Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Fairline Squadron 42 2012 vs Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Fairline Squadron 42 2012 vs Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 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 2 720 hp, the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2008 has a 2 505-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 78 Custom 2008 is rated for 24 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 78 Custom 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 24 passengers and at 79,0 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 - Detail79 ft. 11 in. (24.38 m)
Length - Feet42.45
Length - Feet79
Length overall - Meters12.94
Length overall - Meters24.36
Length overall - Inches509
Length overall - Inches959
Beam13.84 ft
Beam18 ft. 8 in. (5.69 m)
Beam - Meters4.22
Beam - Meters5.69
Beam - Inches166
Beam - Inches224
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise18℃
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail5 ft. 3 in. (1.61 m)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters1.6
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches63
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail45.52 tons (46,250 kg)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg41295.02
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.9104
Height - Detailnot available
Height - DetailTransport: 18 ft. 5 in. (5.61 m)
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters5.61
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches221
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters24.38
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches11
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeVOLVO
Engine makenot available
Horsepower215 hp
Horsepowernot available
Drive typeinboard
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Engine 2 Engine MakeVOLVO
Engine 2 Engine Makenot available
Engine 2 Horsepower220 hp
Engine 2 Horsepowernot available
Engine 2 Drive Typeinboard
Engine 2 Drive Typenot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail1,556 gal. (5,892 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters5890.1
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1556
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine maxnot available
Engine max2,720 - 3,144 hp
Operational Info
Boat typePower
Boat typenot available
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity6 - 13
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity301 gal. (1,140 l)
General Boat Info
Makenot available
MakeFairline
Modelnot available
ModelSquadron 78 Custom
Model Yearnot available
Model Year2008
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee