Fairline Targa 38 Review
This is the ship that sets the benchmark for modern luxury cruising. The Fairline Targa 38 is famous for its brilliant performance and handling, its clean contemporary styling and its spacious, luxuriously appointed living areas. She has been one of the best-selling models in the Fairline range and, in 2007, she won the prestigious ‘European Powerboat of the Year’ award in the 30-40ft category. That pedigree should put him at the top of any list for someone looking to buy a second hand powerboat.
For whom and for what was this ship designed?
The Fairline Targa 38 is a luxury power cruiser, both at home cruising the headland and setting the pace on the open water. Think of it as a sport utility boat that Motor Boats Monthly says has “a perfectionist attitude toward life outdoors.” She offers sporty performance and handling, practical space and comfort for entertaining, generous accommodations for longer trips, and excellent attention to detail.
What the commentators are saying about this power cruiser
Fairline has always been at the forefront of luxury, bringing you a boat that offers much more than just something a little special. The Targa 38 fits perfectly with the company name.
The owner of a Fairline Targa 38 is a proud owner. They know their Targa is part of a world-renowned range that sets the benchmark for the modern cruiser engine.
The Fairline Targa 38 OPEN, with its sophisticated retractable hardtop design, is a Targa at its best when open to the world around it.
model variations
The Fairline Targa 38 was launched at the London Boat Show in 2006, followed by the Targa 38 GT, which was launched at the Southampton Boat Show in 2011. The Targa 38 Open replaced the GT and was launched in 2013 at the London Boat Show. Differences between model variations include:
- Targa 38 has no hardtop and a radar arch instead.
- Targa 38 GT has a sealed hardtop option and upgraded interior. It has a patio door and a furnished upper lounge (not available on Targa 38).
- Targa 38 OPEN has a hardtop with a fabric sunroof and an open cab, but no patio door. This model offers an optional high-low swim platform.
Specifications
- Overall length (including pulpit): 39 ft 10 in (12.13 m)
- Overall length (including pulpit): 40 ft 9 in (12.43 m) with submersible platform
- Overall length (excluding pulpit): 38 ft 1 in (11.61 m)
- Beam (including gunwale): 11 ft 11 in (3.64 m)
- Number of berths: 4 – 7
- Draft: 3 ft 4 in (1.02 m) unladen
- Height above waterline (including bow and navigation light mast): 12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
- Carriage height: 11 ft 3 in (3.44 m)
- Dry weight (approximate): 7.57 tons (7687 kg)
- Fuel Capacity: 140 gallons/168 US gallons (636 liters)
- Water capacity (including heater): 65 gallons / 78 US gallons (296 liters)
The good thing about the Fairline Targa 38
- The very strong hull design probably gives the best handling of any comparable boat in its class.
- Good driving position – no need to stop while driving to see where you are going.
- Good panoramic visibility from the helm position.
- Well designed, it feels much bigger than it really is.
- Storage galore.
- Good sized heads.
- Large galley fridge.
- Huge aft cabin with twin berths that convert to a double bed.
What to consider in a used Fairline Targa 38
If you are buying a used Targa 38, our engineers have briefed you on a few things to be aware of and potential faults that can occur on this boat from time to time.
- Occasional windshield leaks leading to water on galley work surface or water ingress into aft cabin.
- The side covers can drain into the aft cabin area in heavy rain.
- The original Volvo DPH outdrives suffered from hydraulic line degradation and steering piston leakage.
- The cockpit table can sustain water damage when stored.
- The sliding door between the cabin and the saloon can get sticky.
Keeping your Fairline Targa 38 fit
When purchasing a used Fairline Targa 38, regular scheduled maintenance and attention to a few minor points will keep your boat in top condition.
regular maintenance
Perform regular engine and transmission maintenance at Fairline recommended intervals for the Targa 38.
Maintenance
- Clean and lubricate the door tracks with a dry silicone lubricant.
- Clean the GT roof sliders as dust or dirt can cause slow and noisy operation.
- Leave the booth table in an upright position to prevent moisture damage. It is also a good idea to apply an oil treatment to the barbecue table and lid once every 6 months to keep them in tip-top condition.
- Lubricate the zippers and snap buttons on the hood to extend the life of the covers.
- Treat fuel tanks with a good chemical conditioner every two fills.
- Don’t sand teak too often, it’s best to use a two-part teak cleaner and polish.
- Drop a water purification tablet into the water tank at each fill to prevent “smelly water”.
Leaving out of play
- Remove the gear selector cover on the outboard transmission legs, clean out the shift cable growth where it slides in and out of the sleeve, and then apply a little marine grease, this will prevent the electronic gear shift actuators from overload and damage.
- When winterizing, remove and store the transom shower head.
- Relieve pressure from screen washers to prevent frost damage to small pipes.
Model Specific Repairs
The Fairline Targa 38 is not known for needing specific repairs more frequently than other boats.
Why buy a second-hand Fairline Targa 38?
This is another great ship from Fairline, and her perfectionist attitude towards life on board makes her one of the best in her class. So, in our opinion, if she’s considering buying a second-hand power cruiser, the Fairline Targa 38 has to be a strong contender.