2004 Meridian 411       Jim Payetta: The 411 Meridian is a very livable cruiser that not only delivers great value to the owner, but also pays special attention to guests.      Now there are many interesting design features on the 411 Meridian. At the back of the boat is where the Meridian's fuel tanks are located with easy access from the swim platform that makes fueling up a breeze.      In the cockpit you have got plenty of storage and if you are a fisherman, you have even got extra storage for your fishing equipment. There is storage for fenders on both sides of the steps leading up to the walkway.

The molded steps at the rear of the boat take you up to the fly bridge, which is also where you will find access to the engine room.
      I have never seen an engine room this big on a 41-foot boat before. The Meridian gives you easy access to everything.  The 411 is powered by twin 330 Cummins Turbo diesels, which will give us a cruising speed of 20 to 21 knots. The Meridian is also available with 370s and for the new 2004 model, twin 450s
      In the main salon, Meridian has used an all cherry wood finish and flex steel seating. Meridian has even gone to a sealed window construction system, which eliminates the possibility of any leaks.
      Off to port side of the boat, you have got an l-shaped sofa and a table. And on the starboard side of the boat you have got a semi U-shaped sofa, an entertainment centre and the electrical panel.
     Now one-step up and you are into the galley. In the galley, you have got teak and holly floors and your basic fridge and freezer combination.There is also a built-in microwave, a two burner built-in stovetop, double sink, and in the corner a lazy Susan.
     Off to starboard side of the Meridian you will find the dinette. In the dinette is a design feature that Meridian's built-in that really allows you to bring extra guests on your voyage. By dropping the table and sliding the sofa back and forward you have got seating for four at the helm in an automotive style-seating environment. Three steps down from the galley and you are into the staterooms and the heads.
     The mid cabin guest stateroom was really designed with your guests' comfort in mind. The stateroom includes a change area with a loveseat, good ventilation and a bed that can be used as a double or as two singles for the kids. From the guest stateroom, you have access into the guest head, complete with shower, which also doubles as the day head.
     Towards the front of the boat you will find the master stateroom, complete with excellent cross ventilation. The master stateroom features a semi walk around queen size bed with an inner spring mattress, and en suite with a separate shower.
     The fly bridge on the 411 is set up for cruising and entertaining. You have got an optional sun lounge at the back: u-shaped seating, a wet bar, bolster seats at the helm, and one of the coolest features on this boat, the docking on command system.

     DAN GREENWOOD: The docking on command system is a bow and a stern thruster integrated into one simple switch. To make the Meridian move sideways to the port, you would merely have to push the switch to the port. If we want the boat to spin in a circle, we twist it whichever way we want to go. Docking is the easiest and simplest with this new system.

      JIM PAYETTA: The docking system will make anyone look like a genius when it comes to docking a boat. The Meridian 411 delivers a lot of value for your boat-buying dollar. With the innovative features they have built into this boat, the Meridian makes it a comfortable, cruising boat for the owner and especially their guests.
     Well, compared to other boats in its category the 411 will deliver a much smaller dent to your wallet. And with the D.O.C. System built-in on board, there will be no dents to your ego.

* taken from a transcript of our Power Profile on PowerBoat TV 2004 Episode 5 - Order a Copy of the Show