The handling of the smallest Targa was very impressive
The handling of the smallest Targa was very impressive. A gusty Force 5 and a steep 30in chop may not be as demanding as gale Force 8, but we are convinced the Targa 29 would also handle these conditions in its stride. The engines are ideally matched to the boat, with their impressive spread of torque making for easy handling and fast acceleration.
Down below, the designers have really excelled themselves. The layout is spacious and well planned, and the headroom is as good as on many bigger boats. There’s no evidence whatsoever of Scrooge-like budgeting just because this is the smallest Targa in the Range.
However, the Targa 29 does show signs of schizophrenia. If it were competing, its score out of ten would be: handling 9.9, accommodation 9.9, and deck 6.0. The layout of the deck is okay no points dropped there but the detailing is poor: it’s almost as if a different breed of designer has been responsible for the deck.
How you rate the Targa will depend on your attitude towards the shortcomings in detail around the deck. If these don’t bother you, then the rest of the Targa will impress you.
DIMENSIONS
LOA 31ft 0in 9.45m
Hull Length 29ft 9in 9.07m
Beam 10ft 2in 3.10m
Draught 3ft 2in 0.97m
Air draught 8ft 9in 2.67m
Displacement 3.9 tonnes (light) 4.4 tonnes (loaded)
Fuel capacity 92 imp gal 418lt
Water capacity 41 imp gal 186lt
Engines Twin Volvo Penta KAD32DP
170hp @ 3,800rpm
x4-cylinder, 2.4lt turbo diesels
Duoprop outdrive legs, A7 propellers
RPM Speed Trim GPH MPG Range
2,000 12.1 5.0° 3.5 3.44 253
2,500 20.1 4.5° 5.5 3.68 271
3,000 26.9 3.0° 8.7 3.09 227
3,300 30.5 3.0° 11.0 2.78 205
3,600 34.0 3.0° 13.6 2.50 184
3,900 36.0 3.0° 16.2 2.22 164
Range allows for 20% reserve,
40% fuel, 100% water, 2 crew
Sea state: steep 30in chop
Wind strength: Force 5
Performance
Maximum Speed 36.0 knots
Maximum Range 164 miles at 3,900rpm
Cruising Speed 30.5 knots
Cruising Range 205 miles at 3,300rpm
Base price Price as tested
£80,078 ex TAX £81,702 ex TAX
Designers
Olesinski & Fairline
Builder
Fairline Boats, Barnwell Road, Oundle, Peterborough, Cambs PE8 5PA. Tel: +44 (0)1832 273661. Fax: +44 (0)1832 273432.
Email: sales@fairline.com
Web: http://www.fairline.com
Supplier
Marine Sales UK, Lake Yard, Hamworthy, Poole BH15 4DT. Tel: +44 (0)1202 687799. Fax: +44 (0)1202 687719.
Sound levels dB(A) Saloon Cockpit
Cruising @ 30.5 knots 82 86
Maximum @ 36.0 knots 83 87
