FAIRLINE TARGA 29
BUILT 1996 PRICE £49,950
The thing that strikes you first about this Fairline Targa 29 is just how right it looks. Given that the design dates back almost 30 years to 1994 when it launched as a Targa 28 (the Targa 29 followed in 1996 - exactly the same boat except for the extended swim platform), it’s clear that Fairline got the proportions spot on, an impressive feat in a sub-30ft sportscruiser with standing headroom inside.
INTERIOR
It must have helped that Fairline didn’t try to cram too much into this model. The layout is basically the same as pretty much any sportscruiser over 22ft, with a U-shaped dinette forward that converts to a double berth, galley to starboard, heads to port and a mid cabin. By using this layout in a near 30ft boat, it feels light and airy and there are some neat touches like the door between the heads and the mid cabin that creates an ensuite and the way that the two single beds convert to a double.
EXTERIOR
The Targa 30 that replaced this model got a small sunpad above and forward of the transom, but on the 29, the seating extends right to the aft end of the cockpit, making for a more spacious dinette. The cockpit is split-level, the forward section being a raised ‘driving’ area with a bench seat next to the helm. It gives great visibility as well as more headroom in the mid cabin below.
PERFORMANCE
Most of these boats got a pair of Volvo
Penta KAD 32 four-cylinder diesels. This one is a little unusual in that it sports a pair of Volvo Penta 4.3-litre V6 petrol engines. Performance is broadly similar, with a mid 30-knot top end, but they’re super smooth and emit a great howl under full load, albeit at the expense of higher fuel consumption.
SEAKEEPING
A wide beam limits the need for trim tab action, this is a stable boat at rest and at speed. Dry too, with excellent spray management. But the most obvious trait is the excellent ride, especially considering that this is a sportscruiser rather than an out-and-out sportsboat.
LOA 29ft 8in (9.1m) Beam 10ft 2in (3.1m) Draught 3ft 2in (1.0m) Displacement 4 tonnes Fuel capacity 400 litres
Engines Twin Volvo Penta 4.3GS petrol engines
FOR SALE Boats.co.uk www.boats.co.uk