TRADEABOAT.COM.AU | 63
LOCAL REVIEW | BENETEAU SWIFT 47 TRAWLER
CLOCKWISE FROM
LEFT The galley includes
a number of fridge drawers
for long-range provisioning;
Forward owner’s suite offers
generous storage and views
through the portlights; The
master suite also enjoys a
separate shower and head.
proprietary digital bus system named Ship
Control. This simple menu-driven system gave
digital readings from all main house systems; a
most useful tool for the skipper. For example, it
can quickly give you power readings from both
the inverter and the generator set, and there's a
touch panel for 12V systems. Smart! The helm
position affords clear views all around, including
aft which would give me confidence when
manoeuvring in confined spaces such as marinas.
In addition, an optional camera can be fitted
which is ideal when you are steering from the
flybridge which has restricted views aft. Nearby,
on starboard, sat the main electrical panel, which
proved handy for access when underway.THREE CABINS
The stairs to the accommodation are wide with
a handrail that guides me securely down to the
cabins. The three cabin layout has the owner’s
suite forward with two aft guest cabins that
include bunks on the port side and a double
to starboard.
In the forepeak, plenty of space is given to the
owner's island bed with headroom to spare for
my 178cm frame. The portlights on the flared
bows added light (and a lovely kaleidoscope of
colours when underway). The dark cherry wood
interior on the review boat suite was naturally
illuminated by the elongated portlights and
the opening stainless portholes are a stylish
and practical touch as you sit at the benches on
each side. Louvred cupboard doors are another
pleasing touch.
For ablutions, the ensuite toilet has its own
cubicle with separate shower to starboard. The
second bathroom in the corridor is shared with
the guest cabins.
Notable points in the guest cabins included the
in-fill that can turn the bunks into a double and
ample locker space in both. Not so good are the
shallow sinks in both bathrooms that will spill if
underway. The Swift 47 is definitely a family-
friendly boat thanks to those bunks in the third
cabin which of course can sleep adults as well (but
I'd grab the top bunk which has the portholes).