The Fairline Targa 52 2007 vs Fairline Targa 52 GT 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 52 2007 at 52,0 ft versus Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008 at 52,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008 tips the scales at 36 266 lbs — 32 639 lbs less than the Fairline Targa 52 2007 at 3 627 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 1 401 hp, the Fairline Targa 52 2007 has a 601-hp advantage over the Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008's 800-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 52 2007 carries 48 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Fairline Targa 52 GT 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 52 GT 2008 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Fairline Targa 52 2007 caps at 15. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Fairline Targa 52 GT 2008 could be the deciding factor.