Goat: Botnia Targa, the all purpose off roader of the seas

Form following function

Purposeful, that's the best word for the range of Botnia Targa boats. Built in Finland and used not only for recreational boating but also by people who need a robust, non nonsense go anywhere boat, once marketed as the 4x4 of the seas, its easy to see why, the raised side decks, easy boarding at both bow and stern, reversed sheer wheelhouse all point to a more commercial grade product.

So what makes this a GOAT? I think one thing really sticks out in my mind, it has to be one of, if not the easiest boat to deal with single handed, the doors from the helm and wheelhouse to the side decks are just brilliant, make docking so stress free. They are also one of the most accomplished hulls I have ever known, don´t take just my word for it, in the 2008 round Britain powerboat race, a Targa 42 was the only boat that completed every leg of the race by sea, including some serious Atlantic swells, please remember, this is a production motor cruiser, not a purpose built race boat,  https://www.targa.fi/news/targa-42-in-round-britain-race-2008.

Continuing on the theme of serious boating, the Thames river police in London also use Botnia Targa boats, Targa | 7th & 8th Targa 31:s to the met police

Not all of the range is actually that large, from memory the smallest model produced was a 23 footer, its the largest "small boat" I can think of. Originally were powered by Volvo Penta diesel sterndrives in various power outputs, they were always quite fast boats, going from mild to quite wild, the larger models also have the option of Volvo Penta IPS pod drives, I see on their webpage they have also starting producing models with outboard motors too.

The interiors are not what you would call luxurious, its just right, not too much blank space, not too much upholstery, the woodwork is lovely and makes things seem warm, the galley/kitchen in the wheelhouse is something I like very much, coffee with a view, some of the options are very much for the Nordic climes, including various heating systems, if I remember rightly I saw one once with radiators that looked like central heating.

I would be happy to call one of these boats my own, the feeling of invincibility is addictive, as is going at indecent speeds and passing boats that look like they are made for performance in a boat that looks more like the Tardis from Doctor Who. There are models with and without the flybridge second helm station, I would personally prefer to have this, mainly because I live in a warm and sunny place (it is most of the time), saying that, if you have to helm from the lower station, I cannot think of another boat with better visibility.

I can sum it up by, its a boat that even seasoned and professional mariners get excited about seeing, I know a superyacht captain who still points them out to others on board whenever he sees one, such is the allure of this range of boats, buy one and you will not be disappointed, moreover, there will be a string of people waiting in line to take it off your hands if you decide to sell.

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