The Fairline Targa 40 2008 vs Fairline Targa 44 2007 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Fairline Targa 40 2008 at 41,0 ft versus Fairline Targa 44 2007 at 44,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fairline Targa 44 2007 tips the scales at 2 491 lbs — 2 475 lbs less than the Fairline Targa 40 2008 at 16 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 730 hp, the Fairline Targa 44 2007 has a 110-hp advantage over the Fairline Targa 40 2008's 620-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 44 2007 carries 265 gallons versus 197 gallons in the Fairline Targa 40 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 44 2007 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Fairline Targa 40 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 44 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Fairline Targa 44 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 13 passengers and at 44,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Fairline Targa 40 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.