Boat test for the 2006 Meridian 391 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 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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