Fairline Squadron 68 Mk 2 Review (2019 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The beach club area was found to be innovative with its hi-lo platform and a fold-away seat. Also praised was the inclusion of a beach club shower, a feature he found to be very convenient for post-swimming rinses.

Moving on to the cockpit, Nick appreciated the spaciousness, the folding teak table, and the shelter provided by the hardtop. Also highlighted was the careful finishing touches such as the colored panels which added a nice contrast to the design.

The generous bow area has a dual seating arrangement and concealed anchoring gear . The flybridge also impresses with its enclosed stairway, seating area, wet bar, and the solid panels on the hardtop that could be tilted for shade. The helm seats and the boat's own monitoring system are excellent features.

Inside the yacht, the saloon and the galley are an impressive size. Fairline offers various options for layout, including having the galley aft or down, or choosing between a three or four-cabin configuration. There is also a bar area, the high-level drawers, the large fridge freezer, and all-electric Miele cooking in the galley.

Nick was particularly taken by the expansive glazing and the woodwork in the saloon. He found the high-gloss finish and the curved detailing to be exquisite. He also liked the social area and dining space, the high-low TV, and the inset lights.

At the helm, the power-adjustable seats are comfortable and the all-glass dash was praised. The dashboard display could be configured to show various information such as chartplotter, radar, and basic navigation instrumentation. The helm area has been designed to avoid screen reflection, providing a clear view even on sunny days.

In the lower deck there are three cabins, each with its own ensuite, describing it as a luxury feature for a 68-foot boat. The VIP guest cabin has the option to extend it into a larger space by moving back the threshold and removing the day heads.

Nick praised the owner's cabin for its huge bed, ample headroom, and the lighting solutions. He particularly liked the dressing table, the illuminated wardrobe, and the ensuite with rainfall shower.

The crew cabin, accessed from the bathing platform, is impressive for a sub-70 foot boat. It had two single beds, a wardrobe, a window for natural light, and an ensuite with a sink and shower.

In the engine room, the Squadron 68 has two Caterpillar C18 engines, each over 1,000 horsepower, capable of propelling the yacht at a speed of about 30 knots, cruising at 20 knots. 

In conclusion, Nick was highly impressed with the Fairline Squadron 68.  He expressed admiration for the design aesthetic of the yacht, noting that it's the largest boat Fairline produces and a true statement of their current capabilities. He found it to be a cool boat with great ideas and lovely styling that felt like a high-quality product.