Yachts for sale / Meridian 490 Pilothouse

2003 Meridian 490 Pilothouse

Duwamish, WA, US 54 ft · 15.08 ft' beam 3 cabins 22 kn kn top
Asking
$265,000
Our Thoughts

The 2003 Meridian 490 Pilothouse represents a well-preserved example of this respected pilothouse design—a 54-foot modified-V hull cruising yacht built for serious Pacific Northwest boating. Candykiss has remained under covered moorage in freshwater since new, maintained by a single family throughout its ownership, and the condition reflects that discipline.

Power comes from twin Cummins 6BTA5.9-M3 diesel inboard engines rated at 370 horsepower each, turning in just 1,730 hours of total operation. This combination delivers a 16-knot cruising speed and a 22-knot top end, with a 444-gallon fuel capacity supporting extended coastal passages. An Onan 9 kW diesel generator with only 562 hours provides reliable ship's power, while a Sidepower bow thruster significantly improves handling in confined anchorages and marina approaches—a practical asset for single-pilot operation or close-quarters maneuvering.

The three-stateroom layout works well for extended cruising or liveaboard use. The master cabin features an island queen berth and private en-suite head with tub and shower. The forward VIP stateroom offers a double berth, and a guest cabin provides convertible twin bunks, with a second head serving the forward accommodations. The full-beam salon centers around an L-shaped sleeper sofa and barrel chair, surrounded by large windows that flood the space with natural light—essential for the extended time spent in the pilothouse during Pacific Northwest weather.

The galley is U-shaped with solid-surface counters, a three-burner electric cooktop, oven, microwave, and refrigerator/freezer, plus a trash compactor for practical provisioning. A 200-gallon fresh water capacity and 48-gallon holding tank support comfortable extended cruising.

Navigation and electronics are comprehensive: dual Garmin 2006C GPSmap plotters positioned in both pilothouse and flybridge provide redundancy and flexibility, while a Raymarine Axiom 9 multifunction display in the pilothouse serves as the primary chart plotter. A Raymarine RL80C Pathfinder radar and Raymarine DS600X fishfinder round out the suite, with a Lowrance HDS5 offering additional sonar capability. Raymarine and Standard Horizon VHF radios cover communications, and an aft-facing camera display aids docking and maneuvering. Both helms control the bow thruster, trim tab, windlass, and spotlight via centralized panels.

Comfort systems include an Espar diesel hydronic furnace for efficient cabin heating, Red Dot engine heat recovery, and a Seaward 20-gallon hot water heater. A Trace inverter supports 120-volt loads when anchored or at rest. An integrated sound system and flybridge outfitted with a captain's chair, L-settee, lounge, and refrigerator create a practical upper-deck entertaining space. A swim platform with ladder and davit system complete the package.

This Meridian 490 Pilothouse is positioned as a capable, well-maintained cruising platform suitable for coastal exploration, extended anchoring, or full-time liveaboard life in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Low engine hours, fresh-water operation, and consistent care make it a straightforward acquisition for buyers seeking a proven pilothouse design with proven systems and honest condition.

Provided listing description Click to read the original broker text

`2003 MERIDIAN 490 PILOTHOUSE - CANDYKISSOne-Owner | Freshwater & Covered Moorage Since New | Low Hours | Bow Thruster | GeneratorDescriptionIntroducing the Candykiss, a well cared for 2003 Meridian 490 Pilothouse, owned by the same family since new. Countless memories have been made aboard the Candykiss. This vessel has been kept under cover and in freshwater, ensuring its excellent condition. Powered by twin Cummins 6BTA5.9-M3 diesel engines with only 1,730 hours, and supported by a dependable Onan diesel generator (just 562 hours), Candykiss also features a Sidepower bow thruster for easier handling in tight quarters. She’s clean, spacious, and cruise-ready. With the original owners now retiring from boating, this is a rare opportunity to own a well-cared-for pilothouse yacht that blends comfort, reliability, and function. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable liveaboard or a capable cruiser for the Pacific Northwest and beyond, Candykiss is ready to deliver. COVERED SLIP IN FRESHWATER YACHT CLUB IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE - ASK LISTING BROKERBasic Boat Info Make: Meridian Model: 490 Pilothouse Year: 2003 Condition: Used Category: Motor Yachts / Pilothouse Builder: Meridian Yachts Boat Name: Candykiss Hull Material: Fiberglass Hull Shape: Modified-V Freshwater Only: Yes Covered Moorage: Yes Location: DuwamishDimensions LOA: 49 ft Beam: 15 ft 1 in Max Draft: 3 ft 4 in Displacement: Approx. 30,000 lbsTankage Fuel: 444 gal Fresh Water: 200 gal Holding: 48 galEnginesTwin Cummins 6BTA5.9-M3 Engine Type: Inboard Fuel Type: Diesel Horsepower: 370 hp each Hours: 1,730Generator Make: Onan Diesel Power: 9 kW  Hours: 562Bow Thruster SidePower bow thruster for confident, easy handling in tight spacesAccommodations Staterooms: 3 Master with island queen berth and en-suite head with tub/shower VIP forward stateroom with double berth Guest stateroom with convertible twin bunks Heads: 2 Salon: Full-beam with L-shaped sleeper sofa, barrel chair, large windows Galley: U-shaped with solid-surface counters, 3-burner electric cooktop, oven, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, trash compactorNavigation & ElectronicsPilothouse & Flybridge Raymarine Axiom 9 (pilothouse) Garmin 2006C GPSmap plotters in pilothouse and flybridge Raymarine RL80C Pathfinder Radar Raymarine DS600X Fishfinder Lowrance HDS5 Pilothouse Aft facing camera display Raymarine and Standard Horizon VHF radios Sidepower bow thruster, trim tab, windlass, and spotlight controls (both helms) Comfort & Features Espar diesel hydronic furnace heating system Red Dot engine heat   Seaward 20 gallon hot water heater Integrated sound system Flybridge with captain’s chair, L-settee, lounge, and refrigerator Swim platform with ladder Davit system  Trace Inverter RemarksThis one-owner Meridian 490 Pilothouse has been well maintained since day one. Candykiss has always been in freshwater under covered moorage and is in excellent condition. With low hours on her Cummins diesels, a bow thruster, and a thoughtfully appointed interior, she's the perfect coastal cruiser or Northwest liveaboard. The original owners are retiring from boating—don't miss your chance to own this sought-after pilothouse yacht. Contact the listing broker today to see your next boat!

2003 Meridian 490 Pilothouse: A Well-Maintained Coastal Cruiser Ready for Pacific Northwest Adventures
The 2003 Meridian 490 Pilothouse, *Candykiss*, represents the kind of vessel that appeals to serious cruisers and liveaboards seeking a blend of comfort, reliability, and seaworthy design. With single-family ownership since launch, freshwater-only operation, and covered moorage throughout its service life, this 54-foot pilothouse motor yacht offers the rare combination of low engine hours, thoughtful accommodations, and proven Northeast Pacific capability. Located in Duwamish, Washington, *Candykiss* stands as an accessible entry point into the pilothouse category—a hull form that prioritizes protected helm stations, livable interior volume, and the ability to cruise extended coastlines with genuine comfort.
Overview: Single-Owner Heritage and Condition Foundation
The Meridian 490 Pilothouse has earned recognition within the cruising community as a sensible, well-proportioned motor yacht designed for owners who value functionality over flashy aesthetics. *Candykiss* exemplifies this philosophy. A single family has owned and operated this vessel from new, establishing a maintenance and care record that translates directly into confidence for prospective buyers. The decision to keep the yacht under covered moorage in freshwater—rather than exposed to salt, UV, and seasonal weather extremes—has preserved the hull, topside finish, and systems integrity in ways that compound over two decades of ownership. The Meridian 490's modified-V hull, measuring 54 feet in length overall with a 15-foot, 1-inch beam and a 4-foot maximum draft, positions the yacht within a practical cruising envelope. This draft permits exploration of rivers, protected bays, and shallow-water anchorages throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond, while the beam-to-length ratio maintains seaworthiness and interior volume without sacrificing fuel efficiency or docking versatility. The approximate 30,000-pound displacement reflects the solid fiberglass construction and integrated systems that define the Meridian brand.
Power and Propulsion: Twin Cummins Diesel Efficiency
Twin Cummins 6BTA5.9-M3 diesel inboards, each producing 370 horsepower, deliver the propulsion foundation for *Candykiss*. These proven marine diesel engines carry only 1,730 hours of operation—a notably low figure for a vessel of this age and size—indicating measured, deliberate use rather than intensive charter or commercial service. The 6BTA5.9 platform is known for durability, parts availability, and long service intervals, providing owners with confidence in extended cruising without constant mechanical attention. The twin-engine configuration offers redundancy, independent control, and the ability to maintain steerage and minimal propulsion should one engine require service. Cruising speed is rated at 16 knots, permitting efficient long-distance passages while maintaining fuel economy. Maximum speed of 22 knots provides reserve performance for weather avoidance or schedule recovery when conditions permit. The 444-gallon fuel capacity supports extended range; at typical cruising consumption, this translates to multi-day passages with comfortable fuel reserves. An Onan diesel generator, rated at 9 kilowatts and operating at just 562 hours, provides independent electrical generation for climate control, galley appliances, and systems operation while anchored or at sea. The low hour count reflects the vessel's protected moorage history and measured use pattern. A Sidepower bow thruster adds precision handling in confined spaces, marina approaches, and challenging wind or current conditions—a feature that meaningfully improves docking confidence and reduces reliance on engine maneuvering alone.
Helm and Navigation Systems: Redundancy and Modern Electronics
The pilothouse helm arrangement positions the captain in a fully enclosed, protected station with 360-degree visibility and integrated controls for propulsion, trim tabs, windlass, bow thruster, and spotlight systems. This protected helm is the defining advantage of the pilothouse category, particularly for Pacific Northwest cruising where weather windows are narrow and comfort during transit directly impacts cruising range and frequency. *Candykiss* is equipped with a comprehensive electronics suite that reflects both original installation and thoughtful upgrades. A Raymarine Axiom 9 multifunction display anchors the pilothouse helm, providing integrated navigation, sonar, radar overlay, and autopilot control on a large, modern touchscreen. Dual Garmin 2006C GPSmap plotters—positioned in both pilothouse and flybridge —ensure navigation capability from either helm station, supporting both primary and backup navigation workflows. A Raymarine RL80C Pathfinder radar adds weather avoidance and navigation confidence in low-visibility conditions, while a Raymarine DS600X fishfinder provides sonar capability for anchoring assessment and bottom structure observation. A Lowrance HDS5 display in the pilothouse rounds out the sonar options, offering redundancy and specialized viewing angles. Raymarine and Standard Horizon VHF radios provide communication across cruising grounds, while an aft-facing camera display enhances situational awareness during backing maneuvers and docking. This layered electronics architecture reflects a thoughtful approach to redundancy and capability—not excessive, but sufficient for confident coastal and extended cruising.
Interior Layout and Accommodations: Three-Stateroom Comfort
The Meridian 490 pilothouse design prioritizes livable interior volume within a moderate footprint. Three staterooms and two heads accommodate families, guests, or long-term liveaboard scenarios with genuine comfort rather than compromise. The master stateroom features an island queen berth and an en-suite head with a tub/shower combination—a feature that distinguishes this yacht from smaller vessels and underscores its liveaboard suitability. The VIP forward stateroom contains a double berth, positioned to capture natural light and forward views. A third guest stateroom offers convertible twin bunks, providing flexibility for crew, grandchildren, or visiting friends without forcing guests into minimal cabin spaces. The full-beam salon serves as the social and relaxation hub, featuring an L-shaped sleeper sofa, a barrel chair, and expansive windows that flood the space with natural light and views of the surrounding water and landscape. This layout supports entertaining, casual dining, and the kind of comfortable lounging that makes extended cruising genuinely pleasurable rather than merely functional. The U-shaped galley incorporates solid-surface countertops, a three-burner electric cooktop, an oven, a microwave, and combined refrigerator/freezer storage—a culinary setup that enables real cooking rather than reheating. A trash compactor addresses the practical waste management challenges of extended cruising, reducing the frequency of trash disposal at marinas or anchorages.
Climate Control and Comfort Systems
An Espar diesel hydronic furnace provides whole-vessel heating, distributing warmth efficiently throughout the cabin spaces during cool-weather cruising. Red Dot engine heat recovery supplements this system, capturing waste heat from the diesel engines and converting it into usable cabin warmth—a practical approach that improves fuel economy and reduces generator load during winter months. A Seaward 20-gallon hot water heater ensures adequate hot water for showers, galley use, and general comfort without excessive generator runtime. These systems collectively address the practical reality of Pacific Northwest cruising, where temperatures can be mild or cool depending on season and latitude, and extended time at anchor or in protected moorage demands reliable, efficient climate control.
Flybridge and Exterior Design
The flybridge extends the vessel's outdoor entertaining and observation capability, featuring a captain's chair, an L-shaped settee, a lounge area, and a refrigerator for beverages and provisions. This upper-deck arrangement provides an elevated vantage point for navigation, wildlife observation, and the kind of outdoor relaxation that defines the cruising lifestyle. A second helm station on the flybridge—equipped with duplicate navigation displays, engine controls, trim tabs, windlass, bow thruster, and spotlight controls—permits flexible operation and accommodates different crew preferences or watch-standing arrangements. A swim platform with integrated ladder facilitates water access for swimming, tender launch, or emergency retrieval. A davit system provides secure stowage and deployment of a tender or dinghy, essential for exploring anchorages and accessing shore-side destinations beyond docking facilities.
Power Management and Audio
A Trace inverter manages DC-to-AC power conversion, supporting 110-volt appliances and electronics when operating on battery power or generator output. An integrated sound system connects the pilothouse, salon, and flybridge, supporting entertainment and communication across the vessel during cruising and entertaining.
Why *Candykiss* Represents Genuine Value in the Pilothouse Category
The Meridian 490 pilothouse category has proven itself across decades of Pacific Northwest cruising, with owners consistently citing the protected helm, livable accommodations,
Length
54 ft
Beam
15.08 ft'
Year
2003
Builder
Meridian
Model
490 Pilothouse
Cabins
3
Max speed
22 kn kn
What type of yacht is the Meridian 490 Pilothouse, and what makes it suitable for Pacific Northwest cruising?
The Meridian 490 Pilothouse is a 54-foot motor yacht designed as a full-displacement cruiser with a protected pilothouse helm station and elevated flybridge. The pilothouse design provides weather protection and all-weather visibility, making it well-suited for Pacific Northwest coastal cruising where conditions can be variable. The modified-V hull shape delivers a comfortable ride in moderate sea states, while the 16-knot cruising speed and 22-knot maximum speed allow efficient passage-making between anchorages and ports. The yacht's 444-gallon fuel capacity supports extended cruising ranges, and the freshwater-only history in covered moorage means the hull and systems have been protected from saltwater corrosion and UV exposure.
What are the engine specifications and fuel efficiency of this 2003 Meridian 490?
The Candykiss is powered by twin Cummins 6BTA5.9-M3 diesel inboard engines, each producing 370 horsepower, for a combined 740 horsepower. With only 1,730 total hours on these engines, they remain in early-life condition. Diesel engines of this displacement and configuration typically deliver 1.5 to 2 nautical miles per gallon, meaning the 444-gallon fuel capacity supports approximately 330 to 440 nautical miles of cruising range at 16 knots. The twin-engine configuration provides redundancy and independent propulsion, critical for offshore and extended coastal passages where engine reliability matters. The Onan diesel generator, with just 562 hours, provides 9 kilowatts of electrical power for onboard systems and can run independently of the main engines.
What navigation and electronics systems are installed on this pilothouse yacht?
The Candykiss features a comprehensive electronics suite spanning both the pilothouse and flybridge helms. The pilothouse is equipped with a Raymarine Axiom 9 multifunction display, a Garmin 2006C GPSmap chartplotter, and a Raymarine RL80C Pathfinder radar for reliable navigation and weather awareness. Fishfinding capability is provided by a Raymarine DS600X sounder, and a Lowrance HDS5 unit offers additional sonar flexibility. Communication is supported by Raymarine and Standard Horizon VHF radios. The flybridge helm includes a Garmin 2006C plotters, allowing the captain to navigate from the upper station during fair weather. An aft-facing camera display aids in maneuvering and docking. Both helms control the Sidepower bow thruster, trim tabs, windlass, and spotlight, giving the operator full command of the vessel from either station.
How does the dual-helm pilothouse and flybridge design enhance the cruising experience?
The dual-helm layout allows the captain to choose between the fully enclosed pilothouse helm for weather protection or the open-air flybridge helm for optimal visibility and comfort in fair conditions. The pilothouse helm is the primary station, equipped with all critical navigation electronics, engine controls, and system monitoring displays, allowing all-weather operation without exposure. The flybridge helm provides a commanding view of the water ahead and around the vessel, ideal for docking, anchoring, and daylight cruising. Both stations control essential systems including the bow thruster, trim tabs, windlass, and spotlight, eliminating the need to move between helms for maneuvering. This design is particularly valuable in the Pacific Northwest, where skippers can retreat to the pilothouse during rain or wind while maintaining full boat control, then move topside when conditions improve.
What accommodations and sleeping arrangements does the Meridian 490 Pilothouse provide?
The Candykiss features three staterooms and two full heads, providing comfortable accommodations for cruising couples, extended family trips, or liveaboard situations. The master stateroom includes an island queen berth and a private en-suite head with a tub and shower combination—a significant comfort feature on a vessel of this size. The forward VIP stateroom offers a double berth, ideal for guests or adult children. The third guest stateroom features convertible twin bunks that can accommodate additional guests or provide flexible sleeping configurations. The full-beam salon serves as the social hub, with an L-shaped sleeper sofa, barrel chair, and large windows providing natural light and views. This layout supports both active cruising and extended liveaboard situations, as the multiple sleeping areas and heads reduce congestion and improve privacy for multiple occupants.
What galley and food preparation features are available in this pilothouse yacht?
The Candykiss galley is configured as a U-shaped workspace with solid-surface countertops, providing ample preparation and cooking area. Equipment includes a three-burner electric cooktop, a full oven, a microwave, and a refrigerator/freezer combination, supporting meal preparation comparable to a small home kitchen. A trash compactor reduces waste storage requirements during extended cruises. The galley's U-shaped layout allows a cook to work efficiently while the vessel is underway, with countertop space on multiple sides and secure storage for galley items. The solid-surface countertops are durable and easy to maintain in the marine environment. This galley configuration supports both casual cruising and longer passages, allowing the crew to prepare fresh meals rather than relying on dining out or pre-prepared foods.
What heating and hot water systems keep the Candykiss comfortable in cold-weather cruising?
The Candykiss is equipped with an Espar diesel hydronic furnace heating system, which circulates heated fluid through radiators throughout the vessel, providing even, efficient warmth during cold-weather cruising and winter liveaboard situations. The Espar system draws fuel from the main fuel tank and can operate independently of the main engines, allowing comfortable heating during anchoring or mooring without running the Cummins diesels. Supplementary heating is provided by a Red Dot engine heat system that uses waste heat from the main engines. A Seaward 20-gallon hot water heater supplies domestic hot water for showers, galley, and head facilities. This multi-layer heating approach ensures the yacht remains comfortable during Pacific Northwest winters, when ambient temperatures often drop near freezing and extended heating is necessary for liveaboard comfort and system protection.
How does the bow thruster and trim tab system improve handling and docking?
The Candykiss is equipped with a Sidepower bow thruster, a hydraulic-powered lateral propulsion unit mounted in the bow that allows independent side-to-side movement of the bow without using the main engines. The bow thruster is particularly valuable for docking and maneuvering in tight quarters, narrow slips, or crowded anchorages where the main engines alone would require more space and multiple repositioning maneuvers. The trim tabs, controlled from both helms, adjust the running angle of the hull to improve ride comfort, fuel efficiency, and handling characteristics at various speeds and sea states. Together, the bow thruster and trim tabs give the captain precise control over a 54-foot yacht, reducing the physical effort and skill required to dock safely and improving the overall handling experience. Both systems are controlled from the pilothouse and flybridge helms, making them accessible regardless of which station the captain is operating from.
What is the flybridge layout and how is it configured for cruising and entertaining?
The flybridge on the Candykiss is designed as a multi-purpose upper-deck space with a captain's chair at the helm station, an L-shaped settee for seating, and additional lounge areas for relaxation and entertaining. A flybridge refrigerator allows cold beverages and snacks to be stored topside, reducing the need to descend to the galley during social gatherings. The flybridge provides 360-degree visibility, making it an ideal spot for navigation during fair weather, wildlife viewing, and anchoring operations. The helm station includes a Garmin 2006C plotters and controls for the bow thruster, trim tabs, windlass, and spotlight. The open-air design allows natural ventilation and cooling during warm-weather cruising, while the elevated position provides commanding views of the surrounding water. This configuration supports both active cruising and entertaining, allowing guests to enjoy the Pacific Northwest scenery while the captain maintains full vessel control from the upper station.
What maintenance and preservation advantages does the freshwater and covered moorage history provide?
The Candykiss has been continuously kept in freshwater under covered moorage since new in 2003, a significant preservation advantage over saltwater exposure. Freshwater environments eliminate saltwater corrosion of through-hull fittings, stainless steel fasteners, and aluminum components, dramatically extending the service life of these systems. Covered moorage protects the hull, superstructure, and topside systems from UV degradation, oxidation, and weather-related wear, reducing the need for frequent refinishing and cosmetic maintenance. The combination of freshwater and covered storage means the fiberglass hull, windows, and deck hardware have experienced minimal environmental stress compared to vessels kept in saltwater or exposed to the elements. The low engine hours (1,730 total) and low generator hours (562) further indicate light, careful use and regular maintenance by the original owner. This preservation history directly translates to lower ongoing maintenance costs, longer intervals between major system overhauls, and greater residual value compared to similar-age vessels with saltwater exposure or outdoor moorage.
What type of buyer or cruising profile is the Meridian 490 Pilothouse best suited for?
The Candykiss is well-suited for several buyer profiles: experienced cruisers seeking a capable, seaworthy platform for extended Pacific Northwest coastal cruising; liveaboard boaters who need comfortable, full-featured accommodations with separate staterooms and heads; couples or small families planning multi-week passages with guest capacity; and buyers prioritizing reliability and low maintenance over high performance or luxury appointments. The pilothouse design appeals to cruisers who value weather protection and all-weather capability, while the dual helms and comprehensive electronics support confident navigation in variable conditions. The three-stateroom layout accommodates extended family trips or provides flexibility for a cruising couple with frequent guests. The low engine hours, freshwater history, and well-maintained systems appeal to buyers seeking a vessel ready for immediate cruising with minimal preparation. The 16-knot cruising speed and 22-knot maximum speed are moderate rather than aggressive, suiting cruisers who prioritize fuel efficiency and comfort over speed. This is a practical, capable cruiser rather than a performance or luxury-focused vessel, making it ideal for buyers who value functionality, reliability, and the ability to explore remote anchorages and coastal destinations throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Fly Yachts is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by W S Yacht Brokers - Portland. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel.

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