Fairline Squadron 42 2012 boat specs
Fairline
Fairline Squadron 42 2012
2012
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VS
Fairline Targa 43 Open 2019 boat specs
Fairline
Fairline Targa 43 Open 2019
2019
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Fairline Squadron 42 2012 vs Fairline Targa 43 Open 2019 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Fairline Squadron 42 2012 vs Fairline Targa 43 Open 2019 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 480 hp, the Fairline Targa 43 Open 2019 has a 265-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 Targa 43 Open 2019 is rated for 13 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 Targa 43 Open 2019 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Fairline Targa 43 Open 2019 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 13 passengers and at 45,7 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 - Detail45.70 ft
Length - Feet42.45
Length - Feet45.7
Length overall - Meters12.94
Length overall - Meters13.93
Length overall - Inches509
Length overall - Inches548
Beam13.84 ft
Beam14.20 ft
Beam - Meters4.22
Beam - Meters4.33
Beam - Inches166
Beam - Inches170
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail3.10 ft
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches37
Displacementnot available
Displacement25600.00 lbs
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeVOLVO
Engine makeVolvo Penta
Horsepower215 hp
Horsepower480 hp
Drive typeinboard
Drive typeinboard
Engine 2 Engine MakeVOLVO
Engine 2 Engine MakeVolvo Penta
Engine 2 Horsepower220 hp
Engine 2 Horsepower480 hp
Engine 2 Drive Typeinboard
Engine 2 Drive Typeinboard
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal343
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1298.4
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine 2 Fuel Typenot available
Engine 2 Fuel TypeDiesel
Operational Info
Boat typePower
Boat typePower
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity4
Cabinsnot available
Cabins2
Headnot available
Head1
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity105

Fairline Squadron 42 2012 vs Fairline Targa 43 Open 2019 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Fairline Squadron 42 2012 or the Fairline Targa 43 Open 2019?
The Fairline Targa 43 Open 2019 is the longer of the two at 45,7 feet overall. The Fairline Squadron 42 2012 comes in at 42,5 feet, making it roughly 3,3 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Fairline Targa 43 Open 2019 is rated to a maximum of 480 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 Targa 43 Open 2019 is certified for 13. 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 Targa 43 Open 2019 measures 170" 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 Targa 43 Open 2019 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Fairline Squadron 42 2012 and the Fairline Targa 43 Open 2019 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.