best sedan bridges other than sea ray

Lots of stones being thrown at Meridian.....which is cool.....i mean, it IS a SeaRay forum after all....I get it.

Hey, how’s SeaRay doing with their $100 million plus in warranty claims on their L-Class??? You know.....glass house and all.
I don't think you will find too many CSR members rally to support Searay as a company for the problems they have made for themselves in recent years. What we are saying is that for many years they made outstanding boats that have withstood the test of time and will likely prove to be as good of a boat investment as you can find. After all that is what the original poster was looking for in posing the question. I knew this would be a fun thread to watch!
Carpe Diem
 
Thanks again, beautiful boat. What does QSB stand for? I assume its something small block? Your posts are so helpful, thank you again. I won't keep bugging you but a few final questions. How do you upgrade the power (like a banks upgrade on a rv?) as you mentioned(and is it expensive) and does that increase the efficiency and gas usage? And how was the gas usage before you did that upgrade? I have a big golden retriever so very interested in the lift, if you don't mind me asking about how much does that upgrade cost? Thanks again.
"QS" is Cummins "Quantum Series" of engine families. Then there are the B, C, and M for the marine diesels. The "B" engines are both 6.7L and 7L in a host of horsepower ratings.
The "C" engine is 8.3L and also in a host of horsepower ratings.
The "M" engine is 11L and in a host of horsepower ratings.
There are many more marine engines that Cummins produces like the QSK, KTA, and N but they are rarely seen in recreational boats.

The Meridian line of Brunswick boats were produced to fill what they thought a gap below the price point of the Sea Ray line for an equal physical size of boat. My thinking was to compete with Asimut. Brunswick's calculus to produce both lines was a total failure in my opinion; but I am an armchair quarterback. In order to achieve a lower price point for the Meridian line there were strategic decisions to use lower cost components, fewer components, lighter layup schedules, and great reductions in fabrication and labor time. This shows in the woodwork, cabinet hardware, soft surfaces and metallic structures. The Meridian boats I've been on had, for example, an aluminum framed sliding solon door whereas my Sea Ray has a stainless steel frame. The Meridians had flat faced and square framed cabinets whereas the Sea Ray are curved and inset. When you peel back the onion you will find a lack of backing plates, through bolting, and other differences that are primarily executed to reduce labor. Now, to be fair, I believe much of the engineering development from Sea Ray flowed down to Meridian and consequently, from a structural aspect, a sound vessel. Would I put a Meridian on the same structural and quality level as Sea Ray? Absolutely not.

Here is how I would rank the bridge boats that I've been on between years 2005 and 2011:
Asimut - 5
Sea Ray - 7
Meridian - 5
Viking - 9
Princess - 7
Ocean Alexander - 8
Rivieria - 9
Sunseeker - 7
Maritimo - 6
Carver - 5
 
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I hesitate to chime in but I don't see any Meridian Bashing going on, just really sound opinions from highly qualified members. I don't think you'll will find anyone with knowledge and experience of Searay and Meridian boats that will say the Meridian is equal to the Searay. Just look at the market prices for instance. It doesn't mean Meridian isn't a fine boat for its intended use and price point. In many ways Meridian, like Carver, designed more utility into their boats for their intended market. Having owned the 44DB and Cruised with and spent time on several Meridians and Carvers, I'm glad I spent the extra hundred grand on the same year model Searay and haven't looked back.
Carpe Diem
Very interesting observations from both Carpe and Webster. I really appreciate the thoughtful responses. The comments made my choice seemingly even more obvious as the Meridians I have seen are nearly at the same price point as the Sea Ray I am considering, albeit later models and some lower hours, but the Sea Ray is immaculate and fresh water, so it seems I would be crazy to go another way! I do love the layouts of the Meridians and they cannot be beat for their size in utility. I guess my only internal struggle at this point is deciding whether the Sea Ray is just more boat than I actually need or not at this point. Thanks again to everyone for the input!
Rob
 
Sometimes one hesitates to call BS, but I'm going to have to on some of the replies in this thread - and this coming from a guy that owned Sea Rays for 20+ years straight.

You can look at my pic, and see what I presently run - and will be sticking with for quite some time. Meridians are awesome. I run an 08' 341 with gassers. If I was in salt, I'd be in one with diesels, and probably a 391 if I was running back and forth to the islands - but I'm landlocked and this is a fantastic boat.

The one single drawback on my 08' 341 gasser is fuel burn, though for me on a lake it's a non-factor for all the other benefits. I average about .65 gpm, which isn't great. A diesel changes that considerably. Once past that, a Meridian is hands down a fantastic boat. Fit and finish? Owned plenty of SR's, the fit and finish would be hard to distinguish between the two. Space? Hands down Meridian has this won, by a long shot. Their use of space and functionality is heads and shoulders above other Sedan Bridges, regardless of the size. Sorry, but I looked at a 420SB, and my little 341 has a much better, and more functional layout. Flybridge layout and space? Forget it....this is what sold us on the Meridian as it blows away anyone else on a foot by foot basis by a wide margin.

Anything that floats is awesome...but we went from 39LOA, to 43LOA…..to now our "little" Meridian with 36LOA - and it makes all our previous boats look silly in space and function. A 391 with diesels is one bad mofo…...and if you want bigger, skip the 411 and go for the 441 if the pocket book allows. Oh, and as a stock item on all Meridians, they have DOC - dock on command. I use the sticks in most conditions, but when the wind is howling - which it is often where I'm at - it matters not as the DOC system joins the use of both bow and stern thrusters - stock. While everyone else is sitting in their slip griping about the stiff wind - I'm out, and not sweating it in the slightest. Easily another 20+ days/year of worry free boating than the rest of the folks because of this stock feature.....Love this vessel.....wish I had gone to a Sedan Bridge (regardless of brand) a helluva long time ago.
Thanks, Fly. I have looked at several Meridians, and they definitely have great use of space. Once pet peeve I have is that the head doors open into the bed in the master stateroom, which drives me crazy, but other than that, the space is great. Hard to believe the 341 is a 36 LOA boat when you compare it to other 36 to 37 foot boats of other makes, it wins hands down. I cannot speak to the fit and finish as I have not owned one, so I will have to defer to those more knowledgeable on that point. Thank you for the input!
Rob
 
Don’t forget one important question when buying your next boat, which Frank mentioned above: How difficult will it be to sell the boat at fair market value? A Sea Ray, will be easier to sell than a Meridian for 2 reasons.

1. No longer in biz.
2. Not as well built as a Sea Ray in that same year boat.

Personally, I would not be too worried about Meridian no longer in biz, since most things on a boat are from other OEMs. But a large percentage of prospective buyers will be concerned!

Like many have said before, Meridian is a good boat. My friend owns a 441 and loves it. But he too would say, it is not built as well as a Sea Ray. But he loves his 441 - it is huge!
 
Don’t forget one important question when buying your next boat, which Frank mentioned above: How difficult will it be to sell the boat at fair market value? A Sea Ray, will be easier to sell than a Meridian for 2 reasons.

1. No longer in biz.
2. Not as well built as a Sea Ray in that same year boat.

Personally, I would not be too worried about Meridian no longer in biz, since most things on a boat are from other OEMs. But a large percentage of prospective buyers will be concerned!

Like many have said before, Meridian is a good boat. My friend owns a 441 and loves it. But he too would say, it is not built as well as a Sea Ray. But he loves his 441 - it is huge!
Thanks Dani, appreciate the input. I believe my only decision now is whether I want to go as big as the 44 Sedan Bridge. They are so much more work to keep clean and just maintain in general, and I am trying to decide if I would rather go a little smaller, if not the Meridian 341, then maybe a Sea Ray 36/390 Sedan Bridge. I am glad it is winter, lol, need some time to ponder this further!
Rob
 
Very interesting observations from both Carpe and Webster. I really appreciate the thoughtful responses. The comments made my choice seemingly even more obvious as the Meridians I have seen are nearly at the same price point as the Sea Ray I am considering, albeit later models and some lower hours, but the Sea Ray is immaculate and fresh water, so it seems I would be crazy to go another way! I do love the layouts of the Meridians and they cannot be beat for their size in utility. I guess my only internal struggle at this point is deciding whether the Sea Ray is just more boat than I actually need or not at this point. Thanks again to everyone for the input!
Rob
Rob, Gotta go with your gut on this, Its certainly a good thing that you are not buying your first boat so you knew what kind of space you had available on the 390MY. If that is of real importance to you I'd probably consider the Meridian because the 44DB really does lack storage. That's not always a bad thing, it keeps you from storing tons of unnecessary gear on board. It does get cramped though when entertaining overnight guests when they bring their gear onboard. We rarely have overnight guests so with just the two of us its just perfect. Again good luck with what ever you end up with.
Carpe Diem
 
Rob, Gotta go with your gut on this, Its certainly a good thing that you are not buying your first boat so you knew what kind of space you had available on the 390MY. If that is of real importance to you I'd probably consider the Meridian because the 44DB really does lack storage. That's not always a bad thing, it keeps you from storing tons of unnecessary gear on board. It does get cramped though when entertaining overnight guests when they bring their gear onboard. We rarely have overnight guests so with just the two of us its just perfect. Again good luck with what ever you end up with.
Carpe Diem
Carpe, thank you. Yes, the 390 had tons of space and the wife loved it, but I need the open air of the bridge! It is usually just my wife and I as well other than the occasional kid or dock side entertaining, so storage most likely not an issue for us either. Boating season has come to an end for us in the Northeast, so I believe I have a little time to make a decision without worrying about the 44 DB getting snatched up too quickly. Also, the market of buyers in boats that size and price start getting much smaller! Really appreciate the input. I will let everyone know how things turn out. If I go with the 44, may have to pick your brain in the future!
Rob
 
Carpe, thank you. Yes, the 390 had tons of space and the wife loved it, but I need the open air of the bridge! It is usually just my wife and I as well other than the occasional kid or dock side entertaining, so storage most likely not an issue for us either. Boating season has come to an end for us in the Northeast, so I believe I have a little time to make a decision without worrying about the 44 DB getting snatched up too quickly. Also, the market of buyers in boats that size and price start getting much smaller! Really appreciate the input. I will let everyone know how things turn out. If I go with the 44, may have to pick your brain in the future!
Rob
Rob, We had ours sold earlier this year and were convinced we wanted a Carver 564. Similar configuration to the Searay MY with the hard scape bridge and aft cabin. It had an aft cockpit which is a strict requirement for us as I don't want to have to climb stairs as the only way to enter our boat. The big question we had was will we grow to hate the closed bridge. I liked the idea of never worrying about replacing the canvas and soft glass panels but figured the enclosure would just be too hot with little natural ventilation. As luck would have it our buyers got cold feet and we took the 44 off the market and decided to lover her for another five years. Next and likely last boat will be a 50+ Pilot house.
Enjoy the winter to ponder your perfect boat.
Cheers
 
I am surprised no one has mentioned Prestige or Galion? I was actually considering one of these but now I am not so sure. Can I ask why they are never mentioned when people ask what to replace a 40+ Sea Ray with?
 
Our preference would be to have a Fly Bridge which is open and a Pilot House downstairs. One of my requirements for the next boat is Windshield Wipers....
I struggle with that as well! I loved the 390 Sea Ray when the weather sucked with the closed bridge and climate control, and windshield wipers! I hated the closed bridge, however, the majority of the time when we were on the water as I wanted the sun and wind on my face. I did see that Cruisers makes a Sedan bridge with both, an open bridge and an actual windshield with wipers on the bridge. I guess that is the fun...searching for that "perfect" boat!
 
Marquis had an optional lower helm. Initially sounded promising, however after seeing in person we decided it was lower controls, not a pilot house.
 
I am surprised no one has mentioned Prestige or Galion? I was actually considering one of these but now I am not so sure. Can I ask why they are never mentioned when people ask what to replace a 40+ Sea Ray with?

Galeon is a solid boat but they don’t make a convertible a/k/a “sedan bridge” which is what the OP was asking about.
 
"QS" is Cummins "Quantum Series" of engine families. Then there are the B, C, and M for the marine diesels. The "B" engines are both 6.7L and 7L in a host of horsepower ratings.
The "C" engine is 8.3L and also in a host of horsepower ratings.
The "M" engine is 11L and in a host of horsepower ratings.
There are many more marine engines that Cummins produces like the QSK, KTA, and N but they are rarely seen in recreational boats.

The Meridian line of Brunswick boats were produced to fill what they thought a gap below the price point of the Sea Ray line for an equal physical size of boat. My thinking was to compete with Asimut. Brunswick's calculus to produce both lines was a total failure in my opinion; but I am an armchair quarterback. In order to achieve a lower price point for the Meridian line there were strategic decisions to use lower cost components, fewer components, lighter layup schedules, and great reductions in fabrication and labor time. This shows in the woodwork, cabinet hardware, soft surfaces and metallic structures. The Meridian boats I've been on had, for example, an aluminum framed sliding solon door whereas my Sea Ray has a stainless steel frame. The Meridians had flat faced and square framed cabinets whereas the Sea Ray are curved and inset. When you peel back the onion you will find a lack of backing plates, through bolting, and other differences that are primarily executed to reduce labor. Now, to be fair, I believe much of the engineering development from Sea Ray flowed down to Meridian and consequently, from a structural aspect, a sound vessel. Would I put a Meridian on the same structural and quality level as Sea Ray? Absolutely not.

Here is how I would rank the bridge boats that I've been on between years 2005 and 2011:
Asimut - 5
Sea Ray - 7
Meridian - 5
Viking - 9
Princess - 7
Ocean Alexander - 8
Rivieria - 9
Sunseeker - 7
Maritimo - 6
Carver - 5

I am curious why you ranked a Maritimo lower than Sea Ray. Having crawled all over a couple in the last few weeks I have been very impressed with build quality.
 
I think all of us approach evaluating a boat with our own boating experience/requirements/usage as some level of framework.

Not all boats are equal in all categories.

Selecting a boat is always a series of compromises.

The bad selection is when we pick a boat that doesn't align with how we will use the boat and those factors that are important to us.

What ranks high for me - not necessarily what will rank high to you.

Build quality is not always identifiable with the boat sitting at the dock. Sometimes it is, fit and finish issues. Sometimes it doesn't fully surface till the boat is run for a while and you experience the boat in varying conditions.
 
I am curious why you ranked a Maritimo lower than Sea Ray. Having crawled all over a couple in the last few weeks I have been very impressed with build quality.
I considered boats of equal vintage (mid 2000's) and those I've been on rather than a "drive by". Maritimo is a fine vessel but look closely at the laminates, door hardware, soft surface selections; to me just a tick below the SR's of the mid 2000's.
 
I hesitated a bit chiming in as it IS a SeaRay Forum. Well put @FootballFan We moved from Sundancer to a Meridian 411 Sedan Bridge and absolutely love it, but it is well suited to what WE do, which is coastal cruising. It has a huge flybridge, gets a mile/gallon at cruise with 370 HP Cummins, handles well, has an engine room like no other in the class when it comes to space/accessibility (IMHO), has an incredible amount of storage space, a great layout, and a host of other features that fit us well. We don't venture more than 75 miles offshore, don't go out in seas over 3-5's, don't fish (much), and usually take 3-7 day trips.

We loved our SeaRay and the brand, but when moving from an express-style to a sedan bridge, the Meridian was a better fit for us. It is all about how you use your boat and what is important to you.
 

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Mjoplin, I have looked a lot at the 411 and 391 online but haven’t actually BEEN on a 411. It looks on all the pictures that the steps up to the bridge are very steep and not as “easy” to go up and in particularly down. Is my observation true? Secondly, other than the layout differences of the seat arrangements on the bridge, and in the cabin along with a “u” shaped dinette, does it differ much from the 391? Is it the same size? Thank you
 

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