“It is a great boat and very comfortable. It’s great for a couple or a small family. It handles the sea well and is very easy to dock from, she has both a stern and bow thrusters.“
Zoot, Beneteau 37′
Interview with the Captain – William MacGillivray
About the boat
Why did you choose to buy a Beneteau?
We wanted something with a flybridge and the Swift Trawler has a large one. We had looked at the Beneteau before but didn’t like the dark interior. We had read that they had lightened up the interior with lighter wood and all the large windows. So when we were at the Newport Boat Show back in 2018 we decided to look at them, and fell in love with the Swift Trawler 35 with the transom that opens up so that the swim platform becomes part of the back deck.
What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this particular model (and how did they compare)?
We owned a Mainship Pilot 34 and wanted something with a flybridge, but Mainships were out of production so we were looking for something similar and the Swift Trawler fit .
How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing (and what’s the boat’s history if you know it)?
Cape Yachts in South Dartmouth was the dealer showing them at the boat show. Since they are the only Beneteau dealer, we went to them. Shortly after the boat show we went to South Dartmouth for a sea trial and enjoyed the way she handled, so we ordered a new one to be delivered in the Spring of 2019. She was built in France and shipped over to the states.
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
We ordered the boat new, so we got the options that we wanted.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
We enjoy the large flybridge. Driving from the flybridge gives you a better view of everything around. There is a table up there which makes it a great place to have a meal or just relax for the evening. We also enjoy swimming off the back of the boat with the open transom. When you open the back sliding doors it makes the boat seem so much bigger then it actually is.
Who first introduced you to boating/sailing?
I have had boats since I was 16 on Spy Pond in Arlington, and my wife grew up sailing in Marblehead with her family.
Do you belong to a yacht club or other boating/sailing organizations?
We have been members of the Boston Yacht Club since 1980.
What boats have you previously owned?
I have owned numerous boats thought the years. Most recently I owned two sailboats, a J/30 and a J/36 which we raced all the time in Marblehead. We sold the J/36 and got a Mainship Pilot 34 Rum Runner. We currently own the Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 and a Sportsman Heritage 21.
How do you typically use your boat over the summer, and where do you go?
We always take a couple of trips every summer. We always go down to the Cape and the Elizabethan Islands. We also head north to Portsmouth and stay at the Wentworth Marina in Little Harbor.
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
We haven’t had any real challenge in servicing our boat. Zach and Tom of Cloutman’s Marine services the engine.
Do you have any notable boating resources you use?
We found the Beneteau Swift Trawler Owners page on Facebook. We get a lot of information from other owners. The ST is very popular in Europe, and Swifty owners are very friendly and are very willing to help each other.
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a Beneteau like yours?
It is a great boat and very comfortable. It’s great for a couple or a small family. It handles the sea well and is very easy to dock from, she has both a stern and bow thrusters.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
The J/30 that I owned came with the name “Highzoot” and I like the name. It was different. When I got the J/36 I kept the name. We did a lot of racing with those two boats in Marblehead. So when we got the Mainship we just shortened it down to “Zoot” that way it was still connected to the sailboats. When we got the ST35 we kept with the shortened name.
CHECK IT OUT
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Zoot!
