best sedan bridges other than sea ray

The stairs are a bit steep, but true of many makes. In comparison to others I've been on recently: Easier to climb vs Carver 450 Voyager, slightly harder than a Sea Ray 560 Sedan Bridge. They are not as challenging as climbing a ladder to the flybridge on a sport fisher. I do like that the stairs lift up for access down into the engine room.

Biggest single gotcha for us between the 391 and 411 is that the 391 only has a single head. We entertain too much to only have one.

The 411 is 46' LOA vs the 391 at 41' LOA, 411 is a bit wider as well. To me, the 411 is quite a bit roomier inside as a result. Storage inside is crazy good on the 411 as well. We had looked at the smaller models as well as the 441 and this one fit our needs the best. We've been in the boat a bit over a year with about 220 hours in it and still feel like we made the right choice and are happy with the boat.
 
The stairs are a bit steep, but true of many makes. In comparison to others I've been on recently: Easier to climb vs Carver 450 Voyager, slightly harder than a Sea Ray 560 Sedan Bridge. They are not as challenging as climbing a ladder to the flybridge on a sport fisher. I do like that the stairs lift up for access down into the engine room.

Biggest single gotcha for us between the 391 and 411 is that the 391 only has a single head. We entertain too much to only have one.

The 411 is 46' LOA vs the 391 at 41' LOA, 411 is a bit wider as well. To me, the 411 is quite a bit roomier inside as a result. Storage inside is crazy good on the 411 as well. We had looked at the smaller models as well as the 441 and this one fit our needs the best. We've been in the boat a bit over a year with about 220 hours in it and still feel like we made the right choice and are happy with the boat.
 
The stairs are a bit steep, but true of many makes. In comparison to others I've been on recently: Easier to climb vs Carver 450 Voyager, slightly harder than a Sea Ray 560 Sedan Bridge. They are not as challenging as climbing a ladder to the flybridge on a sport fisher. I do like that the stairs lift up for access down into the engine room.

Biggest single gotcha for us between the 391 and 411 is that the 391 only has a single head. We entertain too much to only have one.

The 411 is 46' LOA vs the 391 at 41' LOA, 411 is a bit wider as well. To me, the 411 is quite a bit roomier inside as a result. Storage inside is crazy good on the 411 as well. We had looked at the smaller models as well as the 441 and this one fit our needs the best. We've been in the boat a bit over a year with about 220 hours in it and still feel like we made the right choice and are happy with the boat.
Mjoplin
Did you look at Sea Ray's 44 Sedan Bridge when comparing models and deciding on the 411? I ask because I am looking at a 44 Sedan Bridge and have looked at various Meridians, but have not looked at the 411. Be interested in your comments and other thoughts you had that led you to the 411.
Thank you,
Rob
 
My previous boat was a 2008 Meridian 411 with 425 Cummins. We loved this boat but needed a 2nd shower and the 3 rd state room and overall more room. When we were looking at the 411 we did look at a 2005 44 sedan bridge. It was about 100000 more. It was in my opinion a better built boat but the 411 checked a lot of boxes. If they were docked side by side the average Joe probably won’t notice much other than the experienced boater. We found our 411 in 2014 with only 6 hours on it so it was pretty fresh still. With the savings on the 411 and being able to learn how we use the boat we were able to move to the 52. Don’t be afraid oof the 411 if you are not sure of what you want. Of course it has been said buy you 2nd boat 1st, but you may not know what that always is.
 
@Robf We did look at the 44 and the 56 Sedan Bridge models. Price was probably the biggest factor, we got more for our money choosing the 411 and they both realistically came from the same factory (albeit some differences in build). I also did not like the size of the flybridge on the 44, it seems smallish compared to what we have. The 56, on the other hand has a great flybridge with a ton of room

@Charlesoceanone brought up a good point on the 411 heads. The mid cabin head does not have a "real" shower, it is a hand held with a curtain, which is a drawback in my mind but not a show stopper for us.
 
Thank you mjoplin and Steve for the feedback on the 44. I am leaning closer to making an offer on this boat. I keep looking at other options, but keep circling back to the 44. I guess my biggest hesitation is moving to diesels for the first time. Thanks again!
Rob
 
SR 44's are good boats.

We took one on a bareboat charter for a week. The layout was not our favorite, but the boat was solid.

Also we took a Meridian on a charter for a week. Loved the layout, but not as solid of a boat.

Just our observation. Resale will be better on the SR.
 
Don’t be afraid of the diesels. Once my wife heard about carbon monoxide from gas generators while we sleep we were not allowed to look at gas! The longevity of the Diesel engine plus resale value is worth every penny. A under powered boat will leave you with nothing but buyers remorse.
 
Nothing wrong with gassers, but the torq from diesels for docking can’t be beat and on a long run it just sounds like it could run forever. I never worry about putting too many hours on the engines. I don’t think I have ever heard someone say, I wish I went with the gas version.
 
Nothing wrong with gassers, but the torq from diesels for docking can’t be beat and on a long run it just sounds like it could run forever. I never worry about putting too many hours on the engines. I don’t think I have ever heard someone say, I wish I went with the gas version.
Plus they sound cool⚓
 
Thank you mjoplin and Steve for the feedback on the 44. I am leaning closer to making an offer on this boat. I keep looking at other options, but keep circling back to the 44. I guess my biggest hesitation is moving to diesels for the first time. Thanks again!
Rob
Rob, I fretted over that decision too when making the move up. It is a bigger initial investment and certain things do cost more than the gassers but Ill tell you I've never had a second of buyers remorse!
You are certainly doing your due diligence so good on you.
Cheers
 
If I am over 35ft - only want diesel.

But then I am opiniated, unyielding, and think I have all the answers.... (or if an answer is not top of mind, I call Frank or Rusty)

Just my thought....
 
2 friends one with an older style 380da and the other with the newer hard top 380da, both wish they had gotten diesel boats, rather than their gassers. Not because their gassers don’t run well, because they run beautifully. But one of them would like to bring his boat to Florida for winters, but with his gassers having 1000 hours, he won’t risk putting all the hours on his engines. He doesn’t think his engines would make the trip at this point of their life. The other one wants diesels because they are so much simpler to maintain.
 
Nothing wrong with gassers, I have one myself. Docking isn't a problem with the 8.1's and a bow thruster, but where I find them lacking torque in my boat is in the ocean with rolling swells.
 
Had a 2007 36 sedan bridge with 8.1’s all I can tell you is it’s the reason why we own a 500 with QSM11’s the boat was slow and burned more gas than the 500 with diesels..

period
 
Thank you to everyone for all the feedback...getting closer! :)
 
The time has come...contacted the broker to tell him I want to put an offer in on the 44 SR. Should be completing the paperwork tomorrow for the offer. Will keep all posted!

Update: As of today, the boat is under contract! Pending successful survey and inspections, I will be among the 44 SD owners! Excited!
 
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