Boat test for the 2003 Meridian 408 including boat specifications, photo galleries, boat videos, boat layout diagrams, boat test numbers, boat test results, and boat speed graphs. Also includes pricing, engine test reviews, ratings, standard features, and gear for the 2003 Meridian 408.

 
  • Boats For Sale
  • Boat Tests
  • Boat Builders
  • Boat Electronics
  • Megayachts
  • Lists
  • Magazine
  • Blogs
  • Forums
  • My PMY
HOME  >  BOAT TESTS  >  MERIDIAN  >  2003 MERIDIAN 408
Bookmark and Share
 BOAT TEST: 2003 Meridian 408
 PAGE 2 of 2
PAGES:

Notwithstanding that, a walk around the 408's exterior reveals the same roomy and comfortable design as found inside. On the bridge the centerline helm has additional seating to either side—there's stowage under both of them—and offers an uncluttered console with plenty of space for all the necessary electronics. My 408 easily accommodated the optional Raymarine electronics package, including 48-mile radar, Pathfinder RL80C GPS/plotter, 6001+ autopilot, and ST40 depth indicator. Aft of the helm there's an L-shape lounge with stowage beneath and to port an optional refrigerator.

There was something else mounted on the console of my test boat: the control for the optional Docking On Command (DOC) system. This neat gizmo allows you to dock the boat by utilizing both bow and stern thrusters. You get the response you want by simply turning the knob in the direction you need either the bow or stern to go. If you push the control knob completely over to either port or starboard, engaging both thrusters in that direction, you'll be able to slide in and out of the dock. Or twist it and you can oppose the thrusters. Does it work? I'll say it does. My test day saw me often shifting locations from Placida to nearby Gasparilla Island on Florida's west coast. Between frequently moving the boat in and out of the dock at both locations, especially in the tight, skinny-water quarters at Uncle Henry's Marina on Gasparilla, I was glad I had the DOC. This is one option you should put on your must-have list.

a d v e r t i s e m e n t

The aft deck also has some nice features, including a wet bar with Corian countertop, dunnage-box seating aft with stowage beneath, and a hardtop with a pair of stainless steel grabs overhead. A pair of Plexiglas wing doors seals off the area, and there are three integrated steps to port leading to the bridge. But boarding from either side must be done with care, as the height of the boat makes it a bit of a stretch to get a leg up. A shoreside boarding box should help.

Out on the water, with flat-calm seas prevailing, I found my 408 test boat to be an adequate performer compared to similar boats of her ilk and power that I've been on in the same conditions. She tracked straight and true, and with her smooth Teleflex hydraulic steering, turns and maneuvering in the seaway were effortless. Her best cruise, with a pair of optional 330-hp Cummins MerCruiser diesel inboards turning 2600 rpm, was an average 22 mph. That's no surprise given her profile as a coastal cruiser—I could envision a Gulf Stream crossing, for example, on a pleasurable day—but you'd have to consider her tankage before leaving the dock. Given that it's 330 gallons, even with an economical 27.2-gph burn at cruise, you can only expect a 209-NM range with the 330-hp diesels and obviously somewhat less should you opt for the larger 370-hp engines.

If you check Webster's dictionary, you'll find meridian defined as "a high point." The Meridian 408 actually has three: roominess, comfort, and economical operation.

Meridian Yachts
(877) 9YACHTS

PAGES: Photo Gallery
This article originally appeared in the May 2003 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.
BOAT SPECIFICATIONS
Boat Type: Cruiser
Base Price: $336,885
Standard Power: 2/370-hp MerCruiser Horizon 8.1L gasoline inboards
Optional Power: 2/420-hp MerCruiser Horizon 8.1L gasoline inboards; 2/330-hp or 370-hp Cummins MerCruiser diesel inboards
Length Overall (LOA): 42'2"
Beam: 14'4"
Draft: 3'10"
Weight: 28,960 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 330 gal.
Water Capacity: 90 gal.
Standard Equipment: swim platform; aft-deck hardtop and wet bar; Sony 24-inch flat-screen TV in saloon; Karadon countertops in galley; separate shower and head compartments in master suite; 4/2,000-gph Rule bilge pumps; battery paralleling system; 11-gal. water heater
Test Engines: 2/330-hp Cummins MerCruiser diesel inboards
Transmissions / Ratio: ZF/1.96:1
Props: 24"x24" Naki 4-blade
Steering: Teleflex hydraulic
Controls: ZF Mathers electronic
Optional Equipment On Test Boat: DOC system; Glendinning cablemaster; 11.5-kW Onan genset w/sound shield; bridge refrigerator; ZF Mathers electronic controls; Splendide washer/dryer
Price As Tested: $510,036
Conditions: temperature: 65º; humidity: 89%; wind: 5 mph; seas: calm; load: 330 gal. fuel, 90 gal. water, 2 persons, 100 lbs. gear. Speeds are two-way averages measured w/Stalker radar gun. GPH measured with Flo-Scan diesel fuel monitoring system. Range: 90% of advertised fuel capacity. Decibels measured on A scale. 65 dB is the level of normal conversation. All measurements taken with trim tabs fully retracted.
PMY BOAT TEST EXTRAS 
 
Find tests for similar boats:
Boat Length:
To
Boat Type:
PMY Editors Blog
A Mega-Island?
[Fri, 8.29]
According to a recent report on CNN.com, there's a brand new mega-model on the horizon. That's right, the floating island. Megayacht design company Wally has devised plans for a 100-meter vessel that...
[Thu, 9.8]
[Wed, 12.27]
[Mon, 11.36]
Enlarge photo of 2007 Meridian a boat for sale in British Columbia, Canada2007 Meridian
37' 8"     $280,714
Sidney , British Columbia, Canada 
  Photo Gallery     Contact Broker
Enlarge photo of 2005 Meridian a boat for sale in Ohio2005 Meridian
41'     $369,900
Port clinton , Ohio 
  Photo Gallery     Contact Broker
Enlarge photo of 2006 Meridian a boat for sale in Florida2006 Meridian
45'     $399,000
Pompano beach , Florida 
  Photo Gallery     Contact Broker
MORE BOATS FOR SALE
Builder:
Year:
to
Length: ft. to ft.
Price: to
Essex Financing
BOAT SPEED GRAPH

Acceleration based on average of 4 reciprocal runs using Stalker ATS radar gun and OceanPC laptop.


The Power & Motoryacht 100 List
Create your own Power and Motoryacht cover!
Get your Power & Motoryacht cups, hats, and more
 POPULAR POWER BOATS & YACHTS