Motor Boat & Yachting — November 2017

FINDME A USED...

The early ’90s was the era of integral

bathing platforms. As a result, many

boat models changed badge to reflect

the length to the tip of the platform

instead of to the transom. But none

did it quite as confusingly as Fairline.

This 41 became the 43, the existing 43

became the 45 and the Phantom 38

was rebadged Phantom 41. Clear...?

INTERIOR

The important thing to understand

about the 41/43 is that it has a two-

cabin two-heads layout; the 43/45

had three cabins or two plus a lower

dinette. Two saloon options were

offered, either a settee to port and

truncated sideboard or the full-length

sideboard of this boat, which creates

useful extra storage. Woodwork in

teak or crown ash is of particularly

high quality in Fairlines of this era.

EXTERIOR

Launched in 1989, the outside is

classic Olesinski with its double

knuckle halfway up the topsides. In

fact, this boat replaced the popular

Fairline 40, the last of the previous

John Bennett-designed Fairlines.

Stainless-steel window frames

were standard, adding a touch of

class, and a generously sized flybridge

extends out over the cockpit.

PERFORMANCE

Twin Volvo Penta TAMD 61 engines

were the base option at 306hp each.

But the vast majority got larger 70

Series Volvos, 71A at 358hp and

later the upgraded 71B, lifting power

to 380hp each. V8 Caterpillar was

a popular alternative, the 3208TA

giving 375hp at 2,800rpm for a top

speed of just over 27 knots when new.

SEAKEEPING

Deeper mid sections than the Fairline

40 predecessor at 25° improved

upwind ride and reduced slamming,

as did a reduction in the width

of the flat of the chine. Tunnelled

props appeared for the first time

on a Fairline boat. The result was

a soft, planted ride with particularly

good head sea capability.

DATA FILE

1990 £69,500

Length 40ft 1in (12.2m)

Beam 13ft 8in (4.1m)

Draught 3ft 3in (1.0m)

Displacement 11.4 tonnes

Fuel capacity

320 gallons (1,454 litres)

Engines Twin Caterpillar

3208TA 375hp diesel

FOR SALE Network Yacht

Brokers. http://www.networkyacht

brokers.com

Fairline 41/43

Confusing

nomenclature

Strong, high-

quality boat

★★★★

RATING

102

The saloon may

look dated but

it works a treat

Busy-looking lower

helm station

The quality of the

woodwork still

shines through