The Fairline Squadron 55 2009 vs Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008 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 55 2009 measures 56,9 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 4,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008 at 52,5 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fairline Squadron 55 2009 tips the scales at 48 854 lbs - 12 588 lbs more than the Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008 at 36 266 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 800 hp for the Fairline Squadron 55 2009 and 800 hp for the Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008 carries 400 gallons versus 270 gallons in the Fairline Squadron 55 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 55 2009 is rated for 17 passengers, while the Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008 caps at 16. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fairline Squadron 55 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fairline Squadron 55 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 17 passengers and at 56,9 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 16 that costs less to run day-to-day.