Targa 41 Review (2024 Edition)

Around the Marina

Targa always designs their boats to be operated single-handedly or with minimal crew, and the Targa 41 is no exception.

First, it is easy to move around this boat. You can step onto the side deck and collect the fenders — they're all neatly stashed and ready to go. Now, while this boat doesn't come with a joystick — an expensive £30,000 option on a sterndrive boat — it's still manageable. The joystick provides a Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), which is convenient for holding the boat in place while handling fenders. However, even without it, returning to the helm, manoeuvering back into the channel, and retrieving the fenders remains quite straightforward.

Entering the marina is where things get interesting. Salterns Marina is a lovely place, but it's notoriously tricky to negotiate as it's so tight. But, it's a great test for the Targa 41. This is one of the few boats where you naturally want to be at the lower helm when mooring. The view is so good here, and you're in close contact with the deck spaces and the crew. You might even consider having this boat without the flybridge and opting for a big sunroof instead.

Doing a hairpin turn and the Targa 41 handles well — the skipper can knock the sterndrives in and out of gear here to achieve this, and the optional stern thruster proves to be very, very smart. It pushes the thrust beyond the legs, avoiding any interruption, and this addition is handy in a tight marina like Salterns. With a bit of a breeze, the bow thruster helps get us around and through the wind, making the whole process smooth and controlled.

The boarding gate isn't perfectly positioned for a quick step out onto the pontoon, but it’s improving. It would be even better if it were right next to the helm. It does, however, help that the seat slides right back, the footrest tucks away, and the helm pod is flush to the dash, giving you a good all-around view.

For long reversing manoeuvres, the Targa 41's outdoor design allows you to see right back to the bathing platform from the lower helm, which is fantastic. The stern thruster provides instant and measured adjustments, making tight spots less of a hassle. 

The real fun began as we put the Targa through its paces with some hard turns. From the upper helm, it felt like we were on top of the world — this battleship beneath us really leaning, almost as if your ear could dip into the water. Even into the wind, the Targa 41’s performance was impressive, effortlessly finding and tackling waves, even if they were just our own wash on test day. 

Targa boats benefit from versatile cruising capability, and no matter whether you're running at a relaxed 20 knots or a storming 40 knots, the Targa 41 can deliver without much penalty in fuel consumption.

The Targa 41 came into its own when the tide turned, and the breeze freshened up offshore. Even at 26 knots, with waves around, it handled well — this is Targa country. Consuming 90 litres of fuel per hour across both engines, the Targa 41 offers a smooth cruising experience where you can sit all day comfortably.

Now, when life gives you no waves, make donuts! In true Targa spirit, we produced our own wave machine to showcase the Targa 41's agility. From the upper helm, you get a sense of its nimbleness, but at the lower helm, you can feel the engines and really engage with the boat. Ridiculous as it may sound, a boat of this size and style can out-turn and out-perform a lot of sports boats — something I really like about this type of boat.

We churned up some waves, and it didn’t slow down the Targa 41. Plowing through at 35 knots into the chop sat in the Grammer suspension seat, you are impervious to the rough ride that will leave passengers a bit less comfortable. 

The Targa 41 handled tough angles and the occasional slam easily. Its beamy build, like the 46 but shorter, means it batters through the waves rather than slicing through them. The Targa 41 further demonstrated its capability not only in crossing lumpy waters but also in having a bit of fun.

Its agility is great for owners needing control, especially downwind in a big following sea. Changing direction quickly to navigate clean paths and get out of trouble is where the Targa 41's handling capabilities really come into play. 

The Targa 41 we tested had a striking exterior, especially with the Blackline pack option. The Blackline pack consists of sleek, powder-coated stainless steel accents, and obviously, everything is black. This creates a modern and purposeful look that sets it apart from traditional Targa designs, which often feature a classic blue hull with teak top rails.

Moving inside, the cockpit is designed with leisure in mind, featuring additional seating with backrests for added comfort. This is a significant improvement over previous models where seating was more utilitarian. The integration of gas rams in the storage compartments under the seats is a welcome addition, making it easier to access and use the space. Furthermore, the option to have a fixed bimini or fully enclosed covers further extends the utility of this area, making it usable in various weather conditions.

Onboard, you will notice that the Targa 41 is a showcase of teak and fiddles, with acres of beautifully finished woodwork that show their quality. The dinette can be converted into a double berth, adding to the yacht’s versatility. The galley is well-appointed with a large counter space, a gas stove (with an option for induction cooking if a generator is fitted), and a dedicated spot for a large chopping board. The under-counter fridge and optional dishwasher add practicality, while the handmade fiddles allow for the storage of crockery.

The owner’s cabin is spacious with excellent headroom and storage solutions, and the twin hatches and side ports provide natural ventilation and light, making the space feel airy and comfortable. Additionally, the private bathroom is well-proportioned, featuring a separate shower cubicle and ample storage.

Significant improvements have also been made in the aft cabin, where the removal of the partition and the addition of a hull window create a more open and brighter space. The berth is comfortable, and the storage solutions are practical, making it a functional guest area. 

Engine Room

Even with the extra seating on top, the engine hatches lift up easily — great for quick inspections or more thorough checks. It's worth noting that the hatches are a bit hefty, but once the gas rams take over, you’re in.

The space where the generator would sit (if fitted) is clearly marked, and the same goes for the seakeeper option. The welded box with a rubber mat provides extra storage for spares and fluids. Everything is neatly packaged and symmetrical, from the wiring to the plumbing, making it easy to spot if something is out of place. For an owner-operator, this level of organisation and accessibility is incredibly important.

You can see the attention to detail in the way everything is clipped down and secured. On an IPS boat, the engines would be set a bit further forward, but with sterndrives, they’re positioned right at the back, creating this fantastic space up front. 

The aft door is the sole option for entry, a standard feature that connects the saloon straight to the cockpit. There's a vast expanse of teak, coupled with fiddles and clever storage solutions everywhere in here.

A pop-up television comes with a hefty price tag of about £3,500, and Targa has made the mechanism themselves, ensuring it fits perfectly within the space. It does, however, make you wonder if an iPad might be more cost-effective. Nevertheless, if a built-in TV is a must-have, this one is tailored specifically for the 41.

The dinette can be converted into a double berth — it’s a manual operation, with a leg that drops to seat level and infill cushions to complete the bed. Curtains around the area offer a degree of privacy and block out the light, making it a good sleeping option for an extra two guests.

The double bench has a footrest that adds comfort and security. Passengers can prop their feet up and feel secure, thanks to the well-placed handholds when underway.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Targa 41’s saloon is the headroom. While it might feel a bit cramped when you first step in due to the aft end of the flybridge, it quickly opens up, well clear of 6ft. The three hatches, although positioned high, offer ventilation options, keeping the interior airy even when the side doors are closed.

Owner's Cabin

The headroom in the owner's cabin is impressive, even when you're right on the floor level. The storage solutions are a mixed bag: while hanging storage is somewhat limited by a shallow rail, the space for folded items and bits and bobs is excellent. Deep lockers and bins are also heavily fiddled, so items won't slide off when the boat is moving. The grain matching around the top is absolutely lovely, and under the bed, storage continues with deep drawers and a fitted teak storage box beneath the mattress.

Natural light and ventilation are well-handled with twin hatches on the floor deck, which open to allow a healthy flow of air. Two additional ports on either side ensure that natural ventilation is more than adequate.

The bathroom is spacious and totally private, with a well-proportioned layout that includes a separate shower cubicle with a nice teak bottom. There are also two large storage drawers under the sink. The ceiling height increases as you step up a level here, allowing for full upright standing without any issues. While the fit-out isn't particularly luxurious, it's spacious and functional, ticking all the right boxes for a comfortable onboard experience.

Guest Cabin: With A Hull Window!

The Targa 41's guest cabin is a real treat, thanks to some clever design choices that truly transform the space. The most significant change? They've removed the partition, and with the addition of the helm window — the first ever on a Targa — this creates a much more open and brighter environment. Natural light floods the cabin through both the hull window and the aft doors, making the space feel exceptionally spacious.

Despite the improved openness, there's still an extra berth below. While the headroom could be better, it's sufficient for someone over 6ft tall. You can comfortably sit up in bed, hold an iPad, or read a book without much trouble. The bed is also generously wide.

Storage in the guest cabin is practical and well-thought-out as you'd expect. There’s a hanging locker, additional lockers on the opposite side, and a handy shelf equipped with a plug socket and light repeaters — perfect for all your small gadgets.

The bathroom is just outside the cabin, doubling as the day head. It’s easily accessible from the main stairway, making it convenient for day and night use. Despite it being a wet room, a bit compact, and having a step up to enter, it’s well-equipped with a shower tray, toilet, sink, and yes you guessed it, more storage.

Upper Helm

The upper helm on the Targa 41 has seen some brilliant evolution: It maintains a simple appearance, but there are clever enhancements that elevate the experience. The raised pod for the MFD has placed all of the essential controls close to hand and the cupholders are thoughtfully integrated.

The newly designed windscreen is slicker and the helm chair is extremely flexible in terms of position, featuring sliding and bolstering adjustments for optimal comfort. Plus, the two-way companion seat allows a couple of people to navigate together, making the whole setup well-focused and usable.

It's the positioning of the MFD, however, that really stands out to me. It's right where you’d want it, ensuring smooth, and effortless navigation.

Lower Helm

Equipped with the optional Grammer suspension seat, which is brilliant for absorbing hull bounce, you can either stand comfortably or let the seat do the hard work. It's a very easy, comfortable driving position, with a footrest and an adjustable wheel and console.

Visually, this helm is more modern compared to the upstairs helm, featuring a nice dark grey material that looks cleaner and reduces glare. While Targa doesn’t spec any MFDs as standard, the twin 16in Raymarine screens on the test boat are a great option. Additionally, there's a Volvo screen, although the digits can be a bit small and are hard to read when adjusting the trim manually. The iconic white-on-black analogue Volvo dials are a lovely detail, fail-safe, and really nice to have.

The large side doors provide excellent natural ventilation, but they could benefit from a locking mechanism to hold them in place as they roll open under throttle. When they are closed, the insulated wheelhouse keeps engine noise to a minimum, allowing easy conversation between passengers.

Additionally, there's a remote switch located near the seat for controlling the MFDs, letting you manage the screens without leaning forward. Storage is also well thought out, with handy spots to chuck bits and bobs, cup holders — both bigger stainless steel ones for mugs, and smaller ones for other items — and remote controls for the bow and stern thrusters.

The fixed platform at the stern houses the sterndrives underneath. This design includes a hatch that allows easy inspection of the drives and props while at sea, saving you the hassle of diving into the water to untangle any snags.

For tender storage, you’ve got versatile options. If you prefer keeping the tender inflated, various davit systems can assist with launching from the well-sized platform. Alternatively, the tender can be stowed away in a bag in the engine room, keeping the deck clear and tidy.

True to Targa’s reputation, the yacht includes dedicated fender storage, ensuring everything slots away neatly. The split gate design offers excellent central access to the cockpit area. On this particular model, you'll find a grip deck instead of teak-laid decks, which might appear a bit plainer but is still very practical.

The Targa 41's cockpit embraces a more leisure-focused design than the previous model, where you’d find simple benches. The seating here now boasts comfortable backrests, making it a great spot for lounging on a glorious day. Underneath these seats, you'll discover ample storage, all neatly secured with solid catches and added gas rams, a feature that was missed before. This means the lids can be lifted and will stay up on their own.

One clever touch is the cut-outs in the storage lockers, allowing you to run shore power cables while keeping the lids closed — the Targa 41 is designed with usability in mind. The storage solutions are well-integrated throughout the cockpit, including some beneath the steps leading up to the flybridge.

In this area, you can opt for an additional table to create an expansive dining area or stick with the standard single table on the port side, maintaining a clear walkway. Coverage options are also versatile. A fixed bimini can be fitted for extra shade, or you can fully enclose the cockpit with covers, effectively extending the saloon for those days of less-than-ideal weather. 

Sidedecks & Foredeck

The side decks are spacious and beamier, matching the boat's 45-foot length (despite what the '41' on the side might suggest). One of the significant evolutions here is the addition of a boarding gate. This feature — which clips down into place with a satisfying shotgun-like mechanism — makes getting on and off the boat easy.

The side doors are another highlight, though familiar to Targa fans. These doors are now wider, making access even easier. They also serve a practical purpose, allowing for natural ventilation throughout the cabin.

Handholds are everywhere, giving you plenty of spots to grab onto, ensuring you feel secure as you move about. There are also chunky handrails under the edge of the windscreen.

In terms of aesthetics, the foredeck retains that classic Targa look with a modern twist. Thanks to the Comfort Fore Cabin (CFC) layout, there's a raised hump here, but it’s cleverly integrated into the design as you can pop a sun pad on this area, turning it into a spacious sunbathing spot. It's a wonderful place to catch some rays, with flush hatches maintaining an uncluttered look — new for Targas, but not for most other boats.

Access to cleats and fairleads on the foredeck is straightforward. The forward anchor is an option, as the Finns usually prefer a stern anchor. Nevertheless, access to the split chain locker is excellent, with separate spaces for chain and rope. The anchor winch is also easy to reach and the area drains well, ensuring everything remains clean and tidy.

Flybridge

To get up to the flybridge on the 41, they've helpfully added a pop-up step to make the transition smoother when climbing up, especially considering the seat height. Railings are also fitted to ensure a safe climb up to the top deck.

Once on the flybridge, you'll appreciate the simple yet effective design. There are new railing designs that look clean and more modern, plus a strip of nice under-rail lighting. The helm seat is also notable, with a two-way backrest that can switch between driving and dining modes.

The teak table, another lovely detail, can be positioned up here, allowing for al fresco dining. There's also a dedicated space for the life raft which is well-placed for quick access. Unlike other yachts where the flybridge is just for driving, the Targa 41 turns it into a true living space, offering a smooth blend of practicality and style. It’s simple, but it works nicely, making it a great addition to this yacht.

The base price for a Targa 41 in the UK starts at £657,000 excluding VAT, which includes a solid standard spec. This package gives you the Comfort Fore Cabin, the flybridge, a bow thruster, trim tabs, and diesel heating — most of the essentials.

However, if you're looking to elevate your Targa 41 experience, there are plenty of optional extras to consider. Our test boat was fitted with approximately £115,000 worth of upgrades. Among these was the sleek Black Line trim, which replaces the standard stainless steel and teak rails with stylish black powder-coated ones — very cool indeed. You'll also find a zip wake trim system, an upgraded bow thruster, and a stern thruster to make handling even more effortless.