2017 Fairline Targa 43 — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $225,000–$310,000. There is 1 high-severity known issue you need to know before handing over a check.
Kestrel Take
Fairline builds a well-finished, refined yacht that punches above its price used. The Targa 43 is sporty and livable — a proper weekend or short-passage boat. The IPS drive service is the make-or-break item. If records exist, this is an excellent European sportcruiser at a fraction of new price.
Known Issues for the 2017 Fairline Targa 43
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.
The Targa 43 runs twin Volvo IPS pods. At 7 years old, the IPS seals and actuators need inspection and likely service. IPS system neglect is the single most expensive mistake buyers make on pod-drive yachts.
Repair cost range: $8,000–$20,000 per pod service
Fairline's GRP construction can develop moisture in the deck laminate if teak deck caulking or stanchion base seals fail. A moisture meter survey will identify any issues.
Repair cost range: $5,000–$30,000 depending on extent
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗No IPS service records — non-negotiable on a pod-drive boat at this age
- ✗Soft deck areas (stanchion bases, deck hatches) indicate moisture ingress
- ✗Used as a charter vessel — the commercial use intensity is brutal on interior and systems
Good Signs
- ✓Volvo Penta-certified dealer service records for both pods
- ✓Moisture survey clean on deck and hull sides
- ✓Single private owner who used the boat for coastal cruising
- ✓Full cover for salon and cockpit — protects interior from UV
Found a specific Fairline Targa 43?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2017 Fairline Targa 43 in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.