Fairlie Shadow

[petem]

A couple on months ago Fairline revealed that they would be launching a new model range at the LBS. Due to the recent turmoil, I had expected this to be some artists images and perhaps some scale models however they announced yesterday that they will be exhibiting the first boat off the production line for a series of fast motor boats. Not quite the semi or full displacement trawler boats that some of us were hoping for but exciting none the less!

http://www.mby.com/news/fairline-shadow-s-london-boat-show/

The range is named "Shadow (S)" and will be their fastest boats yet. MBY suggests this is a 38 footer but it looks larger than that to me...

I think this is an interesting move from Fairline. We know they can't go larger so making what looks like a 'Predator' alternative might work for them. Nobody should doubt that they can pull this off and make a beautiful and capable fast boat. I dunno what the market for these boats is like at present - perhaps the current dirt cheap fuel prices will be auspicious for them?

Also announced were some new interiors (JTB, might give you some inspiration if you've got any money left after the engine overhaul)!

And also some improvements to the T38, which suggests that they haven't given up with the bottom of their range.

Boats being displayed at the LBS are....

Shadow S
Targa 38 Open
Targa 48 GT
Targa 48 Open
Squadron 48
Targa 62 GT
Squadron 65

....which is half their range. Still better to have six boats there than none at all (which I had feared).

Pete

 

[Hugin]

Just found this under News on Fairline's website

Furthermore, Fairline owners and visitors to the Fairline stand will be able to explore a new Targa 38 OPEN with revised specification, featuring a twin helm seat and an expanded gallery.

I seriously wonder how Fairline will manage to squeeze in a twin helm seat.... short of redesigning the entire cockpit and probably also the cabin below (headroom?) I can't see where they will find the space. Will be interesting to see!

 

[aquapower]

Boats being displayed at the LBS are....

Shadow S
Targa 38 Open
Targa 48 GT
Targa 48 Open
Squadron 48
Targa 62 GT
Squadron 65

....which is half their range. Still better to have six boats there than none at all (which I had feared).

Pete

I make that 7 boats, must be the first show in years not to be showing the SQ 78

 

[petem]

I make that 7 boats, must be the first show in years not to be showing the SQ 78

Apologies, meant 6 out of the current range of 12 (plus Shadow).

Still, S/S are only showing 9 out of 24 boats in their range and Princess out 10 of 23 boats.

 

[itchenseadog]

The Shadow name hasn't been around since the Bill Dixon designed Shadow 26 and 33 which were built by Rampart at Warsash in the late 80's/early 90's.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I make that 7 boats, must be the first show in years not to be showing the SQ 78

Jfm didn't buy one this year

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

The range is named "Shadow (S)" and will be their fastest boats yet. MBY suggests this is a 38 footer but it looks larger than that to me...

If we are talking about a new range of British muscle boats, thats sounds like a good idea to me. Most manufacturers of planing boats have abandoned any pretence of making deep V hulled boats any more, concentrating instead on making boats fatter and more voluminous to maximise accommodation. So whilst the likes of Windy and Hunton are offering sporting boats in the sub 50ft sector, there's not a lot else so Fairline do have an opportunity if this is what they are intending. Yup, clever move IMHO if the boats themselves are as good as the hype suggests and will give a bit of a halo effect to the rest of the range. Lets hope they don't get greedy over pricing