Fairline Squadron 42 2012 vs Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2014 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Fairline Squadron 42 2012 or the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2014?

The Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2014 is the longer of the two at 79,1 feet overall. The Fairline Squadron 42 2012 comes in at 42,5 feet, making it roughly 36,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2014 is rated to a maximum of 1 622 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 78 Custom 2014 is certified for 24. 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 78 Custom 2014 measures 226" 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 78 Custom 2014 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fairline Squadron 42 2012 and the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2014 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 78 Custom 2014

Fairline

Fairline Squadron 42 2012

2012

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Fairline

Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2014

2014

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Fairline Squadron 42 2012 vs Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2014 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Fairline Squadron 42 2012 vs Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2014 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 1 622 hp, the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2014 has a 1 407-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 2014 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 2014 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2014 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 24 passengers and at 79,1 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 - Detail79.11 ft

Length - Feet42.45

Length - Feet79.11

Length overall - Meters12.94

Length overall - Meters24.11

Length overall - Inches509

Length overall - Inches949

Beam13.84 ft

Beam18.80 ft

Beam - Meters4.22

Beam - Meters5.73

Beam - Inches166

Beam - Inches226

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail5.31 ft

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters1.62

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches64

Displacementnot available

Displacement139773.00 lbs

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeVOLVO

Engine makeCaterpillar

Horsepower215 hp

Horsepower1622 hp

Drive typeinboard

Engine 2 Engine MakeVOLVO

Engine 2 Engine MakeCaterpillar

Engine 2 Horsepower220 hp

Engine 2 Horsepower1622 hp

Engine 2 Drive Typeinboard

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal1556

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters5890.1

Engine modelnot available

Engine modelC32

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeDiesel

Engine 2 Engine Modelnot available

Engine 2 Engine ModelC32

Engine 2 Fuel Typenot available

Engine 2 Fuel TypeDiesel

Operational Info

Boat typePower

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity6

Cabinsnot available

Cabins3

Headnot available

Head3

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity301

Performance

Cruising speednot available

Cruising speed24

Cruising speed measurenot available

Cruising speed measureknots

Maximum speednot available

Maximum speed35

Maximum speed measurenot available

Maximum speed measureknots

Fairline Squadron 42 2012 vs Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2014 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Fairline Squadron 42 2012 or the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2014?

The Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2014 is the longer of the two at 79,1 feet overall. The Fairline Squadron 42 2012 comes in at 42,5 feet, making it roughly 36,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2014 is rated to a maximum of 1 622 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 78 Custom 2014 is certified for 24. 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 78 Custom 2014 measures 226" 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 78 Custom 2014 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fairline Squadron 42 2012 and the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2014 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 78 Custom 2014 full specs