2027 Targa 37 Performance Numbers: Exceptional Efficiency, Long-Range Capability, and Nearly 40 Knots of Speed
The all-new 2027 Targa 37 represents one of the most significant launches in Targa’s recent history. With a redesigned hull, optional flybridge, twin-cabin layout, and the all-weather capability that has defined the brand for decades, expectations were understandably high.
Following our first sea trial in Helsinki, Finland, it’s clear that the new Targa 37 delivers. What surprised us most wasn’t simply the top speed or fuel economy. It was how effortlessly the boat combined speed, range, efficiency, comfort, and durability in real-world conditions.
The result is a pilothouse cruiser capable of trawler-like range at displacement speeds, remarkable efficiency throughout its cruising range, and nearly 40 knots at wide-open throttle—all while maintaining the quiet, solid feel that Targa owners have come to expect.
Real-World Test Conditions
Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to understand the conditions in which they were achieved.
The performance trial was conducted with:
- 15–20 knots of wind
- Short, steep chop
- Approximately 30% fuel onboard
- Full water tanks
- Five adults aboard
- Cruising gear onboard
- A 10% fuel reserve factored into all range calculations
- Light-displacement configuration (no dinghy and not fully fueled)
These were not flat-calm, best-case testing conditions. Instead, they closely resemble the conditions many owners encounter during normal cruising. The fact that the Targa 37 delivered these numbers in less-than-perfect weather makes the results even more impressive.
Trawler-Speed Range: 712 Nautical Miles at 8 Knots
For owners planning extended passages or fuel-conscious cruising, the Targa 37 demonstrates impressive efficiency at displacement speeds.
At 8 knots, the boat recorded:
- Speed: 8.0 knots
- Fuel Burn: 3.6 gallons per hour
- Fuel Economy: 2.2 nautical miles per gallon
- Range: 712 nautical miles
- Engine Load: 38%
This represents true trawler-style cruising capability. With over 700 nautical miles of range available while maintaining a 10% fuel reserve, the Targa 37 offers the flexibility to undertake extended coastal cruising and longer passages while consuming remarkably little fuel.
Cruising Sweet Spot: 409 Nautical Miles at 28 Knots
While the trawler-speed range is impressive, the Targa 37’s most remarkable performance may come at what many owners will consider its ideal cruising speed.
At 28.1 knots, the boat recorded:
- Speed: 28.1 knots
- Fuel Burn: 22 gallons per hour
- Fuel Economy: 1.2 nautical miles per gallon
- Range: 409 nautical miles
- RPM: 2,820
- Engine Load: 62.5%
This proved to be the best cruising range achieved while operating at true planing-cruise speeds.
Covering more than 400 nautical miles while cruising at nearly 30 knots is exceptional performance for a fully enclosed pilothouse cruiser under 40 feet. During the sea trial, it was noted that the boat consistently returned approximately 1.2 nautical miles per gallon around the 30-knot mark while maintaining outstanding ride quality and comfort.
High-Speed Cruising: 33.9 Knots at 80% Engine Load
For owners looking to cover ground quickly without pushing the engines to their limits, the Targa 37 delivered another standout data point.
At 33.9 knots, the boat recorded:
- Speed: 33.9 knots
- Fuel Burn: 31 gallons per hour
- Fuel Economy: 1.1 nautical miles per gallon
- Range: 350 nautical miles
- RPM: 3,200
- Engine Load: 80.5%
This operating point represents an outstanding balance between speed, efficiency, and mechanical reserve.
Maintaining 350 nautical miles of range while cruising at nearly 34 knots is an impressive achievement, particularly considering the sea conditions and loading during the trial.
Remarkably Consistent Fuel Economy
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the data is how consistent the efficiency remains across the primary cruising range.
| Speed (Knots) | NM/Gal |
|---|---|
| 20.6 | 1.1 |
| 24.0 | 1.1 |
| 28.1 | 1.2 |
| 31.2 | 1.1 |
| 33.9 | 1.1 |
| 36.3 | 1.0 |
Many boats have a narrow efficiency sweet spot. The Targa 37 does not.
From approximately 20 knots through 35 knots, fuel economy remains remarkably stable, hovering around 1.0–1.2 nautical miles per gallon throughout the entire operating range.
This consistency gives owners tremendous flexibility. Whether conditions dictate a comfortable 22-knot cruise, an efficient 28-knot passage, or a high-speed run in the low-to-mid 30s, the boat continues to deliver exceptional fuel economy without forcing operators into a narrow operating window.
For a vessel offering this level of accommodation, protection from the elements, and offshore capability, the efficiency numbers are simply phenomenal.
Nearly 40 Knots of Top-End Performance
Powered by twin Volvo Penta D6-400 engines, the Targa 37 reached:
- Top Speed: 39.8 knots
- Fuel Burn: 40 gallons per hour
- Fuel Economy: 1.0 nautical mile per gallon
- Range: 319 nautical miles
- Engine Load: 100%
Achieving nearly 40 knots from a fully enclosed pilothouse cruiser equipped with two cabins, two heads, and an optional flybridge is impressive enough on its own.
What’s more impressive is how composed the boat remained throughout the speed range. The performance never felt forced or strained. Instead, the Targa 37 accelerated smoothly and confidently, maintaining the secure, predictable handling characteristics that have long defined the brand.
The Numbers Tell One Story. The Ride Tells Another.
Performance data is easy to quantify. Build quality is not.
One of the most notable impressions from the sea trial was the extraordinary level of refinement and structural integrity displayed by the boat while operating in challenging conditions.
Despite running in 15–20 knots of wind and steep, confused chop, the boat remained exceptionally quiet underway. Visibility was excellent, acceleration was smooth, and the hull felt planted and composed regardless of heading.
Most notably, there were no creaks, rattles, groans, or stress noises typically associated with running a boat aggressively through rough water. It was repeatedly noted how solid and quiet the vessel felt throughout the trial.
In many respects, the absence of those noises may be one of the strongest indicators of the boat’s engineering and construction quality.
Boats reveal a great deal about themselves when conditions deteriorate. The new Targa 37 felt exceptionally tight, refined, and confidence-inspiring from the moment it left the dock. The lack of structural noise while operating in demanding conditions speaks directly to the durability, rigidity, and craftsmanship built into the platform.
This is not simply a fast boat. It is a boat designed to maintain that performance and composure year after year in the environments for which it was intended.
Final Thoughts
The all-new Targa 37 delivers a rare combination of speed, efficiency, range, and refinement.
Highlights from our sea trial include:
- 712 nautical miles of range at 8 knots (trawler speed)
- 409 nautical miles of range at 28.1 knots (best cruising range)
- 350 nautical miles of range at 33.9 knots (high-speed cruise)
- Consistent 1.0–1.2 NM/Gal fuel economy from 20–35 knots
- Nearly 40 knots of top speed
- Exceptionally low noise levels underway
- Outstanding structural rigidity and ride quality in challenging conditions
For owners seeking a premium pilothouse cruiser capable of long-range exploration, efficient high-speed cruising, and genuine offshore capability, the 2027 Targa 37 sets a new benchmark in the under-40-foot segment.
Most impressive of all, it accomplishes these numbers while delivering the quiet, confidence-inspiring ride and exceptional build quality that have made Targa one of the most respected names in Scandinavian boating.
