Fairline Targa 39 Review: Design, Performance, and On-Board Comfort

Ah, the Fairline Targa 39. Just hearing that name brings back a flood of memories from my decades in the marine industry. It’s a boat that truly stands out, not just as another sports cruiser, but as a vessel that perfectly encapsulates Fairline’s commitment to style, performance, and genuine onboard comfort. When it first launched, it quickly carved out a reputation, and even today, years later, a well-maintained Targa 39 remains a highly sought-after gem on the used market.

For those of you looking for a yacht that combines exhilarating performance with the sophistication and amenities of a luxury cruiser, the Targa 39 often pops up on the radar. Whether you’re planning weekend escapes to hidden coves, entertaining friends in style, or simply enjoying the thrill of open-water cruising, this model has consistently proven its mettle. In this comprehensive review, we’ll peel back the layers of the Fairline Targa 39, delving into what makes its design so enduring, how it truly performs on the water, and the level of comfort you can expect once you step aboard.

The Enduring Appeal of the Fairline Targa 39: A Legacy of Sport & Style

Fairline Yachts has a storied history, dating back to 1967, and their Targa series has always been at the forefront of the sports cruiser segment. The Targa 39, introduced in the late 1990s, was a particularly strong iteration, building on the success of its predecessors while introducing refined aesthetics and enhanced functionality. It wasn’t just designed to be fast; it was crafted to be an experience, a vessel that could thrill and relax in equal measure.

What gives the Targa 39 its lasting appeal? Part of it is undoubtedly Fairline’s pedigree. The brand is synonymous with quality construction, thoughtful engineering, and a timeless British design ethos. Unlike some boats that quickly show their age, the Targa 39’s lines have a classic elegance that prevents it from ever looking dated. It represents an era of boating where form and function were meticulously balanced, resulting in a vessel that is as beautiful to look at as it is rewarding to command. This commitment to enduring design is a significant reason why you still see so many Targa 39s proudly cruising today, turning heads wherever they go.

Fairline’s Design Philosophy and the Targa Series

Fairline’s Targa range was conceived to deliver open-top exhilaration without sacrificing the comforts and protection of a traditional cruiser. The Targa 39, in particular, perfectly embodies this philosophy. Its sport-oriented profile, often featuring a sleek radar arch and a well-integrated hardtop option, hinted at its performance capabilities, while its generous beam and deep-V hull promised stability and a smooth ride. This combination made it exceptionally popular for owners who wanted to feel the wind in their hair during the day but desired a cozy, well-appointed interior for overnight stays or inclement weather.

Many owners I’ve spoken with over the years praise the Targa 39 for its versatility. It’s robust enough for coastal hopping, yet agile enough for tight maneuvers in busy marinas. This balance is a testament to Fairline’s engineering team, who understood that a truly great sports cruiser needs to excel in various conditions and cater to diverse boating styles. It’s this blend of practicality and panache that cemented the Targa 39’s place as a classic.

Unpacking the Design: Elegance Meets Ergonomics

Stepping aboard a Fairline Targa 39, you immediately notice the thought that went into its layout. The exterior design is undeniably sleek, characterized by a low-profile silhouette and graceful curves that flow from bow to stern. Fairline opted for clean lines and integrated features, ensuring that even with its sporting intentions, the yacht maintains a sophisticated and luxurious appearance. The choice of materials, from the polished stainless steel fittings to the quality gelcoat, speaks volumes about its premium build.

The cockpit, often the heart of a sports cruiser, is exceptionally well-conceived on the Targa 39. It features ample seating, usually with a large U-shaped settee that converts into a sun pad, a wet bar with a sink and often a refrigerator, and a well-protected helm station. The helm benefits from excellent sightlines and a logical arrangement of instruments, making navigation intuitive and comfortable. Below deck, the interior continues the theme of refined comfort, utilizing a clever layout to maximize space and livability.

Cockpit and Deck Layout: The Social Hub

The Targa 39’s cockpit is a masterclass in maximizing usable space for both relaxation and entertainment. A common setup includes a large, social seating area aft, often with a folding teak table, perfect for al fresco dining or enjoying sundowners. Forward, adjacent to the helm, you’ll typically find a companion chaise lounge, allowing guests to enjoy the ride alongside the skipper. Access to the swim platform is usually via a transom door, providing a safe and easy entry point for swimming or boarding the tender.

Moving forward, the side decks, while not overly wide, are sufficient for safe movement around the boat, leading to a spacious foredeck. This area is often equipped with a large sun pad, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing when anchored. The integration of anchor windlass controls, cleats, and safety railings is seamless, reflecting Fairline’s attention to detail and practical usability. For a boat of its size, the Targa 39 offers a surprising amount of social space, a feature highly valued by owners.

Interior Accommodations: Luxury Below Deck

Below the deck, the Fairline Targa 39 truly shines in its commitment to comfort. The layout typically features two private cabins, providing comfortable accommodation for four adults, with the potential for a convertible dinette to sleep an additional two. The master cabin forward usually boasts a generous island double berth, ample storage, and direct access to the main head. The aft cabin, often located beneath the cockpit, offers twin berths that can sometimes convert to a double, along with its own small seating area.

The saloon is bright and inviting, thanks to large deck hatches and hull windows that let in plenty of natural light. A well-appointed galley, complete with a hob, microwave, refrigerator, and plenty of storage, makes preparing meals onboard a breeze. The head compartment is surprisingly spacious for a boat of this size, featuring a marine toilet, sink, and a hot/cold shower. Fairline’s use of high-quality timber finishes, luxurious upholstery, and clever lighting creates an inviting and upscale atmosphere, ensuring that even on longer voyages, you and your guests will feel right at home.

Performance on the Water: Power, Handling, and Cruising Capability

While its good looks are undeniable, the Fairline Targa 39 was built to perform. At its core, it’s a sports cruiser, and that means a thrilling ride is part of the package. The Targa 39 was almost exclusively powered by twin diesel engines, a smart choice for balancing performance with fuel efficiency and reliability. Common engine options included various configurations of Volvo Penta’s KAD series (e.g., KAD44 or KAD300) in earlier models, and later, the D4 or D6 series, offering anywhere from 260hp to 330hp per side.

These powerful twin engines, combined with a well-proven deep-V hull design, give the Targa 39 impressive capabilities. You can expect comfortable cruising speeds in the region of 24-28 knots, with top speeds often pushing past 30-35 knots depending on the specific engine setup, sea conditions, and load. This makes for swift passages, allowing you to cover significant distances in a day, whether you’re heading to a favorite anchorage or exploring a new coastline. The boat truly comes alive when you push the throttles forward, delivering a sensation of power and control that is genuinely exhilarating.

Handling Characteristics and Seakeeping

One of the most praised aspects of the Fairline Targa 39 in owner reviews and my own experiences is its excellent handling. The deep-V hull cuts through chop effectively, providing a remarkably soft and dry ride even when the conditions get a bit lumpy. It tracks beautifully, holds its line well, and responds precisely to helm input, making it a joy to steer. Maneuvering in tight quarters, thanks to the twin engines, is surprisingly docile, especially with the aid of bow thrusters which are a common and highly recommended factory or aftermarket addition.

I recall a client of mine, a seasoned boater, who took his Targa 39 from the Solent across to the Channel Islands in some fairly rough weather. He later told me, “That boat ate up the waves, never once felt out of control. It’s solid as a rock.” This sentiment is echoed by many Targa 39 owners who appreciate the boat’s inherent stability and robust construction, providing a significant sense of security. While it’s certainly not an offshore explorer, for coastal and near-shore cruising, it punches well above its weight in terms of seakeeping.

Fuel Efficiency and Range

While a sports cruiser isn’t built for extreme fuel economy, the twin diesel setup of the Targa 39 offers a sensible balance. At its optimal cruising speed, you might see fuel consumption in the range of 80-100 litres per hour for both engines combined, depending on the specific model and trim. With a typical fuel tank capacity of around 600-700 litres, this gives the Targa 39 a respectable range, allowing for extended weekend trips without constant worries about refueling. Of course, pushing the boat hard will significantly increase consumption, but for most owners, the combination of performance and range is perfectly adequate for their cruising needs.

Life Aboard: Comfort, Amenities, and Practicality for the Modern Cruiser

A boat is more than just its specifications and performance figures; it’s about the lifestyle it enables. The Fairline Targa 39 truly excels here, offering a comfortable and practical platform for creating unforgettable memories on the water. From its well-appointed cabins to its social cockpit, every aspect is designed to enhance your onboard experience.

Imagine waking up in a comfortable cabin, stepping into the saloon for a quick breakfast prepared in your well-equipped galley, and then heading up to the cockpit to enjoy the morning sun as you plan your day’s adventure. Later, you might drop anchor in a secluded bay, enjoy a swim from the transom, and then host friends for an evening of delicious food and good conversation. The Targa 39 facilitates all these scenarios with ease and elegance, proving that you don’t need a much larger yacht to enjoy true luxury and versatility.

Accommodation and Living Spaces

The Targa 39’s two-cabin layout is thoughtfully designed for comfort and privacy. The forward master cabin is a genuine retreat, offering a comfortable island berth, reading lights, and ample wardrobe space for extended stays. The aft cabin, often described as a ‘guest’ cabin, is far from an afterthought; it provides full standing headroom at the entrance and two comfortable berths, making it ideal for friends, children, or even a second couple. Both cabins benefit from opening portholes for ventilation and privacy blinds.

The saloon, while not enormous, is a cozy and inviting space perfect for unwinding. The U-shaped dinette is comfortable for four to six people, and the table typically folds or lowers to convert into an additional berth. The joinery is of high quality, often in cherry or similar warm timber, contributing to a rich and classic nautical ambiance. Climate control, usually via an air conditioning and heating system (a crucial feature in varied climates), ensures comfort regardless of the weather outside.

Galley and Onboard Systems

The galley on the Targa 39 is surprisingly comprehensive for a boat of this size. Typically, it includes an electric hob, a microwave oven, a refrigerator, a sink with hot and cold pressurized water, and plenty of storage for provisions and cookware. Some models even feature a dedicated freezer compartment. This setup allows for everything from simple snacks to gourmet meals, making extended trips far more enjoyable than relying solely on shore-side dining.

Beyond the galley, the Targa 39 often comes well-equipped with essential systems. A good generator (typically a small diesel unit like a Paguro or Onan) is vital for powering air conditioning, heating, and other high-draw appliances when away from shore power. Modern navigation electronics, while likely upgraded over the years, would have originally included radar, GPS plotters, and autopilot, making passage planning and execution straightforward. Freshwater tanks are usually generous enough for a long weekend, and hot water is supplied via an immersion heater or engine calorifier.

Navigating the Market: Buying, Owning, and Maintaining a Fairline Targa 39

If you’re considering purchasing a Fairline Targa 39 today, you’re looking at a pre-owned market. These boats hold their value remarkably well, a testament to their build quality and enduring appeal. Prices for a Fairline Targa 39 can vary significantly, typically ranging from $150,000 to $250,000, but this is heavily influenced by several key factors. The year of manufacture, engine hours, overall condition, and the extent of recent upgrades or refurbishments all play a crucial role. A meticulously maintained example with low engine hours and updated electronics will command a higher premium, and rightly so.

My advice, as always, is to prioritize condition over a bargain price. A boat that has been neglected will quickly eat into any initial savings with repair bills. Always insist on a comprehensive marine survey by a qualified professional and a thorough engine inspection. Look for detailed service records; a boat with a documented maintenance history is invaluable. Pay attention to the condition of the gelcoat, upholstery, teak decking, and ensure all systems – electrical, plumbing, navigation – are in good working order.

What to Look For in a Pre-Owned Targa 39

When you’re on the hunt for your Targa 39, don’t just kick the tires; get under the hood, so to speak. Here’s a checklist of what I typically advise my clients to scrutinize:

• Engine Condition and Service History: This is paramount. Look for signs of regular servicing, check for excessive smoke, strange noises, or leaks during a sea trial. High engine hours aren’t necessarily a deal-breaker if maintenance has been diligent.
• Hull and Deck Integrity: Inspect for gelcoat crazing, osmotic blistering, or any signs of previous damage repair. Check for soft spots on the deck, especially around fittings, which could indicate water ingress.
• Interior Condition: Assess upholstery wear, condition of timber, functionality of appliances, and general cleanliness. Are there any persistent musty smells?
• Systems Check: Test the generator, air conditioning, bow thruster, navigation electronics, fresh and wastewater systems, and bilge pumps. Ensure all lights and outlets work.
• Moisture Readings: A good surveyor will take moisture readings on the hull and deck to detect any hidden issues.
• Recent Upgrades: Modern chartplotters, radar, autopilot, or a new tender can add significant value and convenience.

Remember, a pre-purchase survey is not an option; it’s a necessity. It will highlight any potential issues and give you leverage in negotiations, or simply save you from a costly mistake.

Ownership Costs and Resale Value

Owning a Targa 39, like any quality yacht, comes with ongoing costs. These typically include marina fees, insurance, annual servicing of engines and critical systems, anti-fouling, and general maintenance. While these costs can be significant, the Targa 39 generally enjoys strong resale value. Its reputation for quality and performance, combined with its timeless design, means it remains desirable on the market. This often translates into lower depreciation compared to some less well-regarded brands, making it a relatively sound investment for a leisure vessel.

I once helped a client sell his Targa 39 after he’d owned it for nearly fifteen years. He’d kept it in immaculate condition, and we actually achieved a sale price that was incredibly close to what he had paid for it, factoring in inflation and his upgrades. That’s not a common story in boating, but it speaks volumes about the enduring quality and market demand for a well-cared-for Fairline Targa 39. It’s a boat you can truly fall in love with and trust to deliver years of memorable cruising.