The Beneteau Oceanis 510 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Oceanis 510 1994 measures 50,2 feet overall (1994), giving it roughly 4,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2013 at 45,5 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 510 1994 tips the scales at 30 864 lbs — 6 907 lbs more than the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2013 at 23 957 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 510 1994 has a 78-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 510 1994 carries 148 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.
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 44 2013 caps at 13. 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 169 gallons on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2013 — 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 44 2013 at 45,5 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.