Boat test for the 2007 Fairline Phantom 48 including boat specifications, photo galleries, boat videos, boat layout diagrams, boat test numbers, boat test results, and boat speed graphs. Also includes pricing, engine test reviews, ratings, standard features, and gear for the 2007 Fairline Phantom 48.

The sea offered us no place to test that judgment. Her Bernard Olesinski-designed, modified-V hull, which features 18 degrees of deadrise at the transom, purposefully and softly sliced through the flat, cobalt-blue water while her twin 575-hp straight-shaft Volvo Penta diesels ramped up to 2520 rpm, within 20 rpm of their rating. At this speed of 36.5 mph, our test boat registered 0.61 mpg on a 60-gph burn, which with 440 available gallons works out to a 241-statute-mile range.

Her good turn of speed complements her easy handling. I was able to turn the 48 within about two boat lengths at WOT with minimal effort, thanks in part to her power-assisted SeaStar steering and fin-shape Clements rudders. In high-speed turns, the 48 offers slight to moderate heel and a loss of only about 100 rpm. Coming out of them, she was quick to recover.

Her open flying bridge (the optional bimini top was down) provided plenty of exhilaration, but backing into a slip, I was unable to see the starboard-side aft quarter due to the large seating area on the overhang. If I stretched my neck towards the port-side teak steps leading back to the cockpit, I could catch a view of the port corner of the teak swim platform. But anyone backing in will need a cockpit camera or a spotter calling out the distance. That said, I did quite a few close-quarter simulations, from spinning to backing down, and found the 48 to be quick on her feet.

Mike Jones

Hydraulic, power-assisted steering from SeaStar provides the helmsman with the ability to make smooth yet sporty turns.

As a set of typical South Florida summer thunderstorm clouds approached, recollections of lightning strikes and those huge raindrops suddenly returned, so it was time to call it a day. Admittedly, conditions on this test day were quite different from those during my first experience on a Phantom. Yet much remained the same. This boat was fast, stylish, eye-catching, roomy, and chockful of artisanal-grade joinerwork. With a pedigree like that, the 48 should have no problem making your short list of top-notch cruisers.

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SPOTLIGHT ON: The Cost of Options

Mike Jones

All boats have a base price, which can vary from a little to a lot, depending on what optional equipment you add. I wondered what the options list on our 48 looked like and how it affected the final tally. Turns out that Hull No. 3 (which is actually Hull No. 1 in the United States) sported no fewer than 22 options. They ranged from the obvious extensive Raymarine electronics package and white bimini top to the less-noticeable six-piece lead-crystal highball set and light-mast upgrade. So how far does her base price grow with all those goodies? Try $84,565. And figure on another $18,950 for prep and make ready. But hey, you get what you pay for.—P.S.

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