Squadron 53
The Fairline Phantom 43 is an exquisite 44.5-foot luxury flybridge cruiser first introduced by British yacht brand Fairline Yachts in 2000. Designed by the legendary Bernard Olesinski, the Phantom 43 is a robust and elegant hull ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends looking to cruise in style and comfort.
The teak bathing platform is slightly curved, tapering in from the fullest point of the beam, making it both easy to board and less likely the catch during tight maneuvers. Two hatches lead to a wide storage locker and a swim ladder to ease you in and out of the water, while a shower to port allows you to rinse of the brine of the sea when you come back aboard.
A starboard transom gate leads to the sizeable aft cockpit, with a comfortable three-seater sofa at the transom. The middle cushion lifts up to reveal a good-sized lazarette, and further storage can be found inside the bench seat to starboard. Space is not wasted on this boat.
Gorgeous teak stairs with a stainless-steel banister lead up to the flybridge, which features a convivial dinette that seats up to six people around an adjustable table – when lowered, it transforms into a sunpad. A nearby wet bar will ensure your guests never go thirsty, with a sink, cupboard, and an optional fridge and grill. The upper helm here has not two but three helm chairs, an unusual sight on any flybridge, each with stowage underneath. The helmstation is equipped with a standard Tridata and dual station VHF, steering wheel, and wraparound engine instrumentation that can be checked at a glance.
A sliding door lead from the aft cockpit to the bright, cheerful salon. Cherrywood cabinetry and framing around the extensive windows give the space a rich, luxe feel without ever feeling dark. Here you’ll find a plush L-shaped sofa curved around a glossy cherrywood table facing a portside loveseat that double as companion seating. The larger seating area converts into a generous berth when not in use, perfect for accommodating guests. Nearby, you’ll find stylish cocktail cabinet and a further cabinet built to store a television and optional fridge. Just to starboard, a two-seater helmstation ensures the captain never feels left out of the conversation, while the low windshield supplies excellent sightlines.
Beyond the helm and a few gentle steps down is a stunning, well-laid-out portside galley with two sinks, opening portholes, plenty of counter space and storage, three-burner cooktop, built-in garbage receptacle, large fridge-freezer, and an optional joint microwave/oven. An underfloor compartment here can be used as a pantry or added storage. Immediately to starboard is a guest cabin with two twin beds and private access to the day head, which features a generous vanity unit with a sink and mirror, a toilet, and a separate circular shower.
The forward owner’s suite is cozy and comfortable, with an opening porthole and a skylight. This surprisingly bright cabin boasts a circular double berth, a pair of storage lockers and a large hanging locker. The attractive en suite bathroom features a surprisingly spacious shower cubicle, toilet, Avonite countertop with sink and storage, and an opening porthole.
The Phantom 43 is powered by standard twin 480hp Volvo Penta engines that reach top speeds of over 32 knots and a more comfortable cruising speed of 16 knots.
