The Beneteau Oceanis 510 1994 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 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 510 1994 measures 50,2 feet overall (1994), giving it roughly 13,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 at 36,6 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 510 1994 tips the scales at 30 864 lbs — 14 398 lbs more than the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 at 16 466 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 34 2012 has a 345-hp advantage over the Beneteau Oceanis 510 1994's 80-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 34 2012 carries 211 gallons versus 148 gallons in the Beneteau Oceanis 510 1994. 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 510 1994 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis 510 1994 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau Oceanis 510 1994 has a documented displacement of 30 864 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau Oceanis 510 1994 uses Masthead-sloop rigging. The Beneteau Oceanis 510 1994 has a documented auxiliary engine of 80 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis 510 1994 carries 264 gallons versus 85 gallons on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis 510 1994 at 50,2 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2012 at 36,6 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.