What are some alternatives to the Swift Trawler 37?

While we ultimately went for the Swift Trawler 37, we did look at other boats before deciding.

The main characteristics we were looking for:

• 11-12 meters long
• flybridge
• walkaround deck
• suitable for longer stays (2-3 weeks) onboard
• stable at slower speeds (6-8 knots) while able to cruise at 15-20 knots
• ISO category B (winds < 40 knots/~20 m/s, waves < 13 feet/4 meters)
• € 500-600k including VAT

This segment isn't vast, but we primarily looked at the Northman 1300 and the Delphia 11 Flylounge.

There are some similarities between the three boats:

• settee to port
• galley aft to starboard
• starboard side helm
• helm door
• master suite forward
• sunbathing mattress/seating on deck
• easy pontoon access from the helm
• shaft drive
• available with single Yanmar diesel inboard
• available in both flybridge and sedan versions

Northman Trawler 1300

Pros

• 3 cabins
• 2 heads with showers
• Larger swim platform
• Reversible aft bench
• Shallower draught
• Lower air draught
• Bowsprit platform
• Available with diesel, fully electric, or hybrid propulsion
• Multiple single or dual diesel engine options

Cons

• No port-side companion seat in the salon
• No companion seating on the flybridge
• Less living/dining space on the flybridge
• Bench rather than U-style settee in the salon
• No side door next to helm door

Delphia 11 Flylounge

Delphia is a brand within the Beneteau Group, and the kinship with the ST37 is recognisable in the salon.

Pros

• 1, 2, or 3 cabins
• 1 or 2 heads
• Fixed cockpit table
• Larger swim platform
• Bowsprit platform
• Shallower draught
• Available with diesel, fully electric, or hybrid propulsion

Cons

• No port-side companion seat
• Less galley counterspace
• Displacement hull means slower cruising speed (~8 knots)

Honorable mention: Balt 37 Grand

Similarly to the Delphia, I'd say the Balt 37 Grand is designed primarily for inland waterways, canals, and calm coastal areas. While a good fit for the Stockholm archipelago, it's not just what we were looking for.

Pros

• ‍‍2 heads with showers
• Wet bar with fridge on the flybridge
• Larger swim platform
• Bowsprit platform
• Shallower draught

Cons

• Lower helm (optional) with compromised visibility, not ideal for longer passages
• No port-side companion seats is saloon or on flybridge
• Displacement hull means slower cruising speed (~7 knots)
• Category C rating

Why we chose the Swift Trawler 37

We would surely be able to enjoy our time on the water in the Stockholm archipelago in any one of these boats, but our decision to go with the ST37 mainly came down to:

1. Looks (we like the expedition aesthetic)
2. Speed (life is best at 7 knots, but 15-18 knots enables longer passages)‍
3. Quality (we simply think the ST37 feels more premium)‍
4. Seaworthiness (wider and deeper hull helps in rougher seas)
5. Compelling electronics (radar, autopilot, AIS, and VHF are easily spec'ed options)
6. Bunk beds for our kids (they do not want a double bed)