Meridian Tout

Enlarge Photo

Under way, the twin 715-horsepower Cummins diesels powered the 541 to more than 30 knots, and we easily carved S-turns reminiscent of those of a far smaller, sportier boat.

Access to the bridge is via a staircase designed to be less bulky than molded fiberglass stairs. A hatch above closes them off for safety under way. The dash at the helm is configured for twin Raymarine E120 displays. The helm chair on our test vessel needed a bolster seat, something Meridian says it will add, but from a standing position I enjoyed a great line of sight from the wheel.
With its aft table and bench seating, the bridge works as yet another social gathering point, enhanced by the double-wide passenger seat, which can be rotated aft to form a conversation pit.

Another feature I really liked: The sun lounge area on the bow has a separate set of speakers, so sunbathers can chill to tunes without overwhelming the crowd on the bridge. Everybody’s happy.

Of course, some might consider those twin bar stools to be the best seats in the house. The cockpit is a good hangout spot too. In a nod to function as well as fun, Meridian added switches to the house battery mains in the cockpit, accessible under a hatch, so you can turn on the power as soon as you step onto the boat, and make sure it’s off before you step onto the dock. But if the bar is open, you may never want to leave.


LOA: 53’10”
BEAM: 15’6”
DRAFT: 4’9”
DISPL: 52,000 lb.
FUEL: 634 gal.
WATER: 150 gal.
TEST POWER: 2 x 715 hp Cummins QSM 11 diesels with Zeus drives
STANDARD POWER: 2 x
600 hp Cummins QSB 600
diesels with Zeus drives
BASE PRICE: $1,308,133
PRICE AS TESTED: $1,590,803

Meridian Yachts, 866-992-2487; www.meridian-yachts.com