The Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2008 vs Fairline Targa 45 Open 2025 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 78 Custom 2008 measures 79,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 31,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fairline Targa 45 Open 2025 at 47,6 feet (2025). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2008 tips the scales at 91 040 lbs - 63 483 lbs more than the Fairline Targa 45 Open 2025 at 27 557 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 2 720 hp, the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2008 has a 2 240-hp advantage over the Fairline Targa 45 Open 2025'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 78 Custom 2008 carries 1 556 gallons versus 286 gallons in the Fairline Targa 45 Open 2025. 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 2008 is rated for 24 passengers, while the Fairline Targa 45 Open 2025 caps at 14. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2008 could be the deciding factor.