Fairline Targa 30 - what should I look out for?

[Matt2373]

Hi

I'm currently looking at buying a Targa 30 (2000 model) it's a fair jump up from our current single engined 21ft Bayliner so I'd appreciate any tips on what to look out for - likely wear & tear/known issues/things to check with the broker etc?

Anything will be useful.

 

[Gemini]

With regards to build quality unless the boat has been mistreated they Normaly stand the test of time , Fairline's build quality will shine through
The T30 hull started life as T28 and then T29 with minor mods the T30 upper structure was more modern with deck side window, some had a luxury pack fitted, but not sure what this included
You may find the V berth seating require recovering as it tends to stretch and look saggy
Check cupboards internal for any movement where boat has been driven hard. And fracture
If you do a search on this forume you should find more info also search Fairline owners web site
Check radar arch as some had crazing issue
Think this was only offered with KAD32 should top out 38k. But expect 36k crusing 24-28k subject to condition fuel consumption crusing 2mpg +
KAD32 generally reliable units but check For good service history including the out drives
You will notice a big difference in performance and power delivery plus close quater manoeuvring with twin engines
These are a very good choice in the sub 30 range but get a good full survey carried out hull and mechanics

 

[Whitelighter]

The lux pack included a number of things but the most obvious is the side window in the coach roof

 

[petem]

I had one. Will post some guidance over the weekend.

 

[petem]

The lux pack included a number of things but the most obvious is the side window in the coach roof

From what I can recall, the Lux pack also included a hand second door to the heads from the aft cabin. They were well built boats coming in a little heavier than the S28. The cockpit layout wasn't universally popular and some people prefer the T29 layout. I preferred the T30 layout as its on a single level.

Built wise, I'm not aware of any real issues but obviously you need to get the boat and hull surveyed.

I'd recommend that you stick to blue hulled boats or white if kept in the med. Ours had a green interior, we liked it but with hindsight it was a mistake as it made it harder to re-sell.

To be honest though, if you can afford it, get a T34 instead. The enclosed forward cabin makes a big difference.

 

[[2068]]

They were well built boats coming in a little heavier than the S28.

Not disagreeing with being "well built", but I thought a T30 was about 4075kg (happy to be corrected), S28 is 4400kg, which is probably why a T30 can run with coarser props and go a bit faster at the upper end.

 

[petem]

Not disagreeing with being "well built", but I thought a T30 was about 4075kg (happy to be corrected), S28 is 4400kg, which is probably why a T30 can run with coarser props and go a bit faster at the upper end.

I stand corrected (I was possible getting confused with the T34/S34 where I think there was a big difference). Never let some prejudice get in the way of facts!

Some things that have occurred to me overnight....

The optional extras for the T30 (early ones at least) did not including holding tanks, heating, teak decking or bow thruster. Finding a boat with these fitted (or Aircon) would be good.

Our boat suffered from gel coat voids that had to be filled. Boats that you're looking at will no doubt have had this addressed.

Side pods prone to damage so check condition of these.

Hatches are prone to leaking causing rust stains. This should be an easy fix.

Cockpit table is heavy and unwieldy so check for damage. To be honest, I'd replace with a nice teak table.

Helm seat is rather low and boat runs fairly bow high. A common upgrade is to fit a spacer to raise the seat.

Check for damage (e.g. from break-ins) to the door from cockpit to saloon. Replacing this requires complete removal of the dash. Including parts would probably be £3-4000 I would think.

I think I've seen some boats with an outboard mount in the engine room. Another worthwhile mod.

Hope this helps.

Pete

 

[Matt2373]

That's Pete

It does help. A T34 would be preferable but it's just stretching the budget too far, except for a couple of bargains on foreign shores that are just too cheap to be genuine or worth getting involved with.

I've had some suggestions I should look at a T29 as a cheaper, but more 'popular' boat. But my understanding is it's essentially the same boat so handling will be the same and personally I prefer the T30 deck arrangement.

T30 I'm looking at has the teak deck, bow thruster and heating so I think it's the spec, if not the price I'm after - but everyone wants a cheap boat until they find one, then wonders what's wrong it!

 

[Matt2373]

Thanks Gemini, seconds Pete's view below that a good version will be a good boat.

Will certainly check the radar arch for crazing and cupboards for obvious signs of movement.

Both boats I'm considering seem to have had river use (Thames or Norfolk Broads) rather than sea use as I'm intending- so I'm assuming gentler use. But as someone else pointed out this could also mean the engines were rarely stretched so would probably benefit from a easy run in before anything too aggressive.

 

[EuanGordon]

@Matt2373 just wondering all these years later did you like the T30?

We are just away to buy one and found this old post.

 

[QBhoy]

Lovely boats. What engines? Kad32s? I’d take interest in the maintenance history showing or not showing turbocharger refurbishment or replacement. The latter should be taken heid of and budgeted for. Similar thoughts regarding injector maintenance too. Same goes for routine service work.

 

[EuanGordon]

Lovely boats. What engines? Kad32s? I’d take interest in the maintenance history showing or not showing turbocharger refurbishment or replacement. The latter should be taken heid of and budgeted for. Similar thoughts regarding injector maintenance too. Same goes for routine service work.

We had a survey done last week, which was really good and very worthwhile because we have a decent idea of all the jobs needing to be done in the near future.

The engines are KAD32s. Turbos were done last year (2022). It has a service done in March 2023 (6 months ago). There are a few issues that were flagged up in the survey which are getting checked over and fixed before the final sale. Mainly loose belts, trim tab fluid levels, and evidence of a leak between the exhaust knuckle and exhaust horn.

Fire extinguishers were last serviced ten years ago, so I am getting that organized already.

Interior is in good condition. It is original, but no holes or cuts or anything like that.

There is no heating and bow thruster. So we are getting a quote for those. Heating is needed for Scotland