2005 Meridian 459 for sale

You need a comfortable, capable boat to successfully cruise Tasmania in style and that’s exactly what this owner found when he went searching for his next vessel, a Meridian 459 luxury yacht, in the United States.

Little known in Australia, the Meridian Yachts brand is an arm of the popular Sea Ray group, both operating under the Brunswick Corporation.

After shipping his prize to Queensland in 2011, the Gold Coast City Marina team jumped on board to replace all hoses below the waterline and a full service was carried out before the journey to Hobart.

But that’s not all. The GCCM technicians also converted the electrical systems to 240V power for Australian use, as well as adding an 1800W Xantrex inverter for running 240V appliances underway.

Find this Meridian 459 for sale

LUXURY CRUISER

The Meridian 459 boasts an unusual layout for a motor cruiser with its covered flybridge supplemented by an additional mid-deck (also enclosed by clears) and an aft cockpit at water-level. But this arrangement provides plenty of space and protection while cruising Tassie’s coastline.

Stepping onto the stern from the dock, there’s a starboard side gate onto the aft deck where a pair of glass doors provide direct access to the master.

Stairs on port provide access to the mid-deck or to the wide side decks, and there’s an L-shaped lounge and table here, plus wet bar and icemaker – an adult retreat or perhaps the kids’ playroom?

Step up again and you’re onto that enormous flybridge, surrounded by full-height clears for great vision while helming. There’s another huge striped lounge, a bar fridge, two helm chairs and a wide array of Northstar electronics. The high viewpoint makes docking easy, but the whole process is simplified by Meridian’s ‘Docking On Command’ system which provides a single controller linking bow and stern thrusters for effortless manoeuvring.

If the flybridge is not to your liking, there’s another helm station in the saloon. The saloon and downstairs accommodation provides an extra level of entertainment space – perfect for when the extended family visits.

INTERIOR

With two double cabins belowdecks and a sofa bed in the saloon plus convertible lounges up top, the current owner regularly caters for six guests (and assorted grandkids) staying overnight.

The vast saloon/galley area is impressive for a 47-footer. Light carpet matches with glossy cherrywood timber for an elegant look, but it’s also designed to withstand the rigours of family use.

Two rows of windows in this area provide views while seated and light floods in while providing the lower helm with exceptional vision.

The galley is set below the pilothouse windows, where marble-look benches hide a sink and electric cooktop, plus there’s a full-height fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave and pie-warmer oven. A washing machine is also tucked beneath the stairs. A lack of bulkheads ensure communication is made easy when guests are relaxing in the saloon, perhaps enjoying the recliner lounge, widescreen TV or the stereo system.

ACCOMODATION

Up forward is the VIP cabin with a double bed and ensuite which also serves as a day head. The master cabin is set aft of the saloon for privacy and features a big queen bed with an open vanity, plus separate doors into the shower and head compartments.

However, it’s the big glass doors that really set this cabin apart. While providing plenty of natural light, they open directly onto the aft deck, creating a private patio for owners and just two steps to the water. A screen door also allows fresh air into this delightful cabin.

POWER

In the engineroom, twin 380hp Cummins common-rail diesel engines provide the punch and the current owner reports a cruising speed of 15 to 16kts at 2400rpm delivers a range of around 230nm from the 1250lt tanks.

Wind it back to 7.5kts at 1200rpm and you can extend that range to 625nm – those are long legs for a moderately-sized cruiser and suddenly, a wealth of destinations are within reach.

While some US imports cop a bad rap, an informed purchase done right – and backed up by the appropriate modifications on Australian soil–will deliver a quality vessel at an affordable price.

THE VERDICT

The owner of this exceptional Meridian 459 spent time researching his purchase before spending the dollars to ensure the boat would operate without trouble in the remote waters of Tasmania.

The result is a striking family cruiser suited to exploring in comfort, but also a reliable vessel which will get you home safely in all sorts of weather. For further details on this vessel, contact Kim Brewer at Boat Sales Tasmania on 1300 288 007, or visit boatsalestas.com.au.

MERIDIAN 459 SPECIFICATIONS

FOR SALE $395,000

YEAR BUILT 2005

MATERIAL GRP

TYPE Planing monohull

LENGTH 14.53m

BEAM 4.37m

DRAFT 1.17m

WEIGHT 13,900kg

ENGINE 2x Cummins 380hp common-rail diesel engines

FUEL 1250lt

WATER 340lt

CONTACT Boat Sales Tasmania on 1300 288 007, or visit boatsalestas.com.au