Today, we are taking the Targa 32 out for a complete performance test! We’ll run the boat at various speeds, from cruising to wide open throttle, while checking out key performance stats like fuel burn, nautical miles per gallon, and engine load efficiency.
One of the most impressive things about the Targa 32 is its surprising performance. At first glance, you might not expect this boat to cruise at 33 knots easily, but once you’re behind the wheel and push those throttles forward, it’s incredible how much power you feel. With a fast acceleration from idling at 1,000 RPM, you can hear the supercharger and turbocharger kick in, and just like that, she takes off. In seconds, we’re hitting 26 knots, then 28, 30, and we’re cruising at 33 knots. The acceleration is nothing short of incredible—soon, we’re at 37 knots, with the RPMs sitting at 3,500. It’s crazy how this boat, which doesn’t look like a speed demon, can easily keep up with center consoles.
Throttling down to more comfortable cruising speeds at 3,000 RPM, we’re at 72% engine load and gliding along at 31.5 knots. You can cruise at 80% engine load all day, hitting around 33 knots at 3,200 RPMs.
The Targa 32 offers several engine package options, and the boat I’m testing today has the D4 320 horsepower engines, which let us equip it with extras like a generator for air conditioning and other electrical gear. Even with these features, we’re still getting outstanding performance—burning 21 gallons an hour, giving us a range of 280 nautical miles. That’s enough to take you from Portland, Maine, all the way down to Old Saybrook, Connecticut, on one tank of fuel. The ride is smooth, the noise level is low, and the overall experience is far more comfortable than other diesel-powered boats in its class.
In short, the Targa 32 may look like a traditional, rugged boat, but don’t let its appearance fool you—this vessel is packed with significant performance upgrades that far exceed expectations for a boat of its class and style. Whether cruising at a comfortable speed or pushing the wide-open throttle, the Targa 32 delivers power, efficiency, and smooth handling, making it a true standout on the water.
Performance Data:
700rpm – 5knots – burning 0.9 gal an hour – 5.6 NM-G – engine load is 38%
1,000rpm – 7knots – burning 2.0 gal an hour – 3.4 NM-G – 38% engine load
1400rpm- 8.7knots – burning 4.8 gal an hour – 1.8 NM-G – 48% engine load
1600rpm – 10knots – burning 7.6 gal an hour – 1.3 NM-G – 56% engine load
1800rpm – 11knots – burning 9.7 gal an hour – 1.2 NM-G – 59% engine load
2000rpm – 13.7knots – burning 11 gal an hour – 1.2 NM-G – 61% engine load
2200rpm – 17knots – burning 14 gal an hour – 1.2 NM -G – 66% engine load
2400rpm – 20knots – burning 14 gal an hour – 1.4 NM-G – 61% engine load
2600rpm – 25 knots – burning 16 gal an hour – 1.5 NM-G – 65% engine load
2800rpm – 28knots – burning 18 gal an hour – 1.5 NM-G – 68% engine load
3000rpm – 30knots – burning 20 gal an hour – 1.4 NM-G – 73% engine load
3200rpm – 33knots – burning 24 gal an hour – 1.4 NM-G – 80% engine load
3400rpm – 35.5knots – burning 28 gal an hour – 1.2 NM-G – 90% engine load
WOT – 3550rpm – 38knots – burning 33 gal an hour – 1.1 NM-G – 100% engine load
