The Beneteau Oceanis 400 1997 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Oceanis 400 1997 measures 39,1 feet overall (1997), giving it roughly 3,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2013 at 36,0 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 400 1997 tips the scales at 16 001 lbs — 14 359 lbs more than the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2013 at 1 642 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 Oceanis 400 1997'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 40 gallons in the Beneteau Oceanis 400 1997. 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 Oceanis 400 1997 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 Oceanis 400 1997 could be the deciding factor.

The Beneteau Oceanis 400 1997 has a documented displacement of 16 001 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.

The Beneteau Oceanis 400 1997 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau Oceanis 400 1997 has a documented auxiliary engine of 50 hp.

For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2013 carries 85 gallons versus 14 gallons on the Beneteau Oceanis 400 1997 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.