The Fairline Squadron 58 2012 vs Fairline Targa 38 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 58 2012 measures 58,4 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 19,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fairline Targa 38 2008 at 39,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fairline Squadron 58 2012 tips the scales at 59 524 lbs — 58 010 lbs more than the Fairline Targa 38 2008 at 1 514 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 1 800 hp, the Fairline Squadron 58 2012 has a 1 280-hp advantage over the Fairline Targa 38 2008's 520-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 Targa 38 2008 carries 168 gallons versus 61 gallons in the Fairline Squadron 58 2012. 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 58 2012 is rated for 17 passengers, while the Fairline Targa 38 2008 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fairline Squadron 58 2012 could be the deciding factor.