Beneteau Swift Trawler 54

Bristling with features and innovation, this is a ‘new-generation Swift Trawler’, as Greg Copp discovers.

Showcasing at Cannes in 2024, Beneteau’s latest Swift Trawler will, without a doubt, make an impact. This range has always proven popular, providing a good turn of performance and seakeeping. Replacing the outgoing ST52, this new model creates a credible smaller alternative to the flagship ST62.

It runs on Bill Dixon’s latest ‘Fusion Hull’, which is claimed to provide good fuel efficiency and seakeeping. Dixon Yacht Design have a proven record for designing good hulls, so we can expect this boat to do what it says on the tin. Propulsion comes from twin 550hp Cummins QSB 6.7s on shafts, producing a claimed top speed of 20 knots. For easy berthing, there is the option of a joystick, complete with proportional bow and stern thrusters integrated into the system. It is also fitted with Sleipner’s new fast-acting Vector Gen-3 fin stabilisers, which take the ‘rock and roll’ out of passages, especially at displacement speeds. With the hook dropped, Vectors are powerful and fast enough to keep the boat on an even keel when set to anchor mode. As the ST54 is aimed at those that want to clock up sea miles, it has a 3500-litre fuel capacity, so at a leisurely 8–12 knots, Beneteau expect the ST54 to be able to cover 700 nautical miles with a 10% reserve.

There is the choice of the ‘Silent Boat’ option, which upgrades the vessel with lithium batteries and a large display of solar panels mounted around the flybridge and on the optional flybridge T-top. If this is not enough green power, you can also have wind turbines mounted on the T-top. ‘Silent Boat’ delivers eight to ten hours of on-anchor autonomy without the need to run the generator. Further ‘Silent Boat’ innovations include a ‘future-proof engine room’ for a forthcoming diesel/electric hybrid drive, and a full Webasto climate system throughout the interior.

The central galley is perfectly located to serve the whole saloon area.

The long aft section of the saloon has great continuity with the cockpit.

Beneteau’s ‘Terrace to the Sea’ cockpit, though not boasting drop-down bulwarks, does have a hydraulic bathing platform that doubles up as a 400kg tender lift and is fitted with adaptive dinghy chocks. However, what opens up this area is the transom glass bulwark, proving waterside views from the saloon. This only applies if you do not opt for the small crew cabin with sunbed atop, which replaces the glass bulwark. Unless you really want an aft sunbed or a crew cabin, this choice makes little sense, as in place of the crew cabin, you get a large below-deck storage compartment, complete with a winch/lift for adventure toys, inflatables and bikes. Deck movement is easy and safe with typically wide side decks, shaded by a wide overhang and enclosed at the aft end with teak slatted pillars. On the foredeck, the U-shaped seating area with an inset table easily converts into a huge sun pad with dedicated fender stowage underneath.

This cockpit option converts to a sunbed while providing a small crew cabin beneath.

The full-beam master cabin has acres of space.

The long flybridge in good weather is the focal point of the boat. Conveniently accessed by internal steps located by the starboard wheelhouse side door, the design concept makes good sense. The flybridge on this Beneteau Swift Trawler 54 is fitted with a large wet bar aft, a big U-shaped dinette area in the centre section and a helm station with a sofa next to it. Unusually, the helm has a sizeable dash in which can be fitted three large MFDs – not the token second-helm design with which many flybridge boats are built. There is the option of a T-top, which, if sporting the extra solar panels, can’t be specified with the canvas sunroof option. Considering the appeal of this flybridge, the T-top in either form is a must, especially as it can be enclosed with canvas covers in bad weather.

A truly extensive flybridge.

A commanding helm position.

One of the most impressive aspects of the accommodation design is the saloon/wheelhouse. Beneteau have truly embraced the concept that big is best when it comes to window space and headroom. Natural light floods the interior, and visibility from what is a well-elevated helm position is very good. The helm is centrally located – always a good idea – and a sofa/dinette area sits next to it, while quick deck access is easy through the starboard side door. The central galley is one step down from the helm, and being a step above the aft saloon section, it has great all-round views. It spreads from beam to beam and has extensive appliances, including, but not limited to, a 193L full-height fridge, a 78L freezer, a stainless sink, a gas oven/hob, a Corian worktop, extensive storage and a dishwasher. The saloon itself sits lower than the galley, with a generous 6’ 9” of headroom. A large U-shaped dinette can be found on the port side facing sideboard storage opposite, within which hides a 50” TV ready to rise at the press of a button. A Fusion Apollo hi-fi, like the TV, is an upgrade option, which can be specified for every cabin and sector of the boat.

A forward bimini is an option.

Built with six berths, with the option of an additional single crew berth, the layout is perfect for long family cruises. The full-beam master cabin is situated amidships, enjoying a 50” TV, extensive storage and a large en suite bathroom fitted with a huge separate shower compartment. The main guest cabin is in the forepeak and has an en suite on the port side, with access to the corridor in order to serve as a day heads. The third cabin has two single bunks and also has en suite access to the day heads. Both bathrooms feature Corian countertops, with illuminated recesses underneath for towel stowage. The separate shower cubicles feature Corian flooring, with the addition of a ‘rain shower’ in the en suite of the full-beam aft owner cabin. All cabins feature wardrobes with slatted doors to ensure good ventilation, as well as Berber-style carpets with acoustic underlays and foam-backed panelling on bulkheads to reduce noise levels. Like any good blue-water cruiser, it has a washing machine secreted away – in this case at the bottom of the companionway steps.

The third cabin has two single bunks.

Both bathrooms are generously proportioned.

The washing machine hides under the companionway steps.

This is one of several boats that is starting to embrace the renewable concept in terms of domestic power needs. There also appears to be a hybrid-powered version in the offing, which, given this Beneteau Swift Trawler 54 displacement cruising potential, makes good sense. What is in little doubt is that like all its previous trawler siblings, this boat will prove as popular at sea as it does in the broker’s showroom.