The Beneteau Sense 46 2012 vs Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2011 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 Sense 46 2012 at 46,4 ft versus Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2011 at 45,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Sense 46 2012 tips the scales at 27 123 lbs — 3 110 lbs more than the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2011 at 24 013 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 75 hp, the Beneteau Sense 46 2012 has a 73-hp advantage over the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2011'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 Sense 46 2012 carries 52 gallons versus 37 gallons in the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2011. 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 Sense 46 2012 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2011 caps at 13. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Sense 46 2012 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau Sense 46 2012 has a documented displacement of 27 123 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau Sense 46 2012 uses Sloop rigging. The Beneteau Sense 46 2012 has a documented auxiliary engine of 75 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2011 carries 169 gallons versus 14 gallons on the Beneteau Sense 46 2012 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Sense 46 2012 and Beneteau Swift Trawler 44 2011 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.