Fairline Targa 48 Gt for Sale

Fairline Targa 48 GT Specifications

The specification reveals a sport cruiser designed to balance performance, accommodation, and cruising range in a package just under 50 feet. The 1,309-litre fuel capacity is adequate rather than generous for the class — sufficient for a comfortable day of fast cruising but requiring careful planning for longer passages. The Volvo Penta IPS pod drive system is the defining mechanical feature, delivering joystick docking capability, improved fuel efficiency over conventional shaft drives at certain speeds, and reduced noise and vibration at cruise.

Three engine options were offered across the model’s production run. The standard D6-IPS600 (435 mhp per side) delivers approximately 30 knots and suits relaxed cruising. The Mk2 introduced the mid-range D6-IPS650 (480 mhp), while the flagship D8-IPS700 (550 mhp) pushes top speed to approximately 33 knots and extends the cruising envelope considerably. The D8-IPS700 is the most sought-after specification on the used market, offering the best balance of performance and capability.

Build Quality & Construction

Hull and structure: The Targa 48 GT is constructed entirely in GRP (glass-reinforced plastic), following Fairline’s established building methods. The deep-V planing hull is engineered for a combination of high-speed stability and comfortable sea-keeping, with the hull form shared across the Targa 48 platform (GT and Open variants) and related to the Squadron 48 flybridge model. Wider chines and a generous beam of 4.32 m provide the stability needed for a boat that carries the weight of the electric hardtop mechanism and full cruising equipment, while the deep-V forward sections ensure a soft ride in a chop.

Alberto Mancini design (Mk2): The Mk2 Targa 48 GT represents Mancini’s vision for Fairline following the 2016 ownership change. The Italian designer trimmed rooflines, slimmed waistlines, and introduced a more contemporary, Mediterranean-influenced aesthetic that transformed Fairline’s visual identity. The result is a boat that looks markedly different from its Mk1 predecessor despite sharing the same fundamental hull platform. Mancini’s exterior work extends to the helm station layout, the cockpit proportions, and the integration of the retractable hardtop into the overall design — details that collectively produce a more cohesive, refined appearance.

Interior craftsmanship: Fairline’s interior fit-out has long been considered a benchmark in British motor yacht construction. The Targa 48 GT continues this tradition with carefully matched walnut or oak veneers, quality hardware, and an attention to detail that European competitors have openly cited as their target standard. The interior design offers customisable finishes, including high-gloss walnut surrounds, lime-washed oak floors, and satin-finished oak surfaces across multiple design schemes. Soft furnishings, upholstery, and headlining are finished to a standard that competes directly with Princess and Sunseeker at this size point.

British engineering heritage: Despite the change in ownership and the introduction of Italian design leadership, the Targa 48 GT remains a product of Fairline’s English workforce and manufacturing processes. The boats are built in Northamptonshire by teams with decades of experience in GRP construction and marine joinery. This combination of Italian design flair and British manufacturing discipline is central to the Targa 48 GT’s appeal — and to Fairline’s positioning as a yard that delivers Mediterranean style with the engineering rigour and build quality that British builders are known for.

The shared-hull platform: One detail that informed buyers should understand is that the Targa 48 GT shares its hull moulding with the Targa 48 Open and the Squadron 48 flybridge model. The hull was designed to accommodate the heaviest variant — the flybridge Squadron — which means the GT carries wider chines and slightly more beam than it might strictly need for its own superstructure weight. In practice, this translates to excellent stability at rest and a forgiving ride in beam seas, but it also means the hull is not optimised exclusively for the lighter GT configuration. The Open variant, at roughly 900 kg lighter than the GT, demonstrates how the same hull can feel noticeably more agile without the hardtop weight. This is not a deficiency — it is a design reality common across multi-variant production platforms — but it is worth understanding when comparing the Targa 48 GT’s handling to single-purpose sport cruiser designs from competitors.

Performance & Handling

At speed: The Targa 48 GT’s deep-V hull paired with Volvo Penta IPS pod drives produces a ride that reviewers consistently praise for its composure and confidence. With the D8-IPS700 engines, the boat transitions cleanly onto the plane and accelerates to a top speed of approximately 33 knots — brisk enough for genuine sport cruising. The standard D6-IPS600 delivers around 30 knots, which is perfectly adequate for most cruising scenarios. At a comfortable cruise of 23–25 knots, the twin IPS pods operate efficiently and the hull tracks well through turns without the dramatic heeling or spray that can affect flatter-hulled competitors. The ride quality in moderate seas is notably composed for a boat under 50 feet.

IPS advantages: The Volvo Penta IPS system is the Targa 48 GT’s defining mechanical feature. Forward-facing, counter-rotating propellers mounted beneath the hull provide several tangible benefits: reduced drag compared to conventional shaft drives (Volvo claims up to 15% better fuel efficiency), lower noise and vibration levels at cruise, and — most importantly for many owners — the joystick docking system that allows fingertip control at low speed. The joystick translates the complexity of twin-engine, twin-pod manoeuvring into a single intuitive control, making tight-quarters berthing accessible even to less experienced skippers. In calm conditions, the system is transformative.

Handling limitations: Professional reviews and owner feedback note that a bow thruster is advisable despite the IPS joystick. In crosswinds and during longer reverse passages, the joystick alone can struggle to maintain precise control — one reviewer noted that the joystick is “fine in benign conditions, but as soon as there’s a bit of a gust, it’s not great for berthing”. The high-mode joystick setting can kick up water and rock the boat. A factory-fitted or aftermarket bow thruster significantly improves close-quarters confidence in challenging conditions and is a specification point worth checking on any used example.

Sea-keeping: The deep-V hull form delivers good sea-keeping for a planing motor yacht of this size. The Targa 48 GT is CE Category B rated for offshore passages up to 200 nautical miles from harbour, and owners report comfortable coastal cruising in conditions up to moderate seas. The 4.32 m beam provides good initial stability at rest and a stable platform at anchor. In rougher conditions, the deep-V bow sections cut through waves effectively, though as with any planing hull under 50 feet, crew comfort at speed deteriorates noticeably in seas above 1.5 metres.

Range and fuel economy: With the 1,309-litre fuel tank and D8-IPS700 engines, the Targa 48 GT achieves a theoretical range of approximately 424 nm at an economy cruise of 9 knots. At a more realistic fast-cruise speed of 23–25 knots, range is considerably shorter, and careful fuel planning is needed for passages beyond day-trip distances. Fuel consumption at higher speeds has been noted as higher than expected by some reviewers — worse than the outgoing Targa 47 on shaft drives, despite similar weights. This is a trade-off of the IPS system’s complexity and the pod housings’ additional drag at certain speed ranges.

Interior & Accommodation

Main deck: The Targa 48 GT’s main deck is defined by two transformative features: the electric retractable glass hardtop and the sliding stainless-framed cockpit doors. Together, they create a space that transitions seamlessly between enclosed saloon and open-air cockpit. With the roof retracted, the entire upper deck becomes a single flowing living space that floods with natural light and fresh air. With it closed, the dynamic side glazing, mullioned glass panels, and tinted roof panels create a bright, protected environment suitable for year-round cruising in northern European waters.

The main deck saloon features a U-shaped sofa surrounding a bespoke coffee table. Adjacent to the driving position is a comfortable L-shaped lounge that creates a sociable atmosphere — family or guests can easily chat with the skipper while underway, eliminating the captain-crew separation that comes with flybridge helm positions. This is the essence of the GT concept: a single-level living and driving space where the helm is integrated into the social area rather than isolated from it.

Galley options: The Targa 48 GT offers two galley configurations. The popular “galley-up” layout positions the kitchen on the main deck to starboard, just aft of the helm, with a two-burner induction hob, a Fisher and Paykel oven and grill, a deep sink, and an Isotherm drinks fridge. This arrangement keeps the cook at the centre of the action and works superbly for day cruising and entertaining. The “galley-down” alternative relocates the kitchen to the lower deck, freeing the main deck entirely for relaxation and social space. The lower galley is more comprehensively equipped, with a combination microwave/oven/grill, large refrigerator and separate freezer, ceramic hob, and dishwasher.

Lower deck: The standard layout provides two cabins: a full-width master cabin amidships with a large central island berth, a sofa to starboard, generous storage, and a spacious en-suite head with separate shower cubicle; and a forward VIP cabin with a scissor-action berth (convertible between twin and double configuration) with en-suite access to the day head and separate shower. A third cabin option adds bunk berths with en-suite access to the day head, bringing total accommodation to six or seven berths. Alternatively, the third cabin space can be specified as a lower saloon/dinette for owners who prefer more living space over an additional sleeping cabin.

Cockpit and exterior: The aft cockpit features J-shaped seating with an optional teak table that converts into a sunpad — a practical touch for alternating between alfresco dining and sunbathing at anchor. Direct transom access leads to the bathing platform, which is available in both fixed and submersible hydraulic configurations. Teak decking extends throughout the cockpit, side decks, and bathing platform on higher specifications.

Helm station: The helm integrates twin navigation screens, engine instrumentation, and the IPS joystick in a clean, driver-focused layout. Visibility from the lower helm is excellent, aided by the large windscreen panels and expansive side glass. A co-pilot seat sits adjacent, maintaining the GT’s sociable, single-level living concept. The Mk2 brought updated helm electronics and improved ergonomics to the driving position.

Fairline Targa 48 GT vs Competitors

The 45–55 ft sport cruiser segment is one of the most competitive in motor yachting, with strong entries from British, Italian, and German yards. The Targa 48 GT carved out a distinctive position during its production run as a grand tourer that combined Volvo IPS technology with a retractable hardtop and flexible accommodation — all wrapped in Fairline’s traditionally high build quality. Now that the model trades exclusively on the pre-owned market, its value proposition has strengthened considerably relative to the new-build prices of current competitors.

Fairline Targa 48 GT vs Fairline Targa 53 GT

The Targa 53 GT is the Targa 48 GT’s bigger sibling and the most natural step-up for owners outgrowing the 48. The 53 uses conventional shaft drives with contra-rotating propellers rather than IPS pods, which means simpler maintenance but no joystick docking. It offers up to four cabins (vs the 48’s maximum of three), a substantially larger fuel capacity of 2,412 litres (vs 1,309), and a more commanding presence on the water at 16.92 m LOA. The 48 GT counters with lower purchase and running costs, IPS joystick manoeuvrability, and a more manageable size for single-handed operation or tighter Mediterranean berths. Choose the 53 if you need the extra accommodation and range; choose the 48 if IPS convenience, compactness, and value are priorities.

Fairline Targa 48 GT vs Princess V55

The Princess V55 is the largest and most expensive boat in this comparison at 17.81 m LOA. Princess offers the refined, understated character that defines the Plymouth builder’s approach, with shaft drive as standard (optional IPS), up to three cabins, and the deep-V hull for which Princess is renowned. The V55 commands a significant price premium both new and used, and tends to hold its value well thanks to brand recognition. The Targa 48 GT counters with Mancini’s more contemporary styling, the retractable hardtop (vs the Princess’s fixed or sliding options), standard IPS with joystick control, and a substantially lower entry price. The Princess is for buyers who want maximum size, British heritage, and strong resale. The Fairline is for those who want modern design, IPS convenience, and better value for money.

Fairline Targa 48 GT vs Azimut S6

The Azimut S6 brings Italian engineering and technology leadership to the comparison. Powered by triple Volvo IPS-700 pods with extensive carbon fibre in the superstructure and an optional hybrid drive system, the S6 is the most technologically advanced boat in this group. It is also lighter than its size suggests and the triple-engine configuration provides both redundancy and exceptional manoeuvrability. However, the S6 is significantly more expensive to buy and to maintain. The Targa 48 GT offers a simpler, more accessible ownership proposition: twin IPS pods (vs triple), proven GRP construction, Fairline’s build quality, and a substantially lower price point. The Azimut is for buyers who want cutting-edge Italian technology. The Fairline is for those who want British craftsmanship, established reliability, and a more manageable cost of ownership.

Fairline Targa 48 GT vs Sealine SC47

The Sealine SC47 is the most direct size competitor and typically the most affordable alternative. The German-built (now Hanse Group) SC47 offers a similar hardtop concept with retractable glass roof, twin IPS drives, and a focus on open-plan main-deck living. Build quality and interior finish are good but do not match the Fairline’s level of craftsmanship in joinery, hardware, and detailing. The Sealine is the budget-conscious choice in this segment — a capable, well-designed boat at a lower price point. The Fairline justifies its premium through superior build quality, Mancini’s more distinctive design, a more refined helm and cockpit layout, and stronger residual values on the secondary market.

Fairline Targa 48 GT vs Pardo 43

The Pardo 43 represents a different philosophy: a Mediterranean walkaround day boat that prioritises open-air living, minimalist Italian design, and outboard or sterndrive propulsion. The Pardo excels as a stylish day cruiser and fair-weather entertainer, with a focus on exterior space and ease of use. However, it lacks the Targa’s enclosed saloon, retractable hardtop, galley options, and multi-cabin accommodation. The Targa 48 GT is the more versatile vessel — equally capable as a weekend cruiser, a Mediterranean holiday platform, or a short-break liveaboard. The Pardo suits owners who prioritise outdoor living and contemporary style for predominantly fair-weather use.

For a full interactive depreciation comparison between the Fairline Targa 48 GT and competing models, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool, where you can overlay pricing trends, track seasonal demand, and benchmark value retention across the 45–55 ft sport cruiser segment.

Fairline Targa 48 GT Ownership Costs

The well-established rule of thumb in motor yacht ownership — budget approximately 10% of the boat’s value per year in running costs — applies broadly to the Targa 48 GT. For a used example valued at £300,000–£450,000, annual costs typically fall in the £30,000–£50,000 range depending on usage, location, and how much maintenance the owner undertakes personally:

• Insurance: 1.2–1.8% of hull value. For a Targa 48 GT insured at £350,000, approximately £4,200–£6,300 per year. Mediterranean cruising grounds and extended-range cruising areas may attract higher premiums.
• Berthing: A 16 m motor yacht on the UK south coast costs approximately £8,000–£14,000 per year. Mediterranean berths range from €6,000 (Croatia, Greece) to €18,000+ (Côte d’Azur, Balearics). Berthing is typically the second-largest fixed cost after depreciation.
• Engine and IPS servicing: Volvo Penta IPS pod drives require specialist servicing, typically through authorised Volvo dealers. Annual service costs for twin IPS units run approximately £4,000–£7,000 depending on hours and the service interval. IPS oil is notably expensive, heat exchangers require attention, and any pod seal or drive unit work is a specialist job. This is materially more expensive than equivalent shaft-drive maintenance.
• Haul-out and antifouling: Annual haul-out, hull clean, antifouling, and anode replacement costs approximately £3,500–£5,500 depending on yard location and paint system.
• Fuel: At a fast cruise of 23–25 knots, fuel consumption is approximately 120–150 litres per hour combined (engine dependent). A 100-hour cruising season burns approximately 12,000–15,000 litres — roughly £18,000–£24,000 at UK marina diesel prices. Fuel is the largest variable cost and is directly proportional to usage and throttle setting.
• Approximate annual total: £30,000–£50,000 excluding fuel for a well-maintained used example. Including fuel for an active 100-hour season, total annual cost is likely £50,000–£75,000.

IPS cost considerations: The Volvo Penta IPS system delivers genuine benefits in terms of manoeuvrability, noise, and vibration. The trade-off is higher maintenance costs and a narrower pool of qualified service engineers compared to shaft-drive boats. IPS oil is described by owners as “liquid gold” due to its cost, and repairs to pod seals or drive units can be expensive. Prospective buyers should factor in the IPS service premium when comparing total cost of ownership against shaft-drive competitors like the Fairline Targa 53 GT, which uses simpler, more universally serviceable shaft drives.

How to Buy a Fairline Targa 48 GT: What to Look For

Two generations, distinct character: The Mk1 (2013–2016) and Mk2 (2017–2020) share the same deep-V hull platform but differ significantly in styling, interior treatment, and available engine options. Mk1 boats were produced before the Mancini redesign and carry the earlier Fairline design language — handsome and well-built but visually more conservative. Mk2 boats feature Mancini’s contemporary exterior, refined interior finishes, updated electronics, and the addition of the D6-IPS650 mid-range engine option. On the used market, Mk1 boats trade from approximately £280,000–£380,000, while Mk2 boats range from £350,000–£500,000+ depending on specification, engine choice, hours, and condition.

Key Inspection Points

• Volvo Penta IPS drives: The most critical inspection area. Request the full Volvo Penta service history and verify that all scheduled maintenance has been completed by an authorised dealer. Check pod seals for any history of water ingress or replacement. Inspect sea strainers (which are plastic and positioned after the water pump). Listen for unusual noises during the sea trial and verify smooth joystick operation in all directions. First-generation IPS units (fitted to early Mk1 boats) are known to be more problematic than later revisions.
• Retractable hardtop: Test the full open and close cycle multiple times. The electric glass roof is the boat’s most complex moving component and its signature feature. Inspect tracks, seals, and motor mechanism for smooth, hesitation-free operation. Check for any signs of water ingress when closed. Complex motorised roof systems require careful maintenance and can develop issues over time if neglected.
• Engine hours and service records: Volvo D6 engines are typically rated for 3,000–4,000 hours before major overhaul. D8 engines have similar service lives. Insist on complete, documented Volvo Penta service records. Very low hours on older boats (under 200 hours on a 2014–2016 boat) suggest extended periods of inactivity, which requires additional due diligence on fuel systems, cooling circuits, rubber seals, and IPS drive condition.
• Turbocharger and supercharger condition: Some owners have reported turbo and supercharger issues on D6 and D8 engines. During the sea trial, monitor engine temperatures, check for excessive exhaust smoke at all throttle settings, and listen for turbo whine or hesitation during acceleration.
• Gel coat and structural: Inspect hull topsides and superstructure for crazing, stress cracks, and osmotic blistering. Pay particular attention to areas around cleats, mooring points, and the transom bathing platform attachments. The shared-hull platform means the GT carries the structural provisions for the heavier Squadron flybridge model — this is not a deficiency but worth understanding.
• Bow thruster: Verify whether a bow thruster is fitted. If not, factor in the cost of retrofitting one (approximately £3,000–£5,000 installed). Professional reviews consistently recommend a bow thruster for confident close-quarters handling in crosswinds.

Commissioning a Survey

A comprehensive marine survey for a Targa 48 GT should include a full hull and structural inspection out of water, an IPS drive and engine assessment by a qualified Volvo Penta specialist, a sea trial covering full-speed runs, joystick docking tests, and slow-speed manoeuvring, hardtop mechanism testing through multiple cycles, and a systems check under load (generator, HVAC, electronics). Budget £2,000–£3,500 for a thorough survey. Given that the model is now discontinued and all examples are pre-owned, the survey is non-negotiable — the cost is trivial relative to the risk of undetected IPS drive issues or hardtop mechanism problems on a boat of this value.

Verdict: Who Is the Fairline Targa 48 GT For?

The Fairline Targa 48 GT is a sport cruiser that appeals to a specific type of motor yacht buyer: someone who values design, build quality, and the grand touring experience over raw speed or maximum interior volume. It is, as Motor Boat & Yachting characterised it, a “seagoing coupé cabriolet” — a boat that transforms its character at the touch of a button, shifting from enclosed comfort to open-air exhilaration as the conditions and mood dictate.

Best suited for: Couples and small families who want a versatile weekend and holiday cruiser with the refinement to entertain, the accommodation for overnight guests, and the performance to cover meaningful distances in a day. The IPS joystick makes it accessible to owners stepping up from smaller boats, while the retractable hardtop and flexible galley options deliver a level of lifestyle adaptability that fixed-roof alternatives cannot match. Mediterranean coastal cruising, Channel crossings, and UK south coast weekending are all within its natural operating envelope. Owners who enjoy the social aspect of boating — entertaining friends in the cockpit, dining under the open sky, swimming from the bathing platform — will find the Targa 48 GT particularly well suited to their lifestyle.

Less suited for: Buyers seeking a long-range passage maker or bluewater cruiser should look elsewhere — the 1,309-litre fuel capacity and planing hull design are optimised for coastal work, not extended offshore voyaging. Those who want the commanding elevated helm position and additional deck space of a flybridge should consider the Squadron range or competitors like the Princess F55. And owners based in areas where authorised Volvo Penta IPS service is difficult to source may find the maintenance logistics challenging compared to shaft-drive alternatives.

Strengths: Superb build quality and interior craftsmanship; transformative retractable hardtop; IPS joystick docking; Mancini design (Mk2); flexible galley-up/galley-down and 2/3 cabin layouts; comfortable sea-keeping; sociable, single-level main deck layout; strong Fairline brand heritage and dealer network.

Limitations: IPS drives are more expensive to service than shaft drives; fuel consumption at higher speeds exceeds some competitors; 1,309-litre fuel tank limits long-range passage-making; a bow thruster is needed for confident crosswind docking; IPS joystick can struggle in gusty conditions; the shared-hull platform means the GT carries some weight compromises from the heavier Squadron variant; generator is an optional extra rather than standard equipment.

The Mancini factor: The distinction between Mk1 and Mk2 is worth emphasising in the context of the buying decision. The Mk2’s Alberto Mancini redesign is not a minor facelift — it is a comprehensive visual transformation that makes the boat look a generation newer than the Mk1. For buyers who care about contemporary styling and dockside presence, the Mk2 is the clear choice. For those who are less concerned with aesthetics and more focused on mechanical condition and value for money, a well-maintained Mk1 with the right engine hours and a clean IPS service history can represent outstanding value.

On the pre-owned market, the Targa 48 GT represents an attractive proposition. Mk1 boats from £280,000 offer Fairline build quality and the IPS/hardtop combination at a fraction of the original price. Mk2 boats from £350,000 add Mancini’s design refinement and updated systems. Either generation delivers a boat that competes credibly with larger, more expensive rivals on build quality, design, and the sheer pleasure of the open-roof cruising experience.

Fairline continues to build from its Oundle facility, and parts and service support remain strong through the Volvo Penta dealer network. The Targa name retains genuine cachet among motor yacht enthusiasts — it has been a cornerstone of Fairline’s identity since 1985 and continues to evolve with the current Targa 50 GT and Targa 45 GT successors. For buyers who prioritise the journey over the destination, who enjoy the ritual of coastal cruising as much as the arrival, and who appreciate the unique pleasure of a retractable-roof grand tourer, the Fairline Targa 48 GT remains a compelling and well-proven choice.