best sedan bridges other than sea ray

tugger

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Nov 11, 2019
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I realize I am on the sea ray forum and that is my preference. My question is from you more experienced boat owner, in a 40 ft range sedan bridge, what manufacturers would you rank in order right behind sea ray in quality, fit and finish, etc. I guess a way to think of it is if all sea rays were gone, what would you be seriously considering. Thank you
 
This will be an interesting thread
I'd probably go with Tiara, Maritimo, Carver, then Meridian these are the only Sedan Bridge boats I've actually been on and seriously looked into in the last five years.
 
This will be an interesting thread
I'd probably go with Tiara, Maritimo, Carver, then Meridian these are the only Sedan Bridge boats I've actually been on and seriously looked into in the last five years.
I'm curious why you mentioned Meridian? Because they've been shutdown for a while now. I do hear that they were pretty good quality boats so from a used perspective it's totally valid. The guy that owns my boat yard has a 38 ft Meridian (2002-2003ish?) and he's been happy with it.

I went on one of the new Carver boats at a boat show. While it was not an extensive inspection, I came away not very impressed. From what I recall the fit and finish was not very good, certainly not up to Sea Ray standards.
 
I'm curious why you mentioned Meridian? Because they've been shutdown for a while now. I do hear that they were pretty good quality boats so from a used perspective it's totally valid. The guy that owns my boat yard has a 38 ft Meridian (2002-2003ish?) and he's been happy with it.

I went on one of the new Carver boats at a boat show. While it was not an extensive inspection, I came away not very impressed. From what I recall the fit and finish was not very good, certainly not up to Sea Ray standards.
One thing that was not clear from the OP was are we talking new or all sedan bridge boats. Carver is definitely towards the bottom of the list with regards to quality, top though in terms of use of space.
 
I realize I am on the sea ray forum and that is my preference. My question is from you more experienced boat owner, in a 40 ft range sedan bridge, what manufacturers would you rank in order right behind sea ray in quality, fit and finish, etc. I guess a way to think of it is if all sea rays were gone, what would you be seriously considering. Thank you

Riviera and Maritimo both made “sedan bridge” or convertible style boats in that size or slightly larger in that year range. I think their quality is superior to Sea Ray. In terms of high-quality US-made boats, Hatteras made a 54 convertible in that year range, but unfortunately they stopped making smaller boats a long time ago.
 
Different view from me. If I changed from a Sea Ray to any other boat, it would be a Carver. I have been on Silvertons, Meridians, Hatteras and several different Carvers on my lake and the Carvers are the nicest and roomiest boats. The 06 Carver that I have made several weekend trips on is better laid out and roomier than my 480. That is my two cents.....
 
Different view from me. If I changed from a Sea Ray to any other boat, it would be a Carver. I have been on Silvertons, Meridians, Hatteras and several different Carvers on my lake and the Carvers are the nicest and roomiest boats. The 06 Carver that I have made several weekend trips on is better laid out and roomier than my 480. That is my two cents.....

Just sayin, ( I know I am biased ) Marquis comes in strong.
 
We have an 08 Meridian 391. Love love love her.
 
I really like that meridian 391 layout. Any issues with them not in the business anymore? Parts, service, resale eventually
 
I really like that meridian 391 layout. Any issues with them not in the business anymore? Parts, service, resale eventually
The 391 layout cannot be beat in this size range. I tried, lol. While there is no dealer support....Meridian customer support is still around. They’re actually in the SeaRay PD&E building right up the creek from me in Merritt Island. They’re great guys and very helpful. Most of the parts are sourced from any other place you’d get boat parts. Most anything unique or custom can still be obtained from MarineMax. Our owners forum is very active, and there’s not many surprises out there......someone somewhere has dealt with whatever one may be dealing with.

We’ve had Knot Flying II for 3 years and I really have zero complaints. Anything I’ve encountered is normal for any 10 year old boat. I also just added a Sealift that we’re thrilled with.
 
The 391 layout cannot be beat in this size range. I tried, lol. While there is no dealer support....Meridian customer support is still around. They’re actually in the SeaRay PD&E building right up the creek from me in Merritt Island. They’re great guys and very helpful. Most of the parts are sourced from any other place you’d get boat parts. Most anything unique or custom can still be obtained from MarineMax. Our owners forum is very active, and there’s not many surprises out there......someone somewhere has dealt with whatever one may be dealing with.

We’ve had Knot Flying II for 3 years and I really have zero complaints. Anything I’ve encountered is normal for any 10 year old boat. I also just added a Sealift that we’re thrilled with.
 
Flyboy, just a few more questions. Is the gas engine enough for a boat that big and does it use a lot more gas based on size and weight vs diesel. Also, don’t see any diesel in 2006 or before, was there a cut off or just none for sale. Thx again
 
Flyboy, just a few more questions. Is the gas engine enough for a boat that big and does it use a lot more gas based on size and weight vs diesel. Also, don’t see any diesel in 2006 or before, was there a cut off or just none for sale. Thx again

There are indeed big block powered 391s. I feel they’re probably a bit underpowered.....but.....they’re out there for a specific market.....so I guess depending on your needs? If you have a 4month boating season I’d say go for it. If you boat year round I’d say 100% diesels. I love my QSBs.

The 391 started in 06. You can find an older 381 or 411 which are all similar boats.
 
We were recently in the market and had a pretty open mind about mfg. I wanted more seaworthy and faster cruise speed, she wanted more creature comforts and space. My top seaworthy boats were Viking 48, Post 46/50, Bertrum 46 (older).
Our compromise boats that were under consideration were:
The only Carver we would consider is their Voyager 460. Slow boat but a good hull.
Next on our list was the Silverton 48.
Ocean 48 - post flexible flyer years.

The Rivieras and Cabos were real nice but out of our price range.

In the end we fell for a really well cared for and upgraded 420 Sedan.
 
If you’ve got deep pockets then yes ..Marquis, Riviera, Maritimo ..all beautiful brands and a step or two above Sea Ray. If your pockets aren’t so deep, I would take a look at the Meridian mid 2000’s SB’s. Friend of mine has a 2006 59 and it’s a beautiful boat.
 

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