At the Cannes Boat Show 2022, we had the perfect chance to step on board and highlight exactly where this boat sets itself apart from its sistership the Squadron 50. The 50 GT is powered by a pair of Volvo Penta IPS 650s, delivering 480hp per side, starting at £750,000, excluding VAT.
Fairline Targa 50 GT Key Facts
- LOA 15.64m
- Model Year 2022
- Cabins 3
- Status In Production
- Generations 2
- Yacht Type Sportsboat
- Use Type Cruising
Review Video
The 50 GT sports a sleek, deep 'V' resin-infused hull in classic white, with a black or grey vinyl-wrapped superstructure and a fully electric hardtop complete with overhead glazing - great for sunny days at sea. Inside, Fairline’s Design Studio offers four different interior finishes in Oak Satin, inspired by famous coastal regions:
Amalfi: Drawing inspiration from Liguria’s charming architecture, this design radiates warmth reminiscent of sunny Italian lemon groves and the iconic shores of the Amalfi Coast.
Capri: Featuring understated, earthy tones blended beautifully with rich, natural textures, this scheme captures the effortless elegance of a gentle Mediterranean breeze.
Hamptons: Combining elegant vintage cues with modern luxury, this scheme reflects the sophisticated charm of America's East Coast.
St. Tropez: Celebrating nautical style with deep oceanic blues, soft greys, and delicate creams, accented by classic maritime motifs.
Design elements such as the full-length moulded spray deflectors and integrated foam cores to add strength and insulation.
Fairline offers several appealing optional extras on the Targa 50 GT to suit individual tastes. If you prefer an open, sociable space, consider the 'Galley Up' option, moving the galley onto the main deck to better connect with the cockpit area. For larger families or those hosting guests regularly, upgrading to the three-cabin layout is a practical choice, adding a comfortable third cabin with twin bunks, wardrobe, and thoughtful details like reading lights and a full-length mirror.
Owners who cruise with crew or occasionally need extra sleeping space might find the optional crew cabin useful -it provides a single berth, toilet, sink, and some handy storage.
Up on deck, there's also the option to add luxurious sunbed cushions on the foredeck, perfect for lounging and soaking up the sunshine at anchor.
This boat offers both galley-up and galley-down configurations in the saloon, just like the Squadron, and our tour boat was fitted with the galley-up layout, which keeps everything conveniently on the main deck.
You’ve got an internal dinette just forward of the galley, fully sheltered from the elements. With the doors and sunroof closed, it becomes a proper indoor space, but it can just as easily be opened right up for that open-air feel. The galley itself is well thought out and nicely specced, sitting in close reach of the outdoor dining area, which makes serving and socialising that much easier.
There’s a fridge tucked under the counter, a large sink with a chopping board lid, induction cooking, and a surprising amount of storage - not just underneath, but all around the galley. Opposite, over to port, is the dinette, rounding off a layout that’s practical, sociable, and well suited to both day use and longer stays.
You’ve got a bit of cooling space under the counter in the upper galley, but even if you go for that layout, the main refrigeration is still down here. There’s a domestic-sized fridge freezer below, which is a real bonus on a boat of this size; plenty of space for provisioning, especially if you’re planning longer trips.
If you go for the lower galley, it sits opposite the bunk cabin, which you can also swap out for a dinette, but with that great seating area already up top, it makes far more sense to keep it as a bunk room. It’s more versatile and gives you proper extra sleeping space when needed.
Forward, into the VIP cabin, and the layout works really well. It’s configured with twin singles, but they slide together easily to create a double berth. Even when used as a double, it’s nice to have the option of splitting the beds to free up a bit more room to move about.
There’s a full-height wardrobe, eye-level lockers with fiddles to stop things sliding about at sea, and a TV mounted forward. The cabin has direct access to the bathroom, which it shares with the bunk cabin, and there’s a separate shower cubicle in there too.
Owner's Cabin
The owner's cabin is located amidships and while there are a few level changes in the floor, there’s plenty of standing headroom at just over 6ft in the main area. It does drop off a bit as you move over the bed, but at that point you’re likely to be sitting or lying down anyway. For getting dressed or moving around, there's more than enough space down by the foot of the bed.
With drawers and cupboards lining both sides there's enough storage, and you get the bonus of large hull windows, which let in a good amount of natural light. The ensuite bathroom is just forward and completely private, with a separate shower cubicle and a layout that works really well in the space.
One of the biggest differences between this and the Squadron 50 - aside from the lack of a flybridge - is the glass-infused sunroof down here. Even when it’s closed, like it is now, it still lets in loads of natural light, not just into the saloon but also down onto the lower deck, brightening the space below in a really effective way.
The helm setup is the same as the lower helm on the Squadron 50, but it actually works better here. That model has a pretty shallow windscreen, so from the lower helm you tend to stoop a little to get a decent view. On this one, thanks to the opening roof, you can stand upright and even pop your head through for a much clearer line of sight and that makes a real difference when underway.
The layout itself is clean and well thought-out. Analogue dials up top, a central Garmin MFD, and everything positioned within easy reach
Aft, much like on the Squadron, there’s a hi-lo bathing platform, great for launching and recovering a tender. Drop it down, float the tender off, float it back on again - it makes it all easy. And of course, it doubles as a great spot for a swim.
Step up into the cockpit, and things start to shift. On the Squadron, you’ve got walkaround access on both sides of the bench. Here, the layout changes with an L-shaped seating area that wraps into the corner, giving you a more enclosed, sociable spot. You can still get to the side deck, but you’ll need to drop down onto the bathing platform first.
That corner seat, though, feels very cosy and protected, especially when the boat’s underway. You get a bit of shelter from the window, and it’s a comfortable place to settle in and enjoy the ride.
Side Decks & Foredeck
The side decks are equal in width, but with the seating offset to port, this starboard side naturally becomes the easier route forward. The guard rails are set at a good height, there’s a nice high toe rail, and a solid handrail running the length of the deck - it all adds to the sense of security when moving around. It feels like a boat that's been built with crewing in mind. There’s an amidships cleat, and the railwork throughout is reassuringly chunky.
That said, as with the Squadron 50, the coachroof sits fairly high, and the step up onto it, particularly aft, is a bit of a stretch. Once you’re up there, the space is limited to a flat sun pad. Some rivals in this size bracket are offering a bit more on the foredeck, but if your aim is simply to stretch out and soak up the sun, it certainly ticks that box.
Our Verdict
The Targa 50GT feels like a carefully judged step in Fairline’s range. It keeps the sharp looks and sporting character of the Targa line, but balances them with the space and practicality of a true family cruiser. The galley-up option makes it a very sociable boat, the owner’s cabin has the headroom and storage to work for longer stays, and the helm benefits from that big opening roof for light and visibility. There are more versatile foredecks at this size, but as a whole the 50GT delivers the blend of performance, comfort, and design detail that many owners are looking for - a genuine alternative to its Squadron sistership, without the flybridge.
Reasons to Buy
- Full height headroom in owner's cabin
- VIP Cabin has slide together berths
- Sheltered cockpit
Things to Consider
- Quite a basic foredeck
Looking to own a Fairline Targa 50 GT? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Fairline Targa 50 GT Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Fairline Targa 50 GT, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!
Rivals to Consider
If hosting guests overnight is your primary focus, the Fairline 53 GT has a slight edge. The Fairline Targa 50 GT does have a full-beam owner cabin with an en-suite bathroom and dressing table, but the 53 GT accommodates up to 8 guests across 4 cabins, making it more suitable for those looking to maximise the number of family and friends onboard. The 53 GT has expansive windows that flood the interior with natural light, creating an airy and open atmosphere. That being said, the 50 GT is no slouch in terms of comfort with its well-appointed 3-cabin layout, perfect for up to 6 guests.
When comparing cruising speeds, the Fairline Targa 50 GT finds itself in a different league than the performance-driven Pershing 5X. With a storming performance, the Pershing 5X reaches an impressive cruising speed of 38 knots, leaving the 50 GT's steady 25 knots in the wake. Its sleek and aggressive design lines, combined with state-of-the-art technology, make the Pershing 5X a head-turner on the water.
The Sessa Marine C54 also outpaces the Fairline with a respectable cruising speed of 28 knots. Also, the C54's great use of space includes a sunroof that transforms the saloon into an open-air lounge.
The Riviera 465 SUV stands out among competitors with its extensive range of 2,459 nautical miles, perfect for long voyages. Its robust construction and versatile design make it ideal for fishing expeditions and leisurely cruising. The Fairline Targa 50 GT, meanwhile, balances its features well, offering a good mix of comfort and performance without pushing the extremes.
Considering a new boat? Explore Fairline's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
- Builder Fairline
- Range Targa
- Model Targa 50 GT
- Length Overall 15.64m
- Beam 4.32m
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 3
- Berths 5
- Yacht Type (Primary) Sportsboat
- Use Type (Primary) Cruising
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D6-IPS600
Fairline Targa 50 GT Layout
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Main Deck
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Standard galley-down layout
![Main Deck Fairline Targa 50 GT]()
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Optional galley-up layout
![Main Deck Fairline Targa 50 GT]()
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Lower Deck
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Standard 2 cabin layout with crew
![Lower Deck Fairline Targa 50 GT]()
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Optional 3 cabin layout with crew
![Lower Deck Fairline Targa 50 GT]()
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