Looking at 2005 Meridian 411 Loop Boat

[Seevee]

All,

Looking at a 2005 Meridian 411, got info, talked to the sales person and going to see it later. Would be my loop boat.

Overall, I'm impressed. It has a lot of features that seem attractive.

It has twin Cumins 370hp and can go fast at 22 kts (expensive), or economical at 8 kts (2 mpg). Also has bow and stern thrusters for going sideways into a slip fighting the wind or current.

Electronics are a bit dated with C80 and stuff similar.
Bridge clearance 15', draft 45"
Only holds 55 gal of water, could be an issue?

11kw Onan Generator... are they any good?

Has small side by side refrigerator/freezer, could be a bit small?

Very nice state room, and spacious salon.

No dingy, and not sure where one could be stored.

Any Meridian owners comments? Things to look for, goods, bads? Thx.

 

[smitty477]

You will find a lot of knowledgeable folks for that boat at the Baylinerownersclub and at the Meridian owners club but that site is not quite as active.
The water capacity stated is either wrong or the boat has been altered - figure 140g useable last I checked.
When looking at Cummins 6b powered boats make sure you check on the half dozen or so potential issues before you make offers - ensure not overpropped, condition of sea water pumps, service of aftercoolers, turbos, blowby test, fuel coolers, CCV etc.
Overall I like the boat is that deck design suits your specific goals and purpose.

 

[FootballFan]

Did a 8-9 day charter in the Chesapeake on a Meridian - next size up. Had bow and stern thrusters. I think they were put on for marketing purposes, they were not powerful enough to move the boat when you really would use them.


Overall the boat was fine, slid around a bit with cross chop. Not a heavy water boat - but watch the water you are in - very manageable.


I would not pay extra because it has thrusters - since I felt they were only marginally effective.


Good conditions they were handy to have.


my 2 cents,


mark

 

[BandB]

I'm a fan of the boat as a good utilitarian boat that is comfortable and a very modest price. A good boat for two persons cruising. Decent headroom. You'll have to decide if the bow stateroom is an issue for you and the shape of the bed. I've run across a lot of owners of Mainship in that time period and found them to be quite happy with the boat. The main reason for selling has been to get a larger boat, more room.

As to the dinghy, weight would be a concern and what it might do to your ride and performance, but the swim platform appears to me to be large enough to hold a small one.

 

[BruceK]

How`s the ER for access and space?
Onan Gensets are good, 2005 will probably be a Cummins Onan.

 

[FF]

Just for the loop a boat 1/10 the price would do fine.

What will you do with the boat after the loop?

 

[Jetstream]

We live onboard our Meridian 459 and love it. It has so much room, nice features and is a surprisingly good sea boat. We did look at the 411 and liked them as well. We do find the bow and stern thrusters very useful.
Smitty hit the nail on the head with the engines. They are great as long as they are looked after.
As about the 411 on the Meridian owners forum. They are a good bunch,

Brett

 

[Seevee]

Just for the loop a boat 1/10 the price would do fine.

What will you do with the boat after the loop?

FF,

Not sure what you could get for 1/10th the price thats worth looking at. I do want some creature comforts and not a really old boat with old everything.

After the loop I'd probably sell it, but reserve the right to change my mind.

 

[Seevee]

We live onboard our Meridian 459 and love it. It has so much room, nice features and is a surprisingly good sea boat. We did look at the 411 and liked them as well. We do find the bow and stern thrusters very useful.
Smitty hit the nail on the head with the engines. They are great as long as they are looked after.
As about the 411 on the Meridian owners forum. They are a good bunch,

Brett

Brett,

Good advise, I'll do that. Overall, seems like a pretty nice boat for the price.