The Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2011 measures 55,8 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 24,2 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 — 8 816 lbs more than the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2011 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 18 hp for the Beneteau Oceanis 320 1987 and 2 hp for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2011. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 2011 carries 1 057 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 52 2011 is rated for 16 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 52 2011 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.
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 52 2011 carries 211 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 52 2011 at 55,8 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.