 603 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 34S 2011 has a 375-hp advantage over the Beneteau Idylle 11.50 Fin keel 1983's 50-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 34S 2011 carries 211 gallons versus 21 gallons in the Beneteau Idylle 11.50 Fin keel 1983. 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 Idylle 11.50 Fin keel 1983 has a documented displacement of 11 464 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau Idylle 11.50 Fin keel 1983 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau Idylle 11.50 Fin keel 1983 has a documented auxiliary engine of 50 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Idylle 11.50 Fin keel 1983 carries 106 gallons versus 85 gallons on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2011 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Idylle 11.50 Fin keel 1983 and Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2011 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.