The Fairline Phantom 50 2008 vs Fairline Targa 38 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Fairline Phantom 50 2008 measures 51,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 12,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fairline Targa 38 2007 at 39,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fairline Targa 38 2007 tips the scales at 1 696 lbs — 1 662 lbs less than the Fairline Phantom 50 2008 at 34 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 1 350 hp, the Fairline Phantom 50 2008 has a 837-hp advantage over the Fairline Targa 38 2007's 513-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 50 2008 carries 523 gallons versus 168 gallons in the Fairline Targa 38 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 Phantom 50 2008 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Fairline Targa 38 2007 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fairline Phantom 50 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fairline Phantom 50 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 15 passengers and at 51,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fairline Targa 38 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.