The Fairline Squadron 48 2014 vs Fairline Targa 38 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 440 hp, the Fairline Squadron 48 2014 has a 140-hp advantage over the Fairline Targa 38 2009's 300-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 Squadron 48 2014 carries 357 gallons versus 168 gallons in the Fairline Targa 38 2009. 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 Squadron 48 2014 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Fairline Targa 38 2009 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fairline Squadron 48 2014 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fairline Squadron 48 2014 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 15 passengers and at 50,9 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fairline Targa 38 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.