The Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2008 vs Fairline Targa 52 2002 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 26,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Fairline Targa 52 2002 at 52,5 feet (2002). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fairline Targa 52 2002 tips the scales at 71 650 lbs — 62 546 lbs less than the Fairline Squadron 78 Custom 2008 at 9 104 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 2 005-hp advantage over the Fairline Targa 52 2002's 715-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 48 gallons in the Fairline Targa 52 2002. 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 52 2002 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 78 Custom 2008 could be the deciding factor.