The Fairline Squadron 50 2022 vs Fairline Targa 52 2002 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Fairline Squadron 50 2022 at 51,4 ft versus Fairline Targa 52 2002 at 52,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fairline Targa 52 2002 tips the scales at 71 650 lbs — 58 150 lbs less than the Fairline Squadron 50 2022 at 13 500 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 715 hp, the Fairline Targa 52 2002 has a 235-hp advantage over the Fairline Squadron 50 2022's 480-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 50 2022 carries 288 gallons versus 48 gallons in the Fairline Targa 52 2002. 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 Targa 52 2002 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Fairline Squadron 50 2022 caps at 15. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fairline Targa 52 2002 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fairline Targa 52 2002 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 16 passengers and at 52,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fairline Squadron 50 2022 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 15 that costs less to run day-to-day.