When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Meridian Yachts 391 Sedan 2008 and the Meridian Yachts 408 Motoryacht 2009 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Meridian Yachts 391 Sedan 2008 at 40,0 ft versus Meridian Yachts 408 Motoryacht 2009 at 42,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Meridian Yachts 408 Motoryacht 2009 tips the scales at 29 000 lbs — 4 000 lbs less than the Meridian Yachts 391 Sedan 2008 at 25 000 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Meridian Yachts 408 Motoryacht 2009 has a 417-hp advantage over the Meridian Yachts 391 Sedan 2008's 8-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Meridian Yachts 391 Sedan 2008 carries 350 gallons versus 330 gallons in the Meridian Yachts 408 Motoryacht 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 12 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.