The Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2008 measures 44,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 12,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987 at 31,6 feet (1987). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987 tips the scales at 8 818 lbs — 8 796 lbs more than the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2008 at 22 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 Oceanis 320 1987 carries a rated maximum of 18 hp. Engine data for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2008 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2008 carries 396 gallons versus 13 gallons in the Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987. 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 42 2008 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987 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 42 2008 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987 has a documented displacement of 8 818 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 Oceanis 320 1987 draws 4,7 ft, compared to 3,0 ft for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2008. That 1,7-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 Oceanis 320 1987 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987 has a documented auxiliary engine of 18 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2008 carries 169 gallons versus 40 gallons on the Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2008 at 44,0 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987 at 31,6 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.