The Beneteau R/C 27 1978 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 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 Swift Trawler 34S 2012 measures 36,6 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 8,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau R/C 27 1978 at 27,7 feet (1978). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau R/C 27 1978 tips the scales at 5 291 lbs — 3 688 lbs more than the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2012 at 1 603 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 34S 2012 has a 409-hp advantage over the Beneteau R/C 27 1978's 16-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 34S 2012 carries 211 gallons versus 7 gallons in the Beneteau R/C 27 1978. 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 Swift Trawler 34S 2012 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Beneteau R/C 27 1978 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2012 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau R/C 27 1978 has a documented displacement of 5 291 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau R/C 27 1978 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau R/C 27 1978 has a documented auxiliary engine of 16 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2012 carries 85 gallons versus 24 gallons on the Beneteau R/C 27 1978 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Swift Trawler 34S 2012 at 36,6 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau R/C 27 1978 at 27,7 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.