Cummins and Beneteau Unveil a New Star at Cannes

The latest sleek and sophisticated addition to the Swift Trawler range, which now includes five models ranging from 35 to 62 feet, is designed for leisurely long-range cruising in a serene environment laden with new technology and home comforts.

It is a statement of seafaring luxury from Beneteau, the world’s leading marine brand, which has been working in partnership with Cummins for almost 20 years.

The Swift Trawler 54 (17.13m) is powered by two Cummins QSB 6.7 engines each delivering 550hp. The QSB 6.7 is a proven winner for Beneteau, featuring on the Swift Trawler 48 (2 x 425hp versions) and Swift Trawler 35 (single 425hp).

With the refined power of the twin Cummins engines, the Swift Trawler 54 has a cruising speed of 8 -12 knots and a maximum speed of 20 knots.

It offers a range of 700 nautical miles at nine knots, maintaining a 10% fuel reserve. Handling is enhanced by the ‘Fusion’ hull shape from the drawing board of Dixon Yacht Design.

“The QSB 6.7 550hp has excellent power density and gives Beneteau the right balance of power, fuel efficiency and smoothness, with low levels of noise and vibration,” said Patrick Leroux, Recreational Marine Sales Manager at Cummins France, based in Nantes, not far from Beneteau’s manufacturing base.

“It is also equipped with Cummins’ world-beating DockCommand® controlled docking system that integrates engines, transmission and the bow and stern thrusters through a highly responsive joystick, which is easy to use.”

Aside from the obvious benefit of greater manoeuvrability for the boat around marinas, the Cummins DockCommand® inboard joystick is easier and less expensive to maintain than the alternative pod system. It is suitable for any 35-60ft fibreglass recreational single or twin-engine boat.

The Swift Trawler 54 can accommodate up to six people, with an option for an additional crew berth. The living spaces are spacious and bright, thanks to panoramic glazing offering a 360-degree view, and a staircase connects the flybridge to the wheelhouse.

At the stern there is a 400kg tender lift, ample storage for kayaks and paddleboards and a hydraulic swim platform with integrated tender supports. The foredeck can be used as a sun lounger or open space with table, also incorporating storage for mooring lines and fenders.

Beneteau’s ‘Silent Boat’ option allows for up to 10 hours of on-anchor autonomy without the need to run the generator, with a bank of solar panels topping up the lithium battery bank.

“The Swift 54 is the most sophisticated boat that I’ve had the pleasure to be involved with in my time working with Beneteau, which goes back to 2006 when I was working for Cummins MerCruiser Diesel Europe,” said Patrick Leroux.

“After 140 years as a business, Beneteau is still a family-owned group, and it has been wonderful to watch them become such a powerful and respected name in the recreational marine world. They have an exceptional portfolio of motorboats, sailing boats and catamarans, ranging from six to 24 metres.”

Patrick said a key aspect of the Cummins-Beneteau relationship was the presence of a global aftersales network, especially as the appeal of the boats and the customer base becomes more international.

“For a prestigious brand like Beneteau, service is incredibly important. When we started out, I would say about 90% of Beneteau’s sales were to customers in Europe. Today, specialist support in all the major world markets – Europe, the United States, China – is fundamental, and that’s what Cummins can offer through our network of authorised dealers.”

Innovation has been the driving force at Beneteau for 140 years, said Beneteau brand director Jean-François Lair, adding: “The Swift Trawler 54 brings to life our vision of ‘rediscover the journey’, where you enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

“Supremely elegant and integrating cutting-edge technologies, the Swift Trawler 54 brings the comfort on board to another level; in essence, it is everything our customers expect from a Beneteau.”