Performance Test: 2025 Targa 32 Outboard
We took the new 2025 Targa 32OB 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
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.
