Fairline Squadron 58, KISMET II

Broker’s Comments

Wow – what a find! The Squadron 58 by Fairline Boats was a game-changer at original launch in 2001 (at the late, great Earls Court London Boat Show), and this exceptionally-popular and successful model ran until 2009 – with one 58 leaving the Oundle yard every three weeks. Equally applicable for the Mediterranean or the South West coast of the UK, she has a long flybridge that cantilevers back over the aft cockpit, with wet-bar, triple helm, expansive aft lounging area and the bonus of an internal stair. She feels like a much more design, but incorporates all of the epic seakeeping of this breed of Olesinski-penned Fairline hulls, and (whilst she will weigh in at 22 tons), she is no slouch – with 30 knots on tap from her twin D12 diesels.

KISMET II has been constantly upgraded and improved during her current ownership, with the installation of a powerful stern thruster, Flexiteek side and bathing platform decking. She is recently polished and her machinery space is simply breathtakingly good – her upgraded 17.5 kVa generator is even polished too.. She is religiously serviced and is maintained by a long-term skipper who knows her inside and out, and she has full original paperwork to substantiate her provenance.

Once that hefty glazed stainless steel aft saloon door slides open, you understand why this layout works so well. The saloon is simply vast, and beautifully finished in rich, glossed cherry, with contrasting cream carpets. The execution of the joinery is first-class, and has lasted amazingly well, with opulent upgraded Squadron 74 leather and cream ceiling linings making her feel super special. Moving forward, the galley is unobtrusively dropped down a couple of steps to starboard, so that the open feeling of the saloon is preserved, whilst keeping the chef close to the action, rather than tucked away. The useful midships cabin is accessed off the galley, with a berth, basin and laundry, and plenty of room for stores and all that boat kit that we carry.

The forward dinette to port sits across from the helm console, and with an opening flybridge deck hatch and starboard deck door, there are excellent ventilation and access options. Her forward accommodation is a tried and tested three cabin/two heads layout, with the Master set forward into the bows, and the two aft cabins flanking the central corridor.

And for the engineer? Well – let’s just say that the machinery access through the aft cockpit floor is superb, and bright LED lighting ensures that the fastidiously maintained engines and generator are simple to work on and to inspect. Aft of the engine bay bulkhead is a further lazarette, and then a crew cabin (not fully fitted out on this example also) – so this is true Tardis territory.

KISMET II displays Fairline at the zenith of their powers. She is an excellent example of her kind, clearly loved and benefitting from a continuing maintenance programme.