Night Trawler

How do you test a liveaboard cruiser? Live on board, of course. We spend 24 hours on the all-new Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 to see if it lives up to the high standards set by its stable mates

- Jack Haines

In last month’s edition of MBY I suggested that the Swift Trawler 41 could be the most rounded model in the range. The Swift Trawler line up is one I know pretty well; my parents own a 10-year-old 34 and I have tested every model in the range apart from the 47 (which Nick Burnham tested). So I hope you’d agree that I am well placed to make this judgement, despite only having experienced the ST41 in the confines of the Cannes boat show at that point.

To really challenge this theory though, a proper test was in order, one that would allow us to experience this semi-displacement bruiser in a scenario similar to that which an owner will. And, hats off to Beneteau, at the end of a press event at its sea trial base in Port Ginesta, Spain, we were permitted to stay on and sleep aboard the ST41 as part of a 24-hour test where we could get to know the boat properly. It’s wholly appropriate that we were given the opportunity to live aboard the boat because it was designed with liveaboards in mind. Take one look at how the space is used in the third cabin, which in effect is less of a cabin and more of a storage and utility space with an extra berth option. It features built-in storage that could be used to stow extra food or spare parts and a slot for a washer/dryer (which our test boat didn’t have). If you don’t opt for the berth, the flat space where it would be is left empty as a work bench. The twin cabin on the opposite side of the boat ensures that guests are well looked after, and though they don’t have an ensuite it’s a short journey across the hallway to the day heads.