The Fairline Phantom 50 2008 vs Fairline Targa 47 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Fairline Phantom 50 2008 at 51,0 ft versus Fairline Targa 47 2007 at 48,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fairline Targa 47 2007 tips the scales at 3 176 lbs — 3 142 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 364-hp advantage over the Fairline Targa 47 2007's 986-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 37 gallons in the Fairline Targa 47 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 47 2007 caps at 14. 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 47 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 14 that costs less to run day-to-day.