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A lot of boatbuilders struggle to find their groove. They just can't settle on exactly whom they want to appeal to. In fact, they seem to want to be all things to all boaters.
Meridian appears to be one of the few builders that really knows its target: average cruising couples and families. Not gold-chainers, 'round-the-world dreamers, or YAH-ting wannabes with blue blazers and khaki pants. No, Meridian designs and builds its boat for—well, folks. Whether it's the Pilothouse, Motoryacht (aft cabin to you and me), or Sedan Series, Meridians are designed from the keel up to be easy to buy, easy to own, and easy to run by just about anyone.
The newest and largest Sedan, the 441, continues that tradition. The first thing I noticed about her was not her styling (although I believe she's the best-proportioned Meridian to date, especially with the optional hardtop), but how easy it is to get around her. Getting aboard is unchallenging, whether from the side or via the three-foot-deep swim platform. So is entering the saloon from the seven-foot-long covered cockpit, through an easy-sliding door and over a low threshold. Headed up to the bridge? The trip's a snap, thanks to an enclosed, molded-FRP stairway. And the passage to the foredeck will be a low-drama event even for landlubbers and little ones, thanks to nine-inch-wide side decks, 28-inch-high rails that come all the way back to the cockpit, and grabrails that run the length of the house. As for the foredeck, it's nearly flat and covered in aggressive nonskid (and optional sunpads), and the bowrail rises to nearly chest height to protect you when anchoring. (The anchor and rode are also optional.)
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Inside, you'll find a layout not only easy to move around in, but quite similar to that of the 411, the boat the 441 replaces. Only a single step divides the saloon from the galley-dinette deck, elevated to provide room for the midcabin beneath and to enhance visibility from the optional starboard-side lower helm. With 360-degree glass (a window on either side tilts open about four inches) and 6'5" headroom, the area feels quite expansive.
As for the galley, it's simple and efficient, with Karadon countertops, two big and deep stainless steel sinks, and a three-burner Origo stove. Both sinks and cooktop have Karadon covers to maximize workspace; the one for the latter is big, heavy, and hard to stow. It'd be easier to handle if divided into two.
The three steps down to the accommodation level are inclined to make them easy to navigate and lead you back to the aforementioned midcabin, which, unlike the 411's, has port and starboard windows that really open up the area. At the foot of the stairs is a head with doors to the hallway and midcabin, making it a good day head. There's no enclosed shower here, just a combination faucet-shower head. The larger forepeak en suite head is about a third bigger and has an enclosed shower.
One way to make sure a boat's interior is easy to get around is to make sure there's plenty of stowage to keep things uncluttered. The 441 has a big area beneath the saloon that's also easy to get to, thanks to a large hatch, stairs, and a tilt-up handrail. A dividend of the V-drive configuration (the engines are under the cockpit), the space yields two 31"x28" areas for anything you don't need to get to quickly.
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