The Fairline Phantom 40 2009 vs Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 800 hp, the Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008 has a 435-hp advantage over the Fairline Phantom 40 2009's 365-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fairline Phantom 40 2009 carries 263 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Fairline Phantom 40 2009 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 16 passengers and at 52,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fairline Phantom 40 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.