HELP/ Advice - looking to buy a sedan/ fly bridge

Soul Mate II

Soul Mate II

Member
Jun 28, 2015
193
New York
Boat Info
99 340 Sundancer
Engines
7.4 Mercruiser w V drives
Happy Memorial Day - thx to all that have served!

We sold our 34 SR and are looking to go bigger (38 -42) - uncharted waters for us need some advice.

If you were to rank based on quality, how would you rank: Sea Ray, Cruisers, Azimut, Meridan, Silverton and Regal - how would you rate best to lowest quality?

Engines - what issues have you heard or seen - 8.1 Mercruiser, Horizons, Cruisaders, Volvo Diesels - anything to watch out for? Diesel vs Fresh water cooled?

Any other advice is appreciated!!

Thank you - again Happy Memorial Day - looks like a beauty - great day to be on the water!!
 
"If you were to rank based on quality, how would you rank: Sea Ray, Cruisers, Azimut, Meridan, Silverton and Regal - how would you rate best to lowest quality?"
Azimut
Sea Ray, Cruisers, Regal
Silverton
Meridian

No info about engines, sorry.

The design of these two boats is quite different. An aft cabin boat has more room but lots of stairs to climb as you move about the boat. It also might be more difficult to dock with because of the lack of side rails in the back half of the boat.

Sedan bridge, not as much interior room but very few steps and easier to move about in.
 
Last edited:
I second GO FIRST CLASS.
I’ve never met anyone unhappy with their 420 SD or 44DB. Only real issues are lack of stowage as these boats were not really designed for family camping more dock to dock executive entertainment. It seems for the same size boat Meridian 411 or 441 are better suited to more overnight guests and extended cruising. Quality is a notch or two below Searay but cared for seem to hold up just fine.
I don’t know anyone that would choose gas power for a boat over forty foot these days I love my Cummins but they are not what sold us on the boat that was pure irresponsible lust!
 
I have no where near the knowledge that others here do, but I have looked at a lot of boats before and after buying our 44DB. In a 40’+ boat on the coast, there is no choice-only diesels. On an inland lake, take your pick. I wanted diesels for resale and personal preference. I have never been on an Azimuth, but have heard and read only things that would make me agree with Football Fan. Otherwise, my list would be SR, Cruisers, Silverton, Meridian, Regal. I just do not like the way the Regals look. Meridian’s fit and finish leave a lot to be desired, Silvertons and Cruisers are intriguing, though to me, a step down. I am sure they are all good boats and this is 100% opinion based. There is a 2008 Meridian 391 on our dock for sale. Very pretty boat. Has 1.5 heads. The main head does not have shower doors, but a curtain on a track. Really? There was a 2003 Silverton MY on our dock that the owner just sold-36’ with 8.1s. If I wanted a MY, this one would definitely be high on the list.

Again, just my opinions...

Bennett
 
I'd say Cruisers are up there with Sea Ray. Since they are made here in Wi., there are plenty around I looked at prior to getting our 500. My dislike was simply personal esthetics. Regal...Not. I'd put them a half a step above a Bayliner at the most.
 
I would stick with the Searay from that list, Avoid PODS. You may want to consider, Riviera, Princess or Viking. Just make sure that what ever diesel engines in the boat there is a certified repair person in your area.
 
stme1234 said:
Avoid PODS.
Click to expand...

I'd have to agree with this. I very much like the idea of drive pods for their maneuverability, handling, fuel economy, and packaging.

However on another board I read, I see many owners of pods with frequent, low-hours issues. It seems especially the case with the Cummins Zeus drives, but it could be because that's the more common power plant for that builder. Problems with seals wearing out, water intrusion, failing drive shaft dampers, prop blades shearing off, etc. All of the repairs are EXPENSIVE, like several orders of magnitude over stern drive or straight shafts. And you need a pod-certified tech to work on them, which are often in short supply. Regular maintenance is expensive and it just seems like there are a lot of headaches with the pods.
 
I can only speak for Meridian and Searay. I previously owned a 08 Meridian 411 and it was a great boat. The quality of materials is not the same as my current Searay but the fit and finish was fine. It’s is a great layout and a lot of boat for the money. A perfect starter boat in my opinion. I LOVE diesel. The way they run, sound and no chance of killing us with fumes. The current 52 I own is definitely a step or 3 up. Quality of materials used and overall feel is better. I’m not saying the Meridian was bad, just different. Of course the Searay was twice as much. Once you go diesel you’ll never go back to gas.

P.S. I prefer the fly bridge. The view from the bridge along with being outside as opposed to in an enclosed cockpit is better for us. To each there own there.
 
We have a Meridian 391 and love love love it. The above mention of the master head is not true. There is a split master head/shower. The head is just that. The head. Accessible from hallway or the master. The shower is separate, and is just that. A shower. In its own compartment that mirrors the head and has a sink in it.....accessible from the master and the VIP. Perfect for a wife getting ready in the head, while I shower. There is a curtain on a track that surrounds you, and wraps all the way around the compartment.
 
Charlesoceanone said:
The view from the bridge along with being outside as opposed to in an enclosed cockpit is better for us.
Click to expand...

This. I was worried when I went (recently) from the Dancer to the DB that I’d be too “inside” at the helm. Not an issue. We open up the bridge and let the air flow through! I hate the newer design styles of piloting from your living room. And for me, sedan bridges are the right mix of indoor and outdoor space.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,118
Messages
1,426,556
Members
61,035
Latest member
Lukerney
Back
Top