The Beneteau Oceanis 500 1987 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 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 500 1987 at 50,2 ft versus Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 2013 at 49,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 2013 tips the scales at 35 264 lbs — 4 399 lbs less than the Beneteau Oceanis 500 1987 at 30 865 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 80 hp, the Beneteau Oceanis 500 1987 has a 78-hp advantage over the Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 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 Swift Trawler 50 2013 carries 317 gallons versus 148 gallons in the Beneteau Oceanis 500 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 Oceanis 500 1987 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 2013 caps at 14. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis 500 1987 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau Oceanis 500 1987 has a documented displacement of 30 865 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau Oceanis 500 1987 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau Oceanis 500 1987 has a documented auxiliary engine of 80 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis 500 1987 carries 275 gallons versus 2 gallons on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 2013 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis 500 1987 and Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 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.