Boat test for the 2006 Meridian 391 with boat pictures, boat specifications, and boat test results. Includes pricing, videos, engine test reviews, and ratings for the 2006 Meridian 391.

So I returned to the saloon as the 391 made her way outside for the sea trial with decibel meter in hand, and my readings were impressive. I measured 66 dB-A—one dB above the level of normal conversation—at 21 mph and 2200 rpm, notable considering her optional twin 380-hp Cummins QSB5.9s were rumbling right under my feet. I learned that this was the result of four factors, three of which revealed themselves when I entered the engine room by lifting the molded fiberglass bridge stairs on their two gas-assisted struts.

The first two involved the optional, 9-kW Onan genset: It’s well aft under the cockpit, some distance from the saloon, and it’s fitted with a hushbox that comes standard with the genset. The third factor is that headliners and bulkheads have sound-attenuation panels of fire-resistant, aluminum-faced melamine foam. The last factor is the 391’s Divinycell-cored sole, which not only has a favorable strength-to-weight ratio but also sound-damping abilities. While in the engine room, I noted 21 inches between the powerplants, enough room for a mechanic and his tools, as well as easily accessible standard Racor filters, but headroom was just 4’0”, forcing me at 5’11” to crouch.

Later, I sat comfortably at the helm on the spacious flying bridge as the 391 reached her average top hop of 33.7 mph. Sightlines were excellent from the starboard-side helm in three directions, but they were somewhat limited aft; the optional transom-mounted camera should help in close-quarters maneuvering. I noticed some tenderness at idle and considerable lean in hard WOT turns—not terribly unusual in a high-profile boat of this size. But her hull proved tough: At one point, a mid-40s Downeaster zoomed past us off the port side, throwing a large wake, which the 391 cut through at WOT without fanfare, her solid fiberglass hull, full-length stringer system, and longitudinal stiffeners absorbing the blow without creaking or slamming.

A profile of the 391 highlights her sleek slines and abundant windows. The two six-foot sunpads on the foredeck are easily accessed via wide side decks.

Aboard the 391, livability translates into a multitude of well-planned layouts both in the saloon and on her flying bridge. Sturdy construction adapted from her sister models means a comfortable ride as well. This 39-footer will nicely bridge the gap between Meridian’s 341 and 411 Sedan Bridge models and place her owners squarely in a comfort zone of their own.

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