The Fairline Targa 43 2020 vs Fairline Targa 47 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Fairline Targa 43 2020 at 45,7 ft versus Fairline Targa 47 2008 at 48,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fairline Targa 47 2008 tips the scales at 28 360 lbs - 2 760 lbs less than the Fairline Targa 43 2020 at 25 600 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 1 000 hp, the Fairline Targa 47 2008 has a 520-hp advantage over the Fairline Targa 43 2020'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 Targa 47 2008 carries 370 gallons versus 343 gallons in the Fairline Targa 43 2020. 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 47 2008 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Fairline Targa 43 2020 caps at 13. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fairline Targa 47 2008 could be the deciding factor.