Tested By Capt. Ron Svoboda



Layout

This platform uses all the ideas of a large, liveaboard cruiser and incorporates this into a motoryacht that can be handled by just the skipper. Now that may not be the safest way to go, but at only 37’ 8 “ long, this small, and somewhat stubby yacht, is a relatively manageable craft. But don’t let size fool you, because below deck is an open, airy saloon with a pair of generous staterooms and private head compartments. All this is capped off with a roomy fly bridge and a fully enclosable aft cockpit area for all weather enjoyment.

Unlike many of the motoryachts we’ve tested, the access from the huge swim platform to the aft cockpit area is via a large staircase with good footing for big feet like mine. Most of the other guys have stairs that are too small and way too steep for safe usage.

Plenty of Entertaining Space

The aft cockpit area supplies shade with a large fiberglass hardtop and clear acrylic doors for side deck access, plus access to the companion way, unfortunately no seating is available here which would have made it ideal. From here, it is just a couple of step to the fly bridge where you’ll find comfortable aft seating finished in nautical white and blue striped upholstery. There is also small wet-bar with sink and a mini-fridge for the captain and crew to keep well hydrated. Your co-pilot can lounge in the contoured companion seat that is located to port.

At the Helm

Behind the wheel, the captain has a full compliment of analog gauges and switches mounted atop simulated wood grain trim for a classy look. Top notch Raymarine electronics provide the navigational and communication equipment and round-out a well planned helm. Even better is the greatest thing since sliced bread: Dock On Command (D.O.C). This handy invention will help you get this baby in the slip like a pro by using forward, side and aft thrusters, all in one controller.

Luxury Throughout

Belowdeck, in the roomy saloon, you can enjoy the entertainment center while relaxing in either of the plush sofas or the dual recliners. Or cook up a great meal in the spacious, port side galley. Directly to starboard of the galley is a guest head and shower compartment.

Overnight Accommodations

When you’re ready to turn in for the evening, your guests can use the forward V-berth, while you get to enjoy the owners stateroom located aft, both offer a queen sized, island bed. There is also en-suite head located in the master stateroom which includes a separate shower stall.

Overall, the new Meridian 368 does provide a surprising amount of lounging space, along with countless storage nooks for those long haul cruises.

• Top speed for the Meridian Yachts 368 Motoryacht (2009-) is 34.9 mph (56.2 kph), burning 67.0 gallons per hour (gph) or 253.6 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Meridian Yachts 368 Motoryacht (2009-) is 24.6 mph (39.6 kph), and the boat gets 0.68 miles per gallon (mpg) or 0.29 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 153 miles (246.23 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 420-hp MerCruiser 8.1 HO.