Performance Test: 2025 Targa 32 Outboard
We took the new 2025 Targa 32 OB out on Casco Bay, Maine, to see how it performs with twin Mercury V10 400 horsepower outboards. This test looks at speed, fuel burn, and handling across the RPM range.
Test Setup
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Engines: Twin Mercury V10 400 hp outboards
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Conditions: Calm summer day in Casco Bay
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Measurements: GPS speed, gallons per hour (GPH), and nautical miles per gallon (NMPG)
Acceleration and Top Speed
Starting from a stop, the 32OB planes quickly and smoothly. At wide open throttle (6,000 RPM), we reached 44 knots.
Cruising Numbers
Here are some key performance points we saw during testing:
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4,000 RPM → 28 knots | 26 GPH | 1.08 NMPG | ~300 NM range
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4,500 RPM → 33 knots | 31.9 GPH | ~1.0 NMPG
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4,750 RPM → 35.2 knots | 37.7 GPH | 0.93 NMPG
The most efficient and comfortable cruising range is between 27–32 knots. At these speeds, the engines are quiet, the boat feels steady, and the range is more than 300 nautical miles on a tank.
It’s worth noting that at slower displacement speeds (around 8–9 knots), efficiency actually drops below 1 NMPG. This hull is designed to run best in the high 20s to mid-30s.
Targa 32 Outboard Performance Data
Performance test data collected on Casco Bay, Maine with twin Mercury V10 400 hp outboards. Range values are calculated using 285.3 gallons of usable fuel (317 gallons total capacity minus a 10% reserve).
| RPM | Speed (knots) | Fuel Burn (GPH) | Efficiency (NMPG) | Estimated Range (NM)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 650 | 3.3 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 485 |
| 1000 | 5.0 | 3.2 | 1.6 | 457 |
| 1500 | 7.1 | 5.4 | 1.3 | 371 |
| 2000 | 8.5 | 9.4 | 0.9 | 257 |
| 2250 | 9.0 | 12.0 | 0.8 | 228 |
| 2500 | 11.8 | 12.9 | 0.9 | 257 |
| 2750 | 12.3 | 14.6 | 0.8 | 228 |
| 3000 | 15.2 | 16.5 | 0.92 | 263 |
| 3250 | 18.7 | 18.9 | 0.99 | 282 |
| 3500 | 22.1 | 21.0 | 1.05 | 299 |
| 3750 | 25.4 | 23.3 | 1.09 | 311 |
| 4000 | 28.1 | 26.0 | 1.08 | 308 |
| 4250 | 30.4 | 28.4 | 1.07 | 305 |
| 4500 | 33.0 | 31.9 | 1.03 | 294 |
| 4750 | 35.2 | 37.7 | 0.93 | 265 |
| 5000 | 37.2 | 43.6 | 0.85 | 243 |
| 5250 | 39.2 | 51.2 | 0.77 | 220 |
| 5500 | 41.1 | 56.5 | 0.73 | 208 |
| 5750 | 43.0 | 60.2 | 0.71 | 202 |
| 6313 (WOT) | 47.5 | 75.0 | 0.63 | 180 |
*with 10% fuel reserve
The performance and fuel efficiency data shown here reflects the Targa 32 equipped with twin Mercury V10 400 hp outboard engines. This configuration offers a different balance of speed, efficiency, and handling compared to inboard setups.
The Targa 32 is available in multiple propulsion configurations, each influencing how the boat runs and how it fits into an owner’s cruising plans. In addition to the twin V10 400 outboard setup shown here, the Targa 32 can also be configured with inboard options including twin Volvo Penta D4 320s, twin D6 380s, twin D6 440s, or a single D6 440. Understanding how these options compare—and which configuration makes the most sense for your intended use—is best done in context. Our Targa 32 Discovery page walks through these differences in more detail and connects the data to real-world scenarios
Handling
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Turns: Smooth and steady. At 30+ knots, we only lost about a knot of speed in a medium turn.
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Ride: The boat handles wakes and chop without much fuss.
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Noise: Even at higher RPMs, normal conversation inside the pilothouse is possible with the engines running behind closed doors.
Final Takeaway
The Targa 32OB with Mercury V10s is quick, efficient in its cruising range, and easy to handle. If you keep the boat in the 27–32 knot range, you’ll get a good balance of speed, range, and fuel efficiency. It’s a solid setup for longer runs or just covering water quickly and comfortably.
For a great comparison, head to our blog on the Targa 32 Performance Data and compare directly with an inboard powerplant setup. There you’ll find the same breakdown for a Targa 32 outfitted with twin D4 320s instead of the Outboard setup in this blog. If you want to learn more about the Targa 32 in general, visit our Discovery Page that will break down all the engine options, measurements, specs, price, and includes our library of images and videos.
