The Fairline Targa 40, made its global debut at the 2024 Düsseldorf boat show. MBY editor, Hugo Andreae took a tour of this new British stunner
It has taken more than a decade for someone to knock the Princess V40 off its throne but the all-new Fairline Targa 40 didn’t just steal its crown at Düsseldorf, it tore it off, swung it around and blew a raspberry in Plymouth’s general direction before planting it firmly on its own head.
The key to its appeal is a design that looks modern and sporty without scaring the horses or compromising on space. Quite the opposite, thanks to the extra height and beam of the hull, it actually packs in way more space than its svelte exterior suggests.
That starts at the stern with a neat tender garage under the port side seating that takes a fully inflated 2.3m Zodiac or a partially deflated 2.7m. Tick the £4,000 tender option and you’ll also get a built-in compressor and charging point for the Torqeedo motor.
Rear seats that transform into aft-facing sunbeds by folding the backrest forward are as quick, effective and robust as you’d hope, while the magic vanishing cockpit table that folds under the seating when not required is as brilliant as ever.
We’re not so sure about the optional hydraulic bathing platform, given that it’s only a couple of feet wide and doesn’t launch or carry the tender, but the drop down cockpit balcony with integrated storage for the safety rails and wraparound LED lighting is a must have, even at £30,000. Steps lead up from here to the foredeck, featuring another vast sunbed with adjustable headrests and a cosy seat at the bow.
A huge fabric sunroof and sliding windows on both sides of the hard top do a great job of making it feel as open as possible, while a wetbar keeps guests fed and watered. The helm looks bang on too, although the seats could do with a bit of extra adjustment to increase kneeroom when seated.
Below decks there’s a good sized lower saloon with a C-shaped dinette that converts to an extra double, a decent little galley and a wonderfully spacious forward owner’s suite with ensuite access to the shared bathroom.
The aft guest cabin has just enough headroom to sit upright on the two beds, which also slide together to make a double.
If the space impressed us, the detailing blew us away with the same glossy woodwork, expensive fittings, subtle lighting and classy storage solutions found on larger Fairlines.
It’s not cheap, the one on show came to £834,195 ex VAT thanks to £280,000 worth of extras, but you should be able to spec one with the bigger engines and the key features for around £699,000 ex VAT.
Fairline Targa 40 specifications
LOA: 39ft 3in (11.99m)
BEAM: 13ft 0in (3.97m)
ENGINES: Twin Volvo Penta D6-340 / 380s
TOP SPEED: 32-36 knots
PRICE: Available upon application
