The Fairline Phantom 40 2009 vs Fairline Targa 52 2007 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 1 401 hp, the Fairline Targa 52 2007 has a 1 036-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 48 gallons in the Fairline Targa 52 2007. 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 2007 is rated for 15 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 2007 could be the deciding factor.