The Beneteau Oceeanis Clipper 523 2008 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Oceeanis Clipper 523 2008 measures 53,3 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 4,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 2013 at 49,2 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 2013 tips the scales at 35 264 lbs — 4 400 lbs less than the Beneteau Oceeanis Clipper 523 2008 at 30 864 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 Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 2013 tops out at 2 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau Oceeanis Clipper 523 2008 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 2013 carries 317 gallons versus 198 gallons in the Beneteau Oceeanis Clipper 523 2008. 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 Oceeanis Clipper 523 2008 is rated for 16 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 Oceeanis Clipper 523 2008 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau Oceeanis Clipper 523 2008 has a documented displacement of 30 864 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
Sailboat comparisons often come down to details that specs don't fully capture — the quality of the standing rigging, the layout of the cockpit, and how the boat feels on a beat in 20 knots. A sea trial on both is strongly recommended.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Oceeanis Clipper 523 2008 carries 119 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 Oceeanis Clipper 523 2008 at 53,3 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau Swift Trawler 50 2013 at 49,2 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.