The Beneteau Idylle 11.50 Fin keel 1983 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 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.
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 2013 at 36,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2013 tips the scales at 16 420 lbs - 4 956 lbs less than the Beneteau Idylle 11.50 Fin keel 1983 at 11 464 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 2013 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 2013 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Idylle 11.50 Fin keel 1983 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2013 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Idylle 11.50 Fin keel 1983 could be the deciding factor.
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 2013 - 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 2013 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.