Fairline Squadron 58 – A Timeless Classic in Flybridge Luxury

Published: 07 Sep 2025
Author: Michael Hodges
There are motor yachts that try to impress with bells and whistles, and then there are those that quietly command admiration by doing everything right. The Fairline Squadron 58 is firmly in the latter category—a masterclass in British marine design that delivers confident performance, understated elegance, and practical luxury in equal measure.
Fairline Squadron 58 - Flybridge
© Michael Hodges
Fairline Squadron 58

First launched in the early 2000s, the Squadron 58 became a defining model for Fairline Yachts and remains one of the most respected vessels in the 55–60 foot class. It set a benchmark for what a flybridge cruiser could be: not just a vessel for bluewater passages, but a floating home with long-range comfort, timeless lines, and an interior that wears its age with pride.

Design & First Impressions

At nearly 59 feet overall, the Squadron 58 has genuine presence on the water. Her sweeping hull windows, soft bow flare, and graceful superstructure create a profile that’s muscular without being aggressive. She’s neither loud nor flashy—just effortlessly elegant.

The beam, just shy of 16 feet, allows for generous internal volume, especially in the salon and master stateroom. The deep-V hull provides solid, confidence-inspiring performance offshore, and thanks to a well-balanced weight distribution, she rides smooth and true even in less-than-ideal conditions.

The design team clearly understood that luxury is not just about materials—it’s about how space is used. Every corner of this yacht has a purpose, and every movement feels considered.

Performance at Sea

The Fairline Squadron 58 typically comes equipped with twin diesel engines from manufacturers like Volvo Penta, MAN, or Caterpillar, ranging from 775 HP to 900 HP each. Top speed hovers around 30 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed between 22 and 26 knots.

But raw speed isn’t the point. What impresses is the ease and balance with which the boat handles. Hydraulic steering is light and responsive, the ride is composed, and the boat planes smoothly. She’s quiet at cruise, and despite her size, easy to manoeuvre in close quarters—especially with bow and stern thrusters or optional joystick controls.

Whether you’re island-hopping in the Med or taking a weekend run down the south coast of England, the Squadron 58 feels like a willing, capable partner.

Flybridge: Your Upper Deck Paradise

One of the defining features of the Squadron 58 is its massive flybridge—a sun-drenched space designed for entertainment and relaxation. It’s accessed by a wide staircase from the cockpit, making it safe and easy to move between levels even underway.

Up top, you’ll find:

A U-shaped dinette with a large teak table

A full wet bar with grill, fridge, sink, and icemaker

Dual helm seats and a full complement of navigation gear

Expansive sunpads aft, ideal for lounging or sunbathing

There’s room for a dozen guests without feeling cramped, and the view is spectacular whether you’re at anchor or underway. Many owners describe the flybridge as their favourite “room” on board—and for good reason.

Interior: Where Classic Meets Comfort

Step into the main salon through curved glass sliding doors, and you’re greeted by a space that balances classic marine craftsmanship with homey comfort. High-gloss cherrywood cabinetry, cream leather upholstery, and soft carpeting create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The layout is split-level, with a generous U-shaped sofa aft, a formal dining area forward to port, and a lower helm station to starboard with two commanding leather captain’s chairs. The galley sits on the lower deck landing, amidships for reduced motion, and is fully equipped with a ceramic cooktop, full-height fridge-freezer, microwave, and ample storage.

Large windows allow for exceptional natural light, and many boats are fitted with air conditioning and entertainment systems for extended comfort on board.

Accommodations: Three Cabins, Endless Comfort

Below deck, the Squadron 58 offers a three-cabin, two- or three-head layout that feels more like a luxury apartment than a boat:

Master Stateroom (midship, full-beam): A true retreat, with a queen berth, en suite bathroom with separate shower, vanity area, and large hull windows.

VIP Cabin (forward): An island double berth, hanging lockers, and en suite access to the second head.

Twin Guest Cabin (starboard): Two single berths, suitable for children or guests.

There’s also an optional crew cabin at the stern with its own head—ideal for crew, kids, or extra guests.

Storage is generous throughout, with deep lockers, full-height wardrobes, and hidden compartments. Whether you’re aboard for a weekend or an entire summer, the Squadron 58 feels more than capable of meeting your needs.

Highlights

Expansive flybridge with full entertaining amenities

Rich, high-quality interior joinery

True full-beam master suite

Excellent offshore performance with refined handling

Top-quality systems and engineering

Strong resale value and broker support

What to Look for Used

Check condition of flybridge canvas, upholstery, and teak decking

Inspect engine hours, servicing logs, and any updates to electronics

Ensure air conditioning, hydraulics, and generators are in good working order

Galley and head systems should be tested—especially in older models

The Squadron 58 is a true bluewater cruiser, designed to handle extended voyages and luxurious weekend escapes alike. With a solid deep-V hull, twin diesel engines, and superb stability, it combines serious offshore chops with a beautifully appointed interior and a flybridge that rivals larger yachts.

It’s ideal for families or groups who want three-cabin liveaboard space, a vast flybridge for socialising, and elegant, understated styling.

Key Specifications

Feature

Length Overall (LOA) 58 ft 11 in (17.96 m)

Beam 15 ft 10 in (4.83 m)

Draft 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m)

Displacement ~27 tonnes (lightship)

Fuel Capacity 2,728 L (720 US gallons)

Water Capacity 1,140 L (301 US gallons)

Engines Twin Volvo Penta D12 / Caterpillar / MAN

Horsepower Typically 775–900 HP per engine

Top Speed ~30 knots

Cruising Speed 22–26 knots

Cabins 3 + crew (optional)

Heads 2 or 3, depending on layout

Performance and Handling

The Squadron 58 is no slouch on the water. With twin diesels, the yacht cruises comfortably in the mid-20 knot range and can reach 30 knots at full throttle—impressive for a boat of its size and weight. The deep-V hull ensures a soft ride, even in moderate chop, and electronic throttles and bow/stern thrusters make docking and close-quarters handling intuitive and easy, especially with the upper and lower helm stations.

This yacht is equally at home island-hopping in the Med or cruising through northern waters with a bit more bite.

Flybridge & Exterior Layout

The flybridge is one of the Squadron 58’s greatest assets. Accessed via a wide teak staircase from the aft deck, it’s expansive and well-configured for entertaining:

Full wet bar with grill, fridge, and sink

Large U-shaped seating area with teak table

Multiple lounging zones with sunpads

Second fully equipped helm station

On the main deck, the aft cockpit features a dining table and seating for al fresco meals, with wide side decks leading to the foredeck sunpad—perfect for sunbathing or watching the anchorage roll by.

A hydraulic swim platform is often fitted (standard on later models), making tender launching or sea access effortless.

Interior Design

Fairline’s craftsmanship shines below deck. The interior feels timeless, luxurious, and welcoming:

Salon: Enter through sliding glass doors into a spacious salon with plush seating, coffee table, and entertainment centre. Large windows flood the space with natural light.

Lower helm: Forward of the salon, with excellent visibility, two leather captain’s chairs, full electronics, and side-deck access via a sliding door.

Dining area: Elevated dinette opposite the galley offers indoor mealtime elegance.

Galley: Fully equipped with fridge/freezer, ceramic cooktop, microwave, dishwasher (in some), and abundant storage. Located amidships for reduced motion when underway.

Cabins & Accommodation

The standard layout features three spacious cabins:

Owner’s Stateroom (midship, full beam): Queen berth, dressing area, vanity, ample storage, large hull windows, and en suite with separate shower.

VIP Cabin (forward): Island berth, hanging lockers, overhead hatch, and direct access to a second head (shared).

Twin Guest Cabin (starboard): Two single berths, ideal for children or guests.

Many Squadron 58s also feature a crew cabin aft, accessible from the transom, with its own small head—handy for crew, kids, or overflow guests.

Features to Look For

Hydraulic passerelle and swim platform

Crew cabin with AC

Teak decking throughout

Onboard generator and inverter

Washer/dryer unit

Air conditioning and diesel heating

Raymarine or Garmin nav systems

Stabilisers (optional aftermarket)

Strengths

Excellent long-range cruising ability

Top-quality joinery and fittings throughout

Large flybridge and expansive social spaces

Strong secondhand market presence

Feels like a 65-footer in many respects

Things to Check on the Used Market

Flybridge upholstery and bimini/canvas wear

Engine hours and service history (especially MAN/Caterpillar models)

Electronics—many older boats benefit from modernisation

Teak decking condition

Aircon, genset, and hydraulics

Who It’s For

The Fairline Squadron 58 is perfect for:

Families or couples looking for a serious liveaboard yacht

Owners upgrading from a 40–50 ft flybridge boat

Mediterranean and UK cruising (with equal ease)

Entertainers who love open-air dining and flybridge living

Final Verdict

The Fairline Squadron 58 has earned its reputation not just through brand recognition, but through delivering what owners truly value: quality, practicality, and quiet luxury. It’s not flashy for the sake of it—it’s considered, elegant, and built for those who understand that true luxury is effortless.

In today’s secondhand market, the Squadron 58 remains a standout. She holds her value well, has a strong support network, and—most importantly—still delivers that commanding, reassuring experience that made her a star from the start.

For those ready to graduate from mid-sized cruisers to a serious, world-class motor yacht without stepping into superyacht territory, the Fairline Squadron 58 may be exactly what you’re looking for.