The Fairline Targa 52 2002 vs Fairline Targa 64 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Fairline Targa 64 2008 measures 64,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 11,5 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 - 20 290 lbs more than the Fairline Targa 64 2008 at 51 360 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 2 030 hp, the Fairline Targa 64 2008 has a 1 315-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 Targa 64 2008 carries 783 gallons versus 480 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 Targa 64 2008 is rated for 19 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 Targa 64 2008 could be the deciding factor.