The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 473 2008 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2010 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 Clipper 473 2008 at 46,9 ft versus Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2010 at 44,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 473 2008 tips the scales at 24 277 lbs — 24 255 lbs more than the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2010 at 22 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 473 2008 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2010 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 Clipper 473 2008 could be the deciding factor.

The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 473 2008 has a documented displacement of 24 277 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.

Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 473 2008 draws 5,6 ft, compared to 3,0 ft for the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2010. That 2,6-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.

The Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 473 2008 uses Masthead-sloop rigging.

For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 473 2008 carries 222 gallons versus 169 gallons on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 42 2010 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.