The Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2007 vs Fairline Targa 52 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 Targa 52 2008 measures 52,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 44,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2007 at 8,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fairline Targa 52 2008 tips the scales at 3 238 lbs — 2 219 lbs less than the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2007 at 1 019 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 3 058 hp, the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2007 has a 1 638-hp advantage over the Fairline Targa 52 2008's 1 420-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 78 Custom 2007 carries 1 556 gallons versus 48 gallons in the Fairline Targa 52 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 78 Custom 2007 is rated for 24 passengers, while the Fairline Targa 52 2008 caps at 15. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 24 passengers and at 8,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fairline Targa 52 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 15 that costs less to run day-to-day.