Absolute 39 V's Fairline 38

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kevinmac

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Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

Hello everyone,

Finally plucked up the courage to sign up and become a member after just watching from the sidelines. Please be gentle with me I have seen what you guys can do to new members, quite scary stuff.

I would like to get an idea of your expert opinions on the above two boats. We are fairly new to boating and bought our first boat a bayliner 2855 last year which has been excellent and have learnt much about boating and boat handling. We are now considering moving up the scale and buy our first proper boat that we can go cruising on, we settled on 40 foot as our maximum size as this is what we would feel comfortable with with just two of us.

Our search has lead us to two possible boats a absolute 39 and a fairline 38. We love the open feel of sports boats and it seem you get more size for your money than with flybridge boats. I bought motorboat and yachting magazine as I saw it had a test of the fairline 38. I guess I was a little disappointed because we really had our hearts set on the absolute having seen the fairline at London show and were not keen on the interior whereas we saw the absolute at dusseldorf in January and fell in love with the looks and the interior which seemed much bigger and had the second bathroom. Now we are thinking maybe this is not the one for us as the tester says the fairline is the next generation sports boat and is ahead of everything else, what we do not want is a boat that is out of date. He also says it is ahead in quality terms of everything else which is obviously an important factor. I have to say to my untrained eye I thought the absolute looked better finished inside and the dash looked much nicer and better designed but perhaps boats are more about hull strength and performance than looks but this is something we need advise on as £200,000 + is major money to us and we do not want to end up with a dud boat.

We are not intending to take delivery until next season mainly because we have left it to late for this season to get one and that the dealer for absolute quoted march 2007 and similar for fairline although there is a possibility in august.

Dealer wise we liked the absolute dealer who although appeared to be small seemed very professional and we liked his approach (even took us to lunch and we had not even ordered a boat), the fairline guy was very good but we felt that it was all about the sale and he seemed very much under pressure to take an order there and then but they are much bigger so perhaps the aftersales service will be better.

One other thing that we liked about the absolute was that it had a garage which seems useful for all the bits we seem to end up with, there did not seem to be much spare space on the fairline.

In favour of the fairline we liked the greater seating area and also the galley was bigger and the appliances were stainless steel and of course it has the brand name which might mean better value when it comes to sell on in the future.

We would really appreciate your comments as unbiased consumers and those of you who seem to have a great in depth knowledge of the various makes and models.

Many thanks (please do not shout at my stupidity we are only starting out you know)

Kevin Mac
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

newbies only get shouted at when they ask stupid questions. What you've asked is quite reasonable and sound. I can't help, as don't have personal experience of either of those boats, but help will be along shortly
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

I can understand where your coming from as I'm also in a similar position. I liked the Fairline Targa 38 at the boat show but everything looked small there near the Huge Sunseekers and Princesses. The review was based on hands on use and ride / handling so I guess their report was objective and realistic.

The Targa as a type is very well proven in the UK for 10 years, they are also a cracking looking boat. They certainly hold their value better than most makes, which has to be reassuring at this point. I know several owners who really enjoy them and speak highly on their behalf.

Although your Bayliner is very different in so many ways, there are things that you will either like or hate about it and in the end your decision will be based on the best compromise for needs that you can afford. (or not) /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

The step up from 28' to 40' is quite big as well so everything will appear really massive/impressive which will only make the choice even more difficult.

But I wish you luck as it looks like you're looking at pretty cool boats.
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

I think your summary of the two boats very much agrees with the articles I have read on both boats in both MBM and Yachting & Motor. I have also met a forumite who has driven the Absolute and was most impressed. Are you sure you want to buy new? What about a 2 year old Fairline with full history and leave some cash in the bank! On the subject of larger boats for cruising the flybridge boat offfers a better environment if it rains both at port and at sea and usually has easier covers to handle at the end of a trip. That said a flybridge boat seems alot slower albeit with a better view and the windage must affect fuel and efficiency.
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

Hi and welcome to the forum,
I have helmed and taught on both the Older fairline 38's and the Absolute 45, You have made a good case on both boats, I will say that the absolute out handled any of the fairline 38 I have helmed,
One thing about the new fairline38 is that the internal door width is narrower than on any other boat I have seen, This would be a problem for some people.
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

I have'nt driven either boat but what I'd say is this. MBY have to avoid offending their biggest advertisers so they're hardly likely to be anything but gushing about a new Fairline. I had a look at the new T38 at the London Show and I thought, whilst it's nice, its hardly ground breaking. Also, I've previously owned a Targa 48 myself and I thought the build quality was pretty average and thats being kind. Another factor you might have to consider is that Fairline have recently overhauled their dealer network so you have to convince yourself that the dealer you're talking to has the necessary knowledge and experience to cover your warranty problems. Having said this, the T38 will sell well because of Fairline's size and image and when you come to sell it in a couple or 3 years time, you'll get most if not nearly all of your money back so it represents a safe buy
The Absolute is more of an unknown quantity because they have'nt been around as long but for me, having a larger interior and the 2nd heads would be a big plus. The tender garage has pluses and minuses IMHO. Having had one on my T48, I found it a pain in the proverbial to have to haul the dinghy out and back in every time I wanted to use it and you have to check that you can get to all the engine service points without having to go through a hatch in the garage as hauling the dinghy out to check the oil is an even bigger pain. But as you say it provides a handy space for storage. Have you test driven both of them because you ought to check how each performs, whether the helm seat is comfortable for you, whether you can see over the bow at speed, whether your crew can sit comfortably at speed, how noisy each one is etc?
The UK Absolute dealer posts on this forum hereabouts so, looking on the bright side, if you buy one and it gives you problems, just threaten to rubbish it on the forum and I'm sure he'll pull his finger out /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

I'd go further than that Mike. I think the T38 was pretty poor and was amazed by the MBY review. We also looked around it at the LIBS and expressed our dissapointment to the Rep "guarding" it.

I thought they were trying to cram too much in, for example the bulkhead of the heads compartment intrudes into the saloon, the internal doors are v. small and the headroom in the aft cabin is lousy. The interior of my S34 seems bigger.

Up in the cockpit the curved seat opposite the helm may seem like a good idea, but how many could practically sit at it without all banging their legs.

I'm sure, because we are always told this about Fairlines, that it has a fine handling hull but I think the rest of the design is pants!

Incidently have you noticed the very pro-Fairline editorial in the last couple of months? And now MBM get a Phantom 40 as "Calm Voyager". I wonder if the two facts are in any way related

Martyn
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

I've been on both recently (this weekend and previous weekend) and the Absolute wins hands down all round. As Deleted User says MBY ain't gonna telll you what they really think about the F Line. Have you also looked at the Atlantis range of boats, again brilliantly built italian boats, not to sure about the UK representation for these boats.
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

V good point Martyn. Yes of course MBM have just got a P40 doubtless on very advantageous terms so no sense in biting the hand that feeds
Narrow interior doors seems to be a Fairline thing. It was the same on my T48 which is a bit of a prob if you're horizontally unchallenged like me. In fact I find all Fairlines to be a bit small inside for their quoted length.
The handling thing that the tests make a lot of is a bit of a red herring IMHO. We all drive our boats in straight lines anyway so whether one boat turns a bit sharper than the other is neither here nor there and having sampled a few manufacturers boats I dont find a huge difference in sea performance between any of them. As you say what counts is whether you and your crew can sit comfortably and see out. My T48 was reputedly an excellent sea boat but because the helm seat was uncomfortable, unsupportive and too low, I used to have to stand up to drive it which was very tiring after only a short period in choppy conditions
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

[ QUOTE ]
because the helm seat was uncomfortable, unsupportive and too low, I used to have to stand up to drive it which was very tiring after only a short period in choppy conditions

[/ QUOTE ]
My only real gripe with the S34 to be honest.

I wonder how many people who are swayed by the "fantastic handling" qualities, then proceed to go everywhere using the autopilot i.e. as you say "in straight lines" It doesn't bother me that my boat won't hit 30+ knots or that it may not turn on a sixpence. My sportscruiser is more cruiser than sports to me.

The only time handling really matters is close quarters in the marina, something that the reviews never seem to major on.
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

HE HE
I have just been out playing on the Absolute 39, she had the D6 in, very nice interior , feels like a bigger boat, with the D6 she needs a bit of trimming but less than many sports boats I have been on, handles well at speed , just pushed her to about 36 knots not flat out as she only had 1.5 hours on her, big grin on face now!!!!!
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

Just to add a little more confusion, we looked at the Fairline Targa 40 and phantom 38, and in the end the Flybridge swayed us. Everyone to their own, but for us witha couple of friends the flybridge gives us another area to sit, very nice with a bimini cover in the sun. If we have the kids, they can watch DVDs and we can get merry upstairs. Also in the marina, because we are a little higher, you can eat and drink with a little more privacy than the targa. As far as handling goes, it is a pain trying to stern park from a flybridge, as you rely on your crew for the countdown to the berth wall, but we have it off to a tee now. Overall we have had it 5 months now, and I still prefer the flybridge layout!

One thing Deleted User said which I agree with, you can spend a lot of time reviewing and reading, but in the end just go with the one that feels right - its a bit like buying a car because Jeremy Clarkson says its the best one he has ever driven, you know the following week he will change his mind!

Let us all know what you decide

Martyn
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

[ QUOTE ]
HE HE
I have just been out playing on the Absolute 39, she had the D6 in, very nice interior , feels like a bigger boat, with the D6 she needs a bit of trimming but less than many sports boats I have been on, handles well at speed , just pushed her to about 36 knots not flat out as she only had 1.5 hours on her, big grin on face now!!!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Go easy Jules as I'm hoping for a spin this weekend over in the IoM. Weather is looking good and with less juice and a few more hours after delivery trip and weekend jollies - I guess 38 knots is on the cards /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

Hi again everyone.

Excellent comments, guess maybe we were a little hasty in thinking the absolute might not be the one for us. We really did like it but the thought that maybe it was an older type put us off.

We have thought of going second hand but to get a one or two year old one is not that far away from buying new and as we really do not know much about the mechanical side having the full warranty is a major bonus to us plus there is nothing like having something from new.

We have looked a loads of boats both cabin and open top types but settled on the open type as for beginers it seems the open type is a lot easier to do the berthing and mooring as you have 360 vision which helps when you are not an expert getting to the pontoon.

We are now going to book a test drive on both to finally make up our minds but we are leaning to the absolute as the extra bathroon will be a big plus for us when we take my brother and wife with us the odd time. I know it is silly to think of domestic issues on a boat but the thought of sharing facililies (even with my brother and wife)is a bit off putting.

We woudl also like to check out with other owners of both what the aftersales service is like. I have spoken quite a bit with other boaters around our marina and it seems that the service from dealer to dealer varies a lot, to the point we have heard some horror stories about people being left stranded for weeks on end waiting for service or repairs. We will only be using the boat every other weekend so to find ourselves waiting for service will ruin our summer breaks.

We will be keeping you posted about how we get on with the test drives and what we decide to go for.

Just one other question, is it normal to have to have to pay 20% up front when you order a new boat even though you may have to wait six months or more before it is delivered.

Many thanks to you all again a great help.

Kevin Mac
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

Hi powerskipper,

Sounds very fast indeed, where did you do the test drive? what was the weather like, was it rough to test the handling.

Are you thinking of buying one too?

thanks again
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

Hi Kevin,

Deposits are always expected but can be reduced with negotiation. The 20% is common because if you buy a boat with a Marine Mortgage then you have to put down 20% in most cases so it shows you have the cash up front and the mortgage company fork out the rest. Also if the boat is popular (like the two models you are looking at) there will be less room for negotiation. Also remember that you individually spec a boat so if you pull out they have to resell your spec so want compensation if the dealer has to take a hit on it.

Just remember a new boat is a manufactured by a 'cottage industry' and so there will be niggles and isues with whatever you buy. The dealer/agent you buy from is therefore key to the transaction. Most manufacturers have several dealers so use the best one that is nearest to your expected cruising area.

Good luck with the test drives and I would buy the Absolute anyday...

Paul
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

Hi Deleted User

Thanks for your thoughts, I am little confused, why do you have to move the dingy to see the engines (not that I would know what I am looking at anyway).

regards

Kevin Mac
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

Hi wakeup

Thanks also, we did see the Atlantis in Dusseldorf but were put off by the interior, it seemed very modern indeed but the red fabric seemed out of keeping with the rest of the boat and did not really do justice to the rest of the furnishings, it looked as if it would go out of date within a few years.

The dash I have to say looked fantastic, very space age and the nicest we have seen on any boat we have looked at.

Thanks

Kevin Mac
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

Kevin,

On a normal sportsboat you just lift up the engine hatch which may involve removal of a table. With the tender garage the floor of the garage is the engine access so you have to lift the garage up, remove the tender and lift up the garage floor to get to them. It is a pain but you probably only check them once a day when boating so it is only a pain if you stuff all your spare fenders/ropes and other crap in there!

Hope this helps,

Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Re: Absolute 39 V\'s Fairline 38

Hi Paul

Right, now I understand, I thought you went through a door in the floor but thinking about it it did look very small.

We probably will not have a dingy we would just use it for putting the fenders and ropes and stuff in and also the doughnut which is actually quite big.

Thanks for your help.

Kevin
 
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