The Fairline Squadron 48 2014 vs Fairline Targa 43 2020 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Fairline Squadron 48 2014 measures 50,9 feet overall (2014), giving it roughly 5,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fairline Targa 43 2020 at 45,7 feet (2020). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fairline Squadron 48 2014 tips the scales at 30 358 lbs — 4 758 lbs more than the Fairline Targa 43 2020 at 25 600 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 480 hp, the Fairline Targa 43 2020 has a 40-hp advantage over the Fairline Squadron 48 2014's 440-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 343 gallons in the Fairline Targa 43 2020. 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 43 2020 caps at 13. 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 43 2020 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 13 that costs less to run day-to-day.