The Fairline Targa 38 2008 vs Fairline Targa 50 GT 2013 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 50 GT 2013 measures 51,4 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 12,4 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 Targa 50 GT 2013 tips the scales at 29 762 lbs — 28 248 lbs less 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 960 hp, the Fairline Targa 50 GT 2013 has a 440-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 50 GT 2013 carries 288 gallons versus 168 gallons in the Fairline Targa 38 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 Targa 50 GT 2013 is rated for 15 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 Targa 50 GT 2013 could be the deciding factor.