The Fairline Squadron 60 2013 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 60 2013 measures 63,6 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 11,1 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 60 2013 tips the scales at 47 600 lbs — 11 334 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 60 2013 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 Squadron 60 2013 carries 572 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008. 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 60 2013 is rated for 19 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 60 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fairline Squadron 60 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 19 passengers and at 63,6 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.