Source: Capt. Bob Smith, Power & Motoryacht Magazine
A Complete Family Package
Meridian Yachts has hit one out of the park with the new 391 Sedan Bridge model. Right away you’ll notice the sleek lines and large windows onto the world, which have been designed into this model.
Starting at the Bow
The expansive bow on the 391 features high protective rails. Gull wing hatch doors keep the windlass and foot controls covered, and also give the bow a nice clean look when not in use. The anchor cleat is heavy-duty and large, and pops up when needed, and then tucks back down when the anchor is up on the chocks. Next to the windlass are connections for both fresh and raw water to keep the anchor and deck clean, and there’s also a deep locker for the anchor rode. Also up here are two large sunpads, split by a low grab rail, each with twin drink holders for your favorite beverage.
Aft Deck Features
It’s just three steps down to the aft covered deck. This space has a large bench with generous storage in the seat. To the left of the sliding entry door is a stereo remote to control the music belowdeck. The port wall has a large storage locker built in. In the gunwale on both sides is a custom locker for fenders, which you’ll want close at hand. The transom door is located on the port side, and leads to a wide swim platform with telescoping boarding ladder tucked below. Over on the starboard side is a covered narrow trough that leads the shore connections safely across the platform and up to a trunk in the stern. A second trunk locker houses the fresh and raw water connections as well as a swim shower.
Accessing the Engine
Engine access on the 391 is gained from several directions. The first access door is located under the stairs leading up to the cockpit. This is a quick way to check on the power plants. The battery connections and main breakers are on the side wall as you step into this area. The second way to get to the engines is through a large hatch in the stern floor. This will give you excellent access to the generator and batteries. Our boat had the Reverso Oil changing system on the forward wall of this space. The delivery captain on our test boat had used the large open space in here to store tools and large gear for the trip.
Space for Entertaining
The cockpit is up some stairs and is an ideal place topside to enjoy the ride or just relax as the sun goes down. The aft half has a large L-shaped lounge with storage in the seat bottoms. A handy table mounts cleverly to maintain maximum floor space. The forward half on the port side has another bench seat large enough for three or four to join the captain. Additional drinkholders and a set of speakers are tucked around for everyone to enjoy. Just aft the captain’s seat is a wet bar with a serving top and two drink holders as well as a cockpit refrigerator.
The Controls
The helm on our test boat was set up with a premium navigation package. The 391 delivered all-around good performance while we tested in 2-foot chop on the Intracoastal waters around Sarasota, Florida. Our package had both an 8-inch and a 6-inch Northstar display to maximize digital information. We ran the GPS on the larger screen while checking the performance numbers on the 6-inch screen. Other digital units included an auto helm, and digital depthfinder. Although we didn’t need to use it on our test run, this one also had the Docking on Command system for simplifying tight maneuvers at the dock.
Inside the Cabin
The screen door of most sliders quickly becomes difficult to use and damaged. This one is set on a clever roller system, which rolls it up neatly and completely out of the way. Once stepping inside you are quickly impressed by the amount of light thanks to the large windows, and room Meridian Yachts’ have brought into this space. On the port wall, is a corner cabinet with the power distribution panel located inside the top, a large flat screen TV in the center with a DVD player. In the lower section, is a small refrigerator/freezer which can be easily reached from the aft deck as well as inside. The stereo is hidden inside a slide out drawer that also has room for plenty of DVDs and CDs. Just forward are two single seats separated by an end table with a top to match the galley cabinets.
A large lounger wraps around from the door to the dining table on the starboard side. The starboard end has two recliners in side-by-side fashion so you can relax after a full day of cruising. A small coffee table simply slides to wherever you would like to use it. The center floor here has three panels that can be pulled up for excellent access to the twin power plants.
Dining Features
The dinette is two steps up, which gives you a panoramic view outside the large windows. A drop-down table with two filler cushions can be added to make this an extra bed for overnight guests. The galley comes equipped with a microwave, side-by-side refrigerator/freezer, double-burner cooktop and a large stainless steel sink with pull-out sprayer head. Storage includes two large cabinets below the cooktop and sink. Meridian Yachts also uses lazy susans in the galleys to make nearly all the things stored easily accessible. A central vacuum system connection is located in the side wall of the galley floor.
Sleeping Accommodations
Accommodations on the 391 consist of two private staterooms with a mid-berth between the galley and the V-berth. In here you have a double bed and a cedar-lined closet. This stateroom has direct access to the separate shower. The head is separated with the toilet mounted on the port side. This space has its own vanity with sink and a large medicine cabinet. The V-berth has a large island bed with two individual cedar lined closets for your clothes. Entertainment in this room had an optional flat screen TV with a DVD player just below.
Specifics and Performance
This new design measures 40’11” overall and is 13’ 9.6” in the beam. She weighs in at approximately 23,460 lbs. with standard engines and carries 350 gallons of fuel in her tanks. On rough Intracoastal waters, this boat handled well and had a smooth dry ride. She cruised at nearly 21 miles-per-hour and had a cruise range of 327 miles. Her top speed registered 33.3 miles-per-hour. The 391 planed in just 7.3 seconds and was passing 30 miles-per-hour in 13.8 seconds.
If you enjoy taking cruises with the family and want to entertain aboard, this new model from Meridian Yachts offers a complete package and plenty of space to take your family and friends out for a cruise. The open spaces and bright rooms will make you feel as though you’re on board a larger boat, yet the performance and handling is more of a pocket cruiser.
Meridian brings an all-new design to replace its 381. This forty footer handles like a sportboat and they have designed the interior to feel like a much large yacht. Meridian took great pains to bring the technology and design of its larger boats to this model. With a long list of standard features and a healthy list of great options, you can make this your most comfortable space away from home and also be the envy of your friends.
Length Overall 40′ 11”
Dry Weight 24,000 lbs.
Beam 13′ 11”
Fuel Cap 350 gal.
Draft 2′ 9”
Water Cap 125 gal.
Deadrise/Transom 10 deg.
Bridge Clearance 14′ 0”
Max Headroom 6′ 5”