Yachts for sale / Meridian 381 Sedan

2004 Meridian 381 Sedan

Stillwater, MN, US 38 ft · 13.58 ft' beam 2 cabins
Asking
$149,800
Our Thoughts

This 2004 Meridian 381 Sedan represents a well-maintained example of the builder's proven pilothouse design, offering the classic appeal and practical layout that made the 381 a popular choice among cruising boaters. Meridian's signature D.O.C. (Docking on Command) system—a feature that set these vessels apart—delivers intuitive bow and stern thruster control, making single-handed maneuvering straightforward whether you're docking in tight quarters or positioning in a beam sea. The hardtop configuration provides weather protection and shade on the flybridge, a valued feature for extended cruising and entertaining underway.

The 38-foot length and 13.58-foot beam create a stable platform with a manageable 3.33-foot draft, suitable for both coastal and inland waterway exploration. Twin 8.1 Mercruiser engines with 790 hours provide proven reliability and adequate performance for this displacement hull form. The 300-gallon fuel capacity and 125-gallon fresh water capacity support extended cruising without frequent refueling or water stops—a practical consideration for owners planning multi-day passages.

Below decks, the layout emphasizes livability with a full galley, dedicated dinette, and comfortable salon appointments including an upgraded television for entertainment. The master stateroom features an island berth, while the head includes a stall shower. Twin Flexsteel reclining chairs in the salon maximize comfort during leisure time. Two-zone air conditioning allows independent climate control between living spaces, particularly useful in variable weather or when different cabin areas are occupied.

The vessel's 100% fresh water history—meaning it has been operated exclusively in fresh water systems—is a significant advantage for long-term hull and systems preservation. Additional features including a generator (325 hours), custom davits for tender deployment, and bow and stern thrusters underscore thoughtful ownership and an understanding of cruising convenience. The 381 Sedan's traditional pilothouse design, combined with this vessel's equipment package and condition, appeals to buyers seeking a capable, well-equipped platform for comfortable coastal and inland cruising.

Provided listing description Click to read the original broker text

100% Fresh Water 381 with HARDTOP.  Bow and stern thrusters.  Very good condition. Upgraded TV in Salon Generator 325 hours Custom Davits for small RIB Tender  

2004 Meridian 381 Sedan: A Fresh-Water Cruising Motor Yacht with Bow and Stern Thrusters
Overview
The 2004 Meridian 381 Sedan represents a mature platform in the trawler -style motor yacht category, designed for owner-operators and cruising couples who value helm control, entertaining space, and the ability to navigate tight waterways without relying solely on conventional propulsion. At 38 feet in length with a 13.58-foot beam, this sedan-bridge configuration delivers a stable, seaworthy profile suited to inland and near-coastal cruising. The fact that this example has been maintained in 100% fresh water—a significant longevity advantage—combined with a hardtop enclosure, bow and stern thrusters, and a Mercruiser twin-engine setup, positions it as a practical, well-equipped cruising vessel ready for immediate use. The Meridian 381 Sedan belongs to a lineage of American-built motor yachts engineered for comfort and command-level control. Unlike high-performance center consoles or sport fishermen, the 381 prioritizes stability, protected helm stations, full cabin accommodations, and the kind of entertaining amenities that make extended cruising and dockside entertaining viable. The inclusion of Meridian's proprietary D.O.C. (Docking on Command) system—a joystick-controlled bow and stern thruster integration—modernizes the docking and maneuvering experience, reducing fatigue and improving precision in confined spaces.
Helm, Thrusters, and Command Systems
The flybridge helm is the command center of the 381 Sedan, positioned at the upper level where sight lines and control authority maximize situational awareness. The molded staircase access to the flybridge signals the intentional design of this upper helm platform, a hallmark of sedan-bridge layouts that separate the helm environment from the social and sleeping quarters below. The D.O.C. (Docking on Command) system is a Meridian exclusive that integrates the bow and stern thrusters into a unified joystick interface. Rather than operating thrusters independently through traditional controls, the D.O.C. system allows the helmsman to command the vessel to move forward, aft, and laterally using intuitive joystick inputs. This capability dramatically simplifies maneuvering in tight marinas, narrow canals, and challenging docking scenarios—a feature that adds significant practical value for owner-operators who may not have crew assistance or who want to reduce the cognitive load of simultaneous engine, bow thruster, and stern thruster coordination. The 8.1 Mercruiser twin-engine configuration provides redundancy and balanced thrust, a standard that has proven reliable across the Meridian line. With 790 hours logged on the engines, this example shows moderate use consistent with a well-maintained cruising yacht rather than a heavily chartered or commercially operated vessel.
Layout and Deck Design
The Meridian 381 Sedan's deck plan reflects a balance between open entertaining space and protected, weather-resistant areas. The hardtop, noted in the broker remarks, extends weather protection across the upper helm and flybridge seating area, a practical upgrade that extends the usability window during variable weather and protects electronics and upholstery from UV exposure and precipitation. Below, the salon and galley form the social heart of the vessel. The full galley is positioned to serve both the dinette and the salon, a layout that supports entertaining and meal preparation without forcing the cook into isolation. The dedicated dinette provides formal seating for guests and crew, separating the dining experience from the lounge area and allowing flexibility in how the interior space is used. Standard twin Flexsteel incliners—reclining chairs designed for comfort and durability—outfit the salon, establishing a relaxation-focused interior aesthetic. The Flexsteel brand is recognized in the marine industry for longevity and comfort in confined spaces, and the inclusion of twin units suggests the salon is sized to accommodate multiple guests or crew members in comfort. Two-zone air conditioning is available on the 381 Sedan, a feature that allows independent climate control between the master stateroom and the salon/guest cabin areas. In warm climates or during summer cruising, the ability to cool sleeping quarters independently from social spaces improves both comfort and energy efficiency.
Cabin and Interior Accommodations
The master stateroom features an island berth, a layout that maximizes sleeping comfort and accessibility. Unlike side berths or quarter berths that may feel confining, an island berth in the master allows entry from either side and provides a sense of space that enhances rest during extended cruises. The head includes a stall shower, a feature that distinguishes the 381 from smaller cruising yachts and reflects the vessel's design intent for multi-day and longer voyages. A dedicated shower stall separates the bathing function from the toilet and sink, improving functionality and comfort for crew and guests. The freshwater system supports these amenities, with a 125-gallon capacity sufficient for a crew of two to four for several days of cruising, depending on usage patterns. The 300-gallon fuel capacity, paired with the twin Mercruiser 8.1 engines, defines the cruising range and endurance profile of the vessel—a balance between adequate fuel for extended passages and the weight and space trade-offs inherent in a 38-foot sedan-bridge design.
Equipment and Systems Highlights
The custom davits for a small RIB tender represent a thoughtful addition to the vessel's operational capability. Rather than relying on an anchor and dinghy towed astern, davits allow the owner to carry a tender aboard and deploy it quickly for exploring shallow anchorages, visiting nearby islands, or transferring to shore without leaving the mother ship unattended. This upgrade is particularly valuable for cruising grounds with multiple anchorages and limited marina infrastructure. The upgraded television in the salon reflects owner investment in comfort and entertainment during extended stays at anchor or in marina slips. While not a core marine system, the inclusion suggests the vessel has been maintained with attention to livability and that the previous owner valued the ability to relax and entertain guests in modern comfort. The generator with 325 hours of operation provides independent electrical power, freeing the vessel from reliance on shore power or engine-driven charging systems. This capability is essential for extended cruising and allows the use of air conditioning, galley appliances, and entertainment systems without running the main engines.
Fresh-Water Provenance and Condition
The designation of 100% fresh-water operation is significant in marine asset evaluation. Fresh water lacks the corrosive salts present in seawater, resulting in substantially slower deterioration of through-hull fittings, engine water jackets, cooling systems, and structural elements. A 2004 Meridian 381 Sedan maintained exclusively in fresh water will typically exhibit less visible corrosion, more reliable through-hull systems, and a longer remaining service life for core mechanical and structural components compared to a similar vessel operated in salt water. This factor alone enhances the value proposition and reduces the likelihood of unexpected corrosion-related repairs.
Why This Meridian 381 Sedan Deserves Consideration
The 2004 Meridian 381 Sedan occupies a distinct niche in the cruising yacht market: it is large enough to provide genuine cabin accommodations and entertaining space, equipped with modern helm control systems (D.O.C.), and proven in design and construction. The combination of bow and stern thrusters with integrated joystick control, fresh-water provenance, hardtop protection, and a full galley and shower stall reflects a vessel designed and maintained for comfortable, extended cruising rather than day-boating or high-performance fishing. The twin Mercruiser 8.1 engines with moderate hours provide a known powerplant with extensive parts availability and service support across North America. The 300-gallon fuel capacity and 125-gallon freshwater capacity establish realistic cruising endurance for a couple or small family, and the two-zone air conditioning ensures that comfort is maintainable across varying climates. This Meridian represents the practical, well-appointed cruising yacht for buyers who prioritize command-level helm control, protected entertaining and sleeping spaces, and the ability to explore inland waterways and coastal destinations without the complexity or expense of larger motor yachts. The fresh-water history, thrusters, and proven sedan-bridge platform make it a sound choice for owner-operators ready to invest in extended cruising experiences.
Length
38 ft
Beam
13.58 ft'
Year
2004
Builder
Meridian
Model
381 Sedan
Cabins
2

Fly Yachts is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Midwest Yacht Sales. 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.

Similar yachts

More Meridian yachts

See all Meridian listings →

Watch this boat

Not ready to talk yet? Leave your number — we'll personally alert you the moment the price moves or her status changes.

$149,800 Request a call
¿Habla español? (traducción automática)

Hablamos español

Déjenos su número y un broker de Fly Yachts le llamará — en español.