341 Meridian Sedan

Source: Tom Thompson, Sea Magazine

The All-new is all you need in a perfect cruising package

I know it may sound silly, but the story of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” came to mind after I finished a sea trial of the new Meridian 341. Everything about the boat was just right. It has the space, the features and the performance you want in a midsize cruiser — not too much, not too little; not too big and not too small. Here’s a boat that could be a perfect fit for your on-the-water lifestyle.

The 341 Sedan measures 35 feet, 11 inches in length overall and has a 12-foot, 6-inch beam. For a cruising couple or a family, it seems to have just the right amount of interior room to spend time on the water comfortably. The salon feels much larger than it is because of the generous use of glass on all four sides. One row completely circles the space and a second, just below it, runs along each side, so you have a panoramic view whether you’re seated or standing. There are comfortable leather settees running along each side of the salon with an adjustable-height table between them to create a cozy conversation area. The settee to starboard has two Flexsteel incliners built into it. As an option, it can be ordered with a Flexsteel hideaway bed, increasing the boat’s sleeping capacity from four to six.

The salon’s well-equipped entertainment center is a standard feature. It’s housed in a cabinet at the aft port corner of the salon and features a 20-inch flat-screen TV, an AM/FM radio and a CD/DVD player. The audio system has four speakers, two of which (plus a remote control for the radio) are located on the flybridge. The cherry wood cabinetry throughout the boat complements the selection of fabrics and upholstery.

Accommodations
It was a hot day when I was aboard the Meridian All-new 341 Sedan, so the optional two-zone air conditioning was running full force and keeping the cabin very comfortable. Looking around I soon found why the temperature was just right. Instead of the typical one or two large outlets that dump a blast of cold air into a cabin, the 341 Sedan had a pair of long Ultra Flow vents in the ceiling that gently directed a flow of cool air throughout the space. The system maintained a fairly consistent temperature no matter where I stood or sat.

The galley on the 341 Sedan is amidships to port and has all the appliances needed to keep a crew in food and drink. A two-burner glass cooktop hides away under a removable section of Karadon countertop when not needed. Opposite it, along the port side, there’s a large stainless steel sink, a microwave oven and an under-counter refrigerator/freezer, plus a generous amount of cabinet space for foodstuffs. The Wilsonarte simulated teak and holly flooring is easy to keep clean.

The forward stateroom is the master and features a queen-size island berth. Drawers under the berth plus a cedar-lined hanging locker on either side provide ample storage space. A 13-inch TV/DVD is an available option.

The second stateroom has two single berths that can be converted to a double with filler cushions. For additional storage, there’s a large hanging locker in the companionway between the staterooms. The 341 Sedan’s head is accessible either from the master suite or the companionway. It has a cherry wood vanity cabinet with a stainless steel sink and a mirrored medicine cabinet, a stall shower and a VacuFlush toilet.

Sure Footed
The 341 Sedan’s cockpit would be just the right spot to relax and enjoy a sunrise or sunset. An optional bench seat is available along the transom. The space is shaded by the flybridge overhang, and as an option, you can enclose it. There are several storage compartments to stow fender lines and cleaning accessories. All of the shore hookups are done from one covered panel on the port side of the swim platform. There’s also a covered channel in the swim platform that routes cables and hoses so no one can trip on them.

It’s easy to move around the deck of the 341 Sedan, thanks to the side walkways that are fitted with high railings and grabrails at just the right height. On the foredeck, there’s a wide, flat area at the bow to provide sure footing for the crewmember handling the lines or the anchor.

There’s also sure footing when you’re headed up the stairway to the flybridge. The space features two seat groupings. A curved settee is forward to port and is opposite the helm station. It fits two adults comfortably, but you’ll probably end up with one person swooping in for this spot, legs outstretched, enjoying the ride. The helm has a swivel bucket captain’s chair with a flip-up bolster. Immediately behind the helm, there’s a standard wet bar with space for an optional refrigerator or ice-maker. The aft section of the flybridge has another curved sofa that will fit three or four people, depending on how cozy they want to be.

Options Abound
There are several options available for the 341 Sedan’s exterior, including full canvas with side curtains, carpeting on both the flybridge and cockpit decks, and a door that covers the opening for the stairway. An available cocktail table can be placed in front of the aft seating.

Meridian has several optional Raymarine electronics packages for the 341 Sedan that include everything from basic navigation gear to radar and autopilot installations. The boat also can be fitted with a lower helm station, which takes the place of the forward part of the settee on the starboard side of the salon.

The day I tested the 341 Sedan, the wind was blowing at about 20 knots, creating some messy, short period, 2- to 3-foot chop. The conditions weren’t the greatest, but the boat handled them better than I expected. The ride was reasonably smooth and comfortable. Roll stability was good. There was very little pitching when running in circles. The twin 6.2L Mercury Horizon inboards got the boat quickly on plane and accelerated well throughout the throttle range. Discounting the wind noise, it was relatively quiet while under way. The sound level reading at the helm didn’t hit 80 dB until we were almost at wide-open throttle.

One final thought — even the engine room layout on the 341 Sedan is just right. I’ve seen many boats this size where in order to reach things such as the impellers, you’d have to be a contortionist. Everything here is well thought out and put in a logical place with room to work on it.