Fairline Targa 52
Review Date : Thu, 26 Aug 2010
Author : Nick Burnham
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Why bother with a 40-footer when you could get a used Fairline Targa 52 for the same price?
| For: | Sleek design and high-quality finish |
|---|---|
| Against: | Can feel cramped downstairs |
There comes a time in many a growing family's boating life when a two-cabin sportscruiser just won't cut it anymore. If you're prepared to breach the 50ft mark it can be possible to keep the sportscruiser style while still accessing that extra cabin - enter the tri-cab sportscruiser.
Offering similar accommodation in a more compact craft, the Fairline Targa 52 shapes up well as a sleek alternative to a roomy flybridge.
Above deck, the Targa's hardtop protects a dinette to port, wet-bar opposite, and an L-shaped settee to complement the double helm to starboard. It's all there, including smart detailing, quality fittings and plenty of teak.
Electric sunroofs let the good weather in and keep the bad out and Fairline's legendary levels of thought and detail shine through, with some cleverly concealed fender stowage in the foredeck.
The cockpit comes beautifully dressed with lashings of teak and a dashboard finished in muted tones. We also love the addition of the most comfortable Recaro-style helm seats we've ever sat in - they even have electric height and reach adjustment.
Indoors, we particularly like the neatly concealed mood lighting, clever storage solutions and the removable drop-leaf table in the saloon. A well-appointed galley and the liberal use of high-quality materials throughout give the living quarters a luxurious feel.
The forward cabin berth is quite oval in shape and is smartly finished above the headboard with well-executed American cherry joinery. A pair of cupboards are incorporated in either flank, and outboard of the berth is a run of bin-lockers topped with shelves.
Both of the Targa's guest cabins come with proper side-by-side twin berths but they are positioned each side of the entrance to the master suite, making the forward end of the saloon feel more cramped and giving guests a late night stroll through the saloon for nocturnal calls of nature.
On the water, the Fairline shows fast reactions from the helm and pushes effortlessly to 37 knots. A high top speed means the Targa has a better cruising range and efficiency. At 25 knots it is hardly breaking a sweat at 1800rpm, delivering close to 1mpg.
Verdict
The Fairline is a fast, sharp performer and, as it has been round for nearly a decade, a second-hand model has a lower price tag than some of its rivals.
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