The Beneteau Oceanis 461 1994 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 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 Oceanis 461 1994 at 45,1 ft versus Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2013 at 45,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2013 tips the scales at 23 957 lbs — 3 013 lbs less than the Beneteau Oceanis 461 1994 at 20 944 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 85 hp, the Beneteau Oceanis 461 1994 has a 83-hp advantage over the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2013's 2-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 Oceanis 461 1994 carries 53 gallons versus 37 gallons in the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 13 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 Oceanis 461 1994 has a documented displacement of 20 944 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.

The Beneteau Oceanis 461 1994 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau Oceanis 461 1994 has a documented auxiliary engine of 85 hp.

For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis 461 1994 carries 217 gallons versus 169 gallons on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2013 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.