Fairline Targa 50 GT Review (2025 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Targa 50 GT shares its hull lineage with the Open version of the same size, but the layout is markedly different. Where the Targa 50 Open has a fully open cockpit with aft sunpad and no saloon enclosure, the GT spec brings sliding doors across the aft deck and a fully enclosed saloon. It's a layout aimed at those wanting more year-round usability or weather protection. This version doesn’t include the aft sunpad or tender garage - instead, the seating is pushed further aft, maximising cockpit space while still retaining a tender launch system via the high-low platform. Starting at the stern, there's a high-low hydraulic swim platform - this is your tender launch and recovery zone. You lose the tender garage here because there's no aft sunpad, but in return, the cockpit seating has been pushed further aft, creating a more generous outdoor social space.

The cockpit itself features a height-adjustable table - with an infill cushion stowed in the forward locker so it can double as a daybed or even a casual overnight berth if needed. A clever transom shower is fitted, and there are wide side decks for easy movement forward. There’s a properly hidden canopy system with zips all the way around, so the entire cockpit can be enclosed for bad weather or security while moored.

Storage under the cockpit seats is unusually generous. There's space for fenders, baskets, and neatly clipped-in equipment like the boat hook. Even the space beside the TV module has been considered for extra gear. The handrail runs forward cleanly, paired with a substantial one-piece windscreen for good visibility and protection. Sunbathing space on the foredeck and a deck hatch over the forward VIP cabin add light and practicality. Anchor handling kit is housed neatly up forward.

Step through the virtually invisible sliding doors into the deck saloon and right away you can see the change in layout. The galley-up configuration changes the dynamic, making this main deck a hub for family life. You’ve got all-electric cooking, dual fridges (one up here, another down below), crockery storage, and a small bin - all within easy arm’s reach of the cockpit and dining area.

The TV system is slick: it swings out from the sideboard facing aft, then swivels to serve both the cockpit and the saloon seating, all with electric controls. Fairline's engineers clearly had entertainment in mind.

Further forward, there's a companion seating area next to the helm. It’s slightly raised, making it a brilliant perch underway, but just as useful as a quiet coffee corner at anchor. That whole area transforms when the electrically operated roof slides back. The air-sealed system ensures a snug fit when closed, expanding under pressure to keep water out if you’re punching into a head sea. Once retracted, airflow floods through, transforming the saloon into an open-air space.

Below decks, the galley-down area on the older layout has been repurposed into a utility zone. There's loads of storage, plus a washer/dryer, a large secondary fridge and a freezer. A dinette could be specced here, but this boat has the third cabin option instead.

Owner's Cabin

The full-beam owner’s cabin sits aft and is a step up in space and comfort. It’s got real presence. Hull windows for some natural light, and the cabinetry has been smartly specced with twin sets of drawer units rather than a sofa. Hanging lockers on both sides and a hidden wine cellar under the floor show how storage has been prioritised while keeping things stylish.

The ensuite is a decent size, with backlit shower, concealed loo beneath a folding shelf, a stylish sink, and mirrored storage units. It’s cleanly executed, modern and functional without being overworked. The soft furnishings, particularly the headboard and lighting details - carry the recognisable Fairline level of polish.

Guest Accommodation

Moving forward, the VIP cabin offers twin scissor berths that convert easily into a double. There’s direct access to the shared day heads, which doubles as an ensuite. Storage is well considered, with drawers, lockers, hanging space and dedicated AV control. The heads itself features a backlit shower, concealed loo, and tidy basin setup.

The third cabin, set up with bunk beds, uses the footprint that could otherwise have been a dinette. It includes its own wardrobe and maintains good access and standing space.

Access to the engine space is via the cockpit floor but the table needs to be moved. Underneath, there’s a tightly packaged compartment housing a pair of Volvo Penta D8 IPS 700s, putting out 550hp apiece. These are the top-spec engines for this hull, delivering performance up to 34 knots. Cruising sits comfortably in the mid-20 knot range, with a range of around 250 nautical miles at that speed.

There’s a generator fitted, along with neatly routed lighting and essential service points. It’s compact, as to be expected on a 15.2m (50ft) boat with big motors, but there’s still room to move around. Controls at the helm include the IPS joystick, chain counter, Garmin multifunction display, fire suppression monitor and more. Manual bilge pumps, fuel shut-offs and override controls for the fire system are housed in a nearby locker. 

With GRP construction, a CE Category B rating and an air draft of 4.6 metres, the Fairline Targa 50 GT is built for serious coastal cruising. It’s a capable sportscruiser, well suited to extended trips, but that also puts it into a different cost bracket than a more straightforward shaft-drive boat.

Running twin IPS pod drives, the annual servicing of the engines, drives and associated systems typically comes in at around 1.5-2% of the boat’s value. That’s a step up from shaft drives, largely due to the complexity of the pods and the electronic systems that go with them.

Fuel tends to add another 1-1.5% a year, depending on how often the boat’s used and how hard it’s driven. Berthing and storage usually account for 2-2.5%, while insurance, cleaning, antifouling and general upkeep bring in another 1-2%.

All in, annual ownership costs generally land between 6-12% of the boat’s value. Lighter-use, well-managed boats can stay toward the lower end, while those kept in high-cost berths, with an extra hand or run more frequently will naturally end up higher.

Comparable models in this space include the Princess V50 and Riviera 465 SUV - worth considering if you're exploring alternatives with similar size, layout and performance.

This Targa 50 GT shows how a few layout changes can shift how the boat feels and functions. The galley-up arrangement brings the main deck into sharper focus as a social space which is practical when cooking, more connected to the cockpit, and good for day-to-day use. Moving the galley frees up room below for a utility area and an extra cabin with bunks, making this version more versatile than the earlier two-cabin layout.