Tested By Capt. Ron Svoboda

Unquestionably the most unique motor yacht that I have seen in years is Meridian Yachts’ 459. She is a compilation of spaciousness, luxury and practical design, wrapped in a smooth flowing skin. And to back it up, this beauty is supported through the people who know yachts; Brunswick Boat Group. So whether you plan on long cruises, or never leave the dock, you can depend on the value in your investment.

Topside

What I like best about the 459 is the expansive aft patio. Situated between the jumbo swim platform and the master stateroom is a cruiser’s dream deck, large enough for lounge chairs and a table. The deck also blends right into a palatial set of stairs to the aft cockpit level. The aft cockpit area presents the perfect place for a sunset meal or happy hour with its comfortable settee and ultra equipped wet bar. The bar includes a sink, ice maker and lots of storage for those boating necessities. The whole area is shaded from the sun with a massive, fiberglass hardtop which can be canvassed to deliver an all-weather room with a view.

Layout

Stepping into the atrium like saloon will make you feel right at home. An abundance of light is supplied by giant windows that have concealed shades for when privacy is important. The dual facing lounges are inviting, especially when the recliners are available. They also provide the best location to enjoy the entertainment center and flat panel TV.

A large galley to port has lots of room for the chef to create, as well as store goods for long adventures into the blue. You also won’t have to search out a valet when pulling into your destination dock, as the 459 comes equipped with a washer/dryer combo unit located near the galley.

Overnight Accommodations

When it comes to sleeping quarters, the 459 offers two spacious staterooms. The forward berth has a queen-sized island bed accented with wraparound stairs and plenty of storage cabinets. Attached is a head and shower compartment with dual access so it can be used as the main toilet.

A sizeable master stateroom is all the way aft and offers a queen berth and a great view from the sliding glass door. It has an en suite head with separate vanity and shower stall.

On the bridge

Topping off this floating condominium is a large flybridge. With a high-rise view, the helm station provides everything the captain will need at his fingertips. Analog gauges are in easy view, in addition to a panel for the accessory power switches and the Raymarine multi-function display. Keeping the skipper company is a wraparound settee for the crew and a mini fridge located port.

But what is truly amazing is how Meridian Yachts squeezed all this roominess into a boat that is only 47 feet, 8 inches long. The 14 foot 4 inch beam certainly helps, as does the 30,700 pound of displacement. Fortunately there is 330 gallons of fuel capacity for those big diesel engines, which also means you can travel long distances. Unfortunately, at time of print, we were unable to test the 459 to see how this uniquely luxurious yacht performed. We hope to get back to you with numbers on this model.

• Top speed for the Meridian Yachts 459 Motoryacht (2009-) is 31.5 mph (N/A kph), burning gallons per hour (gph) or N/A liters per hour (lph).