Fairline 30 or Sealine 28 advice please

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gary1559

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Hi all,

Im looking at upgrading my little S23 and looking at a Fairline 30 or Sealine 28, I cant afford the 34 versions and wondered what your thoughts were on either boat please.
regards

Gary
 
Hello welcome to the forum are you looking at the fairline targa 30 and the sealine S 28 Best engine options for both of these boats are KAD 32s the targa 29 and 30 had the longer bathing platform a lot of targa 28. 29 had AD 31 in them a good engine but for best performance and resale price KAD 32s are the ones to look out for both great boats good luck
 
S28 good boat and hull Some S28 have single KAD42 230hp good engine but struggle to get going once the boats are loaded and growth on hull very grey inside
Targa 28 much better fit out and finish , performance with twin KAD32. 36knots plus very good hull design/performance and gives confidence when the weather changes , some T28 T29 have petrol engines at the right price and if only using local runs could be a good option
 
Fairlines look fabulous compared to more pedestrian S28 but S28 has more internal space especially in the midships cabin. I have a S23 and the S28 would be the sensible choice for me as it offers the most usable sleeping cabin for a few days away. I looked at both and found the longer Targas went for more mainly because they were newer but otherwise merely had longer bathing platforms.
However all them bloody zips and catches drive me up the pole!
There are plenty of reviews available for both these boats.
 
To say an S28 is "Pedestrian" is not entirely fair. Looks are subjective, but I think both look great in different ways.

With KAD32's, both boats will leap onto the plane, the S28 to about 34kts on a good day, a T30 might hit 38kts with a good set of A7's and a clean bottom.

We preferred the cockpit layout of the S28, plus a little more space down below.
If it's an overgrown speedboat you are after, the T30 would be better - the hull is a bit sharper for flattening waves.
 
Thanks for your views guys, I've been reading up on both of these boats and whilst they are both good boats I think we are swayed toward the targa 30. We want to go cruising further afield next year and I think the targa would be a better sea boat, always useful if you get caught out.
 
I narrowed my search down to the same two boats last year and after viewing a number of both we took a punt on a S28.

Some things I noticed - pros/cons of each (both KAD 32s)
- Targa has a terrible engine room access if you like to look after the green lumps yourself. S28 is far better laid out in the engine room department
- Targa cabin interior space is not as good as the S28. Nor is the quality of fit and finish in my opinion - subjective I guess but the Targa was too plastic. The ones we looked at had creaky plastic steps from the cockpit which would drive me mad! The S28 has a better quality feel. No cabin wardrobe on the Targa on the ones we viewed but some do I think.
- Targa looks better, especially with the dark blue hull and longer swim platform
- Targa single helm seat not as accommodating if you have kids!
- S28 cockpit single level floor better, but doesnt feel as spacious in the cockpit as the Targa
- Rarely does the Targa have a cockpit fridge - absolute must to keep the beer cool :)
- Both on par speed wise - we have had 37.7kts out of our S28 with full tanks. Targa is about the same. Targa hull 'may' handle better but cannot be sure as the S28 lives on a lake so not experienced one at sea

Both are fantastic boats - I would genuinely be happy owning either!
 
In terms of sea keeping, ours has been to the West Country, Normandy, Paris, Holland, Guernsey, and Port Solent(?).

Here is ours coming back across Lyme bay in a moderate swell:

 
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Another past owner of an S28 here. I bought her new in 2002 and owned her for 5 years. Powered by twin KAD32s.
Lovely boat, very reliable, economical, fast (34 knots) and roomy enough for two adults and two children (early teens). I've only good things to say about this model which I think is one of Sealine's most popular.

I can't comment on the Targa 30 other than saying she certainly looks the part especially with blue hull and SS port frames.
 
Agree with the S28 we also have been to the west, france including paris, Holland, etc, She is now in spain as we have done most of the places we wanted in the south coast.
So now in Alicante, enjoying med boating.
 
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