Capt. Steve Says...
Being an operator, my first tendency is to always head to the helm. Everyone wants to be where the action is, and when underway, that’s at the helm. Thus, the bridge deck is laid out to accommodate the full complement of passengers, and allows for conversation and entertaining that seems to escape some builders in this area.
Inevitably, crowds end up in groups, whether it’s the men in one spot and women in another, or whatever, there are always separate cliques. The 441 seems to realize this and accommodated it naturally. A large seat aft curves around a table, and up forward, there are forward facing seats for joining the captain in watching what’s ahead -- and an extra set of eyes is always welcome.
An entertainment center with sink and optional electric grill separates the two areas. A refrigerator option is to starboard. This model also had an optional 23” LCD TV with DVD over the starboard fridge but that didn’t sit too well with me… kind of like smoking a cigarette on the beach. We’re here to enjoy the outdoors and fresh air. In my opinion, if you want to watch TV, stay home.
A well laid out bridge deck accommodates even the most popular captains. Check out the hardtop with overhead speakers and sunroofs. That one last grab rail at the top of the stairs is in just the right spot when underway. The curved seat to port has a sun pad conversion.
At the Helm
The helm has a single bucket seat that reclines (I’m not kidding) and the panel leaves plenty of room for the nav package of choice. The standard controls are digital, so a delicate touch is required here. An engine synchronizer is standard. For close quarters maneuvering, Meridian Yachts were exclusive with the “Docking On Command” feature that links the bow and stern thrusters into a single control. But this boat has maneuvering controls that are even more sophisticated called “Total Command.” It’s got the same features as Docking On Command, but adds the functionality of controlling the transmissions as well.
So where you would have previously maneuvered sideways and added forward or reverse to move in the diagonal, “Total Command” does it for you with that single control. Very cool.
A bimini top is standard, but I would opt for the hardtop. As this is the only helm on the boat unless you opt for the lower helm option (which I think is a waste of space), the isinglass surround is going to be a mandatory checkbox on the options list too. If you live in Florida, perhaps you don’t need a hardtop and isinglass, otherwise I would go for it. By adding a hardtop and isinglass you have the best of both worlds – a flying bridge in the air, or a snug “sky lounge” helm when it is cool or rainy. Also, this is the most cost efficient way I can think of to add “living space” on the boat.
Into the Salon
If there were any doubts about Meridian’s dedication to space that were leftover from the bridge tour, the salon will leave no room for error. It is beautiful! Large sliding doors give way to a spacious salon that’s separated from the forward galley with a single step, giving you an open, uncluttered view of this large and roomy layout. The sofa lies to starboard and directly across are two chairs separated by a small table and lamp, perfect for resting the cocktails on.
Figure 1 the salon is as roomy as it is inviting. Large windows give great visibility. Notice the outboard slots in the overhead. Those are the vents for the heat and air conditioning. The temperature is evenly maintained throughout and no one person is next to a blasting air vent.
This layout is incredibly accommodating as it keeps the occupants facing each other, so everyone is involved in the gathering without having to turn your head all evening. Large windows not only let in lots of natural light and give stunning views but, as they are low enough, give a view of the horizon as well. This has a surprising effect of reducing motion sickness for your more lubberly guests.
The Galley
Moving forward, we step up into the galley. A settee is to starboard, and to port is the galley itself. It’s not huge and doesn’t need to be. This isn’t a long range cruiser, so we don’t need to allow for five-star meals. Keep it simple and save the space for where it’s needed. Good thinking on the part of Meridian’s designers.
But even for its size, the galley has a full height refrigerator/freezer, double sink, convection microwave, high gloss cherry cabinetry, three burner stove, and Karadon countertops throughout.
The Staterooms
In my opinion, Meridian got the labeling of their staterooms backwards. Midship is the guest stateroom and it’s pretty nice for being just for guests. It spans the yacht’s full beam and features a double sized island berth, built in chest with three drawers, cedar lined hanging locker, a desk with electrical and phone jacks, and a vanity with flip up mirror and stool. There are four hull side portlights that are very thick and are actually bonded into the hull, so leaking and creaking are not a factor. The guest head doubles as a day head.
The mid-stateroom features large portlights, a desk with electrical and phone jack, a pop up vanity with stool and an island berth. Meridian calls this a guest stateroom!
The master stateroom is forward. The island berth is queen sized, deck hatches are above, there are portlights to either side, the head is en suite. All of this is pretty standard on most boats as there really is not much else that can be done in the bow.
If this were my boat, I think I’d make the midship stateroom my “master.” It has more room and amenities and a midship location is more comfortable.
Engine Room
The engines are accessed by lifting the stairs to the bridge and it’s clean and roomy. Standard power: twin 380-hp QSB CMD (Cummins Mercruiser Diesel) electronic diesels. Options are for either 420 or 480-hp CMD units. This boat had the optional engine oil changing system and fuel transfer pump – two options I recommend. There is also plenty of room to accommodate the 11.5KW Onan generator and sound shield.
Summary
Again, Meridian is the motoryacht builder in this size range to watch. This builder is working harder than any other to make handling a large boat easier, its designers and engineers are drawing on the industry’s best practices to incorporate as much as they can into large motoryachts at an affordable price point, and the lines and styling of its boats are attractive. The 441 Sedan is a surprisingly comfortable yacht, and rewardingly functional as well. Throw in Meridian’s best in class warranty and you have a combination that not only deserves your attention, it demands and keeps it. But don’t take my word for it, you need to see it for yourself.
