Fairline Squadron 42 2012 vs Fairline Squadron 55 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Fairline Squadron 42 2012 or the Fairline Squadron 55 2009?

The Fairline Squadron 55 2009 is the longer of the two at 56,9 feet overall. The Fairline Squadron 42 2012 comes in at 42,5 feet, making it roughly 14,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Fairline Squadron 55 2009 is rated to a maximum of 800 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fairline Squadron 42 2012 tops out at 215 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Fairline Squadron 42 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Fairline Squadron 55 2009 is certified for 17. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Fairline Squadron 55 2009 measures 191" wide, compared to 166" for the Fairline Squadron 42 2012. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Are the Fairline Squadron 42 2012 and Fairline Squadron 55 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fairline Squadron 42 2012 and the Fairline Squadron 55 2009 are built by Fairline. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Fairline Squadron 42 2012 vs Fairline Squadron 55 2009

Fairline

Fairline Squadron 42 2012

2012

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Fairline

Fairline Squadron 55 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Fairline Squadron 42 2012 vs Fairline Squadron 55 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Fairline Squadron 42 2012 vs Fairline Squadron 55 2009 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 Squadron 55 2009 has a 585-hp advantage over the Fairline Squadron 42 2012's 215-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Fairline Squadron 55 2009 is rated for 17 passengers, while the Fairline Squadron 42 2012 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fairline Squadron 55 2009 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Fairline Squadron 55 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 17 passengers and at 56,9 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fairline Squadron 42 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.

Measurements / Dimensions

Length overall - Detail42.45 ft

Length overall - Detail56.90 ft

Length - Feet42.45

Length - Feet56.9

Length overall - Meters12.94

Length overall - Meters17.34

Length overall - Inches509

Length overall - Inches683

Beam13.84 ft

Beam15.90 ft

Beam - Meters4.22

Beam - Meters4.85

Beam - Inches166

Beam - Inches191

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail4.11 ft

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters1.25

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches49

Displacementnot available

Displacement48854.00 lbs

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeVOLVO

Engine makeVolvo Penta

Horsepower215 hp

Horsepower800 hp

Drive typeinboard

Engine 2 Engine MakeVOLVO

Engine 2 Engine MakeVolvo Penta

Engine 2 Horsepower220 hp

Engine 2 Horsepower800 hp

Engine 2 Drive Typeinboard

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal27

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters1022.06

Engine modelnot available

Engine modelD12

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeDiesel

Engine 2 Engine Modelnot available

Engine 2 Engine ModelD12

Engine 2 Fuel Typenot available

Engine 2 Fuel TypeDiesel

Operational Info

Boat typePower

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity4

Cabinsnot available

Cabins2

Headnot available

Head2

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity131

Fairline Squadron 42 2012 vs Fairline Squadron 55 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Fairline Squadron 42 2012 or the Fairline Squadron 55 2009?

The Fairline Squadron 55 2009 is the longer of the two at 56,9 feet overall. The Fairline Squadron 42 2012 comes in at 42,5 feet, making it roughly 14,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Fairline Squadron 55 2009 is rated to a maximum of 800 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Fairline Squadron 42 2012 tops out at 215 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Fairline Squadron 42 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Fairline Squadron 55 2009 is certified for 17. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Fairline Squadron 55 2009 measures 191" wide, compared to 166" for the Fairline Squadron 42 2012. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Are the Fairline Squadron 42 2012 and Fairline Squadron 55 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fairline Squadron 42 2012 and the Fairline Squadron 55 2009 are built by Fairline. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Fairline Squadron 42 2012 full specs ← Fairline Squadron 55 2009 full specs