Used Fairline Boats for Sale: Buyer's Guide

Fairline Yachts is one of Britain's most respected motor yacht builders, known for hand-built craftsmanship, seaworthy hulls, and timeless design. The Targa range defined the British sport cruiser segment, while the Squadron line brought flybridge luxury to a wider audience. A used Fairline delivers that build quality and classic British style at a compelling price. With Fairline listings on Owning, here's what to know before you buy.

Popular Fairline models on the used market

Fairline's range has historically been divided into two families: the Targa sport cruisers and the Squadron flybridge yachts. On the used market, you'll encounter:

• Fairline Carrera 24 — a classic late-80s sport cruiser that represents the most affordable entry into Fairline ownership. At 7–8 meters, it's a manageable day boat with overnight capability. Used prices range from €16,900 to €32,500 depending on year and condition. The Carrera 24 is a great first boat for someone who wants Fairline pedigree without the flybridge budget.
• Fairline Targa series — the Targa range spans from 30 to 62 feet and is Fairline's sport cruiser line. The Targa 38, 44, and 48 are the most common on the used market. Known for deep-V hulls, sporty performance, and well-appointed interiors. Used Targa 38s typically range from €80,000 to €160,000, while the Targa 48 can reach €300,000+.
• Fairline Squadron series — the flybridge range, from the Squadron 42 up to the Squadron 78. The Squadron 42 and 48 are the most accessible used models, typically ranging from €150,000 to €400,000. The larger Squadrons (62, 68, 78) compete with Princess and Sunseeker at the premium end.

What to check when buying a used Fairline

Fairline's hand-built approach means consistent quality, but older boats have specific wear points to watch for:

• Hull and deck — Fairline uses solid fiberglass hulls with balsa-cored decks. Check for osmosis on older hulls (pre-2000), and tap the deck for soft spots that indicate core delamination. The hull-to-deck joint is through-bolted — inspect the rub rail for signs of separation.
• Engines and drives — Fairline Targa models typically use Volvo Penta stern drives, while Squadrons run twin shaft-driven diesels. Check engine hours, service records, and the condition of the stern drive bellows (Targa) or shaft seals (Squadron). A stern drive service costs €1,500–€3,000 per drive.
• Upholstery and canvas — Fairline's signature cockpit seating and sunbed canvases are wear items. Check for UV damage, stitching failure, and foam deterioration. Replacing cockpit upholstery on a Targa 48 costs €5,000–€10,000.
• Electronics — Older Fairlines may have original Raymarine or Garmin equipment. Budget €5,000–€20,000 for an electronics update depending on boat size.
• Service history — As with any premium brand, documented maintenance adds significant value. Ask for engine service records, antifouling dates, and any refit work.

Typical price ranges

Based on Fairline listings on Owning and the broader used market, here's what you can expect:

Real Fairline listings on Owning

Here are the current Fairline listings on the platform:

• Fairline Carrera 24 (1989) — €16,900 — the most affordable Fairline on the platform, a classic sport cruiser at an entry-level price.
• Fairline Carrera 24 (1987) — €22,500 — an earlier model, potentially with original equipment.
• Fairline Carrera 24 (1990) — €32,500 — the newest Carrera 24 on the platform, likely in better condition.

For the full catalog, browse all used Fairline boats for sale.

Why buy a used Fairline?

Fairline's appeal comes down to three things: build quality, sea keeping, and timeless design. The deep-V hulls handle rough water confidently, the interiors are finished to a standard that rivals Princess and Sunseeker, and the brand has a loyal following that supports strong resale values. If you want a British motor yacht with genuine craftsmanship — not just a production boat — a used Fairline is an excellent choice.

The bottom line

A used Fairline gives you hand-built British quality at a fraction of new-build cost. The Carrera 24 is the affordable entry point, while the Targa and Squadron ranges cover the sport cruiser and flybridge segments. Check the hull for osmosis, inspect the drives, and always get a survey on anything over €50,000. Fairline's build quality means a well-maintained example will give you years of reliable cruising.

For more, read our complete guide to buying a used boat and our guide to the best boats under €100K.