Meridian 381 Sedan (ex-Bayliner 3788)
Built 2003–2006 by Meridian Yachts (Brunswick)
About the Meridian 381 Sedan (ex-Bayliner 3788)
Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.
- Built
- 2003–2006
- Builder
- Meridian Yachts (Brunswick)
- Length
- 38.5 ft
- Beam
- 13.58 ft
- Draft
- 3.33 ft
- Displacement
- 22,275 lb
- Hull / keel
- planing
- Propulsion
- inboard
- Fuel
- 300 gal
- Water
- 125 gal
- Holding
- 37 gal
- Generator
- fitted on some boats
Tank capacities — where the figures come from
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Fuel 300 gal
“Fuel Tanks Capacity: 300 gal” — broker listing (2003), alexandermarineusa.com · “a fuel capacity of approximately 300 gallons” — search excerpt (2004), boats.comThe Alexander Marine PDF among the sources is a broker listing for one 2003 boat, not a builder spec sheet. Two listings agree; no builder figure was checked.
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Water 125 gal
“Fresh Water Tanks Capacity: 125 gal” — broker listing (2003), alexandermarineusa.com · “a water capacity of 125 gallons” — search excerpt (2004), boats.comTwo listings agree; no builder figure was checked.
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Holding 37 gal
“Holding Tank Capacity: 37 gal” — broker listing (2003), alexandermarineusa.com · “a holding tank of around 37 gallons” — search excerpt (2004), boats.comTwo listings agree; no builder figure was checked.
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Water heater unknown
“10.5 gallon hot water tank” — broker listing (2004), irwinyachtsales.comOnly one broker listing (a 2004 boat, repeated on several broker sites) gives a size; no builder or review figure found.
Tanks are often replaced or added on older boats — check the tank labels or a survey for yours.
Thrusters and steering — where this comes from
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Bow thruster unknown
“The 2003 model year for Meridian was the only year that Docking on Command was an option. It was a standard feature on a” — search excerpt (2003-2004), meridianyachtowners.com · “Docking is made remarkably simple with Meridian's Docking on Command (D.O.C.) system, featuring both bow and stern thrus” — search excerpt (2003), yachtworld.com · “ON COMMAND DOCKING!BOW & STERN THRUSTERS!MERCRUISER 8.1 HORIZONS!” — search excerpt (2003), au.yachtworld.comMeridian's Docking On Command (D.O.C.) bow-and-stern thruster system was a factory option in the 2003 model year and standard from 2004, according to a single owners'-forum reply, and several 2003 boats are listed with it. No builder list or review for the 381 could be read.
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Stern thruster unknown
“The 2003 model year for Meridian was the only year that Docking on Command was an option. It was a standard feature on a” — search excerpt (2003-2004), meridianyachtowners.com · “Docking is made remarkably simple with Meridian's Docking on Command (D.O.C.) system, featuring both bow and stern thrus” — search excerpt (2003), yachtworld.comOur earlier figure of none is wrong: the stern thruster is part of Meridian's Docking On Command (D.O.C.) system, optional for 2003 and standard for 2004-06 according to the owners' forum, and several 2003 boats carry it.
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Steering unknown
No source could be cited. An excerpt from the Meridian 381 owner's manual describes a power-assisted rack-and-pinion system with a power-steering reservoir, but no builder copy could be checked; worth confirming on your boat.
Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.
Slightly revised Bayliner 3788 Motor Yacht (from 2001), renamed when Bayliner's big boats became Meridian in 2003. Low-deadrise (10 deg) wide hull with shallow keel; two staterooms, galley up.
Engines fitted
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MerCruiser gas V8 inboard (model not stated) — 320 hp, gas, twin
standard
HMY: twin 320 hp MerCruiser gas inboards cruise 15-16 kn, mid-20s top.Sources: hmy.com
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Cummins 6BT 5.9 (270 hp) — 270 hp, diesel, twin
factory option
Diesel option; 2003 and 2004 hulls are listed with twin 270 hp Cummins 5.9 diesels (one broker calls them 6BT-270).Sources: alexandermarineusa.com · boatingfreedom.com · yachtr.com
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Cummins 6BTA 5.9 (330 hp) — 330 hp, diesel, twin
factory option
A 2005 hull is listed with twin 330 hp Cummins 6BTA diesels.Sources: seattle.boatshed.com
Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.
Generator
Both gas-powered 381s found carry a Kohler 7.3 kW with sound shield, which looks like the factory fit, but no builder document or review confirms standard vs optional.
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Kohler 7.3 kW with sound shield — 7.3 kW
Same make and size on two independent boats (2004 and 2005); matches the Kohler 7.3 kW that Power & Motoryacht lists as the factory option on the sister Meridian 341, but no 381-specific builder or review source says whether it was optional.“Kohler 7.3 generator, with sound shield” — broker listing (2004), irwinyachtsales.com · “Kohler 7.3 kW generator” — broker listing (2005), mapleleafyachtsales.com
Generators are often replaced or added — check the unit's own plate before ordering parts.
Known problems for this model
No well-sourced problem reports found yet.
Engines & parts
MerCruiser 5.0 (305) / 5.7 (350) V8 gas parts: good
Factory standard engine — you entered “MerCruiser gas V8 inboard (model not stated)”
GM small-block Chevrolet base engines, so internal parts are everywhere. Marine exhaust manifolds and risers for 1983–2002 small blocks are sold by many aftermarket makers (Sierra, Barr, Osco and others) through Power Boat Supply, Hardin Marine, Basic Power Industries and similar stores; Mercury sells genuine parts through dealers.
Parts sources: Power Boat Supply, Hardin Marine, Basic Power Industries
Common problems (2)
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Manifold/riser failure and water in cylinders exhaust
Cast-iron manifolds and risers rust internally or their gaskets fail, letting water back into the cylinders; small amounts cause hard starting and rough running, large amounts hydrolock and wreck the engine. Service roughly every 7 years in fresh water and about 5 in salt.powerandmotoryacht.com · forums.iboats.com · justanswer.com
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Overheating from scaled manifolds cooling
Rust and scale inside the manifolds restrict cooling flow and cause overheating under load.powerandmotoryacht.com
Maker’s service schedule (8)
| Engine oil & filter change | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Most four-stroke outboards and sterndrive engines require an oil change either annually or every 100 hours of operation.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com |
| Fuel filters & water separator | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “The fuel filter on your engine should be inspected or replaced per the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, usua” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com |
| Raw-water pump impeller | 300 hrs or 3 yrs | “How often should my seawater pump impeller be serviced? Every 300 hours or 3 years, whichever comes first.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com |
| Spark plugs inspect / replace | 300 hrs or 3 yrs | “How often should spark plugs be changed? Every 300 hours or 3 years, whichever comes first.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com |
| Coolant replacement & freeze-point test closed (freshwater) cooling only | 5 yrs | “How often should coolant be changed on engines with closed cooling? Every 5 years.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com |
| Transmission fluid change sterndrive gear lube | 1 yr | “Gearcase lubricant in outboard and sterndrive lower units should also be changed annually or at the service interval spe” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com |
| Lubricate steering linkage and check power-steering fluid sterndrive | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Mercury Marine recommends lubricating the steering linkage and checking the power steering fluid level in ... MerCruiser” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com |
| Check power trim fluid level sterndrive | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “Power trim and tilt fluid level should be checked annually or every 100 hours.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com |
Service part numbers (6)
| Oil filter | Mercury Quicksilver 35-866340Q03 | “Part number: 866340Q03 ... for MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard engines except V6 engines with the oil filter mounted o” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com · “Includes: Oil Filter Oil Filter 866340Q03 Fuel Filter 802893Q01 ...” — dealer, midnightmarine.net |
| Fuel filter carbureted engines (Rochester 2-/4-barrel, MerCarb 2-barrel): filter inside carburetor fuel inlet |
Mercury 53336T | “For use on MerCruiser 3.0L, 4.3L, 5.0L , 5.7L and 7.4L engines with Rochester 2- and 4-barrel and MerCarb” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com |
| Fuel filter MPI engines with Gen III cool fuel module (filter page: 2004 and newer; kit page: 2002 and newer) |
Mercury Quicksilver 35-8M0093688 | “Fits 2004 and newer Mercury/MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard engines with Gen III (3) fuel cooler” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com |
| Raw-water impeller Bravo sterndrive and inboard engines with engine-mounted sea water pump (2-piece plastic pump per Mercury) |
Mercury Quicksilver 47-59362Q01 Also: Sierra 18-3087 |
“For MerCruiser engines with engine mounted, 2-piece, plastic sea water pumps.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com · “Water Pump Impeller 59362Q01” — dealer, midnightmarine.net |
| Thermostat standard cooling, 160 F |
Mercury Quicksilver 807252Q5 | “Thermostat 807252Q5 is for V6 and V8 MerCruiser engines ... made by General Motors (model year 1987-2016)” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com |
| 100-hour maintenance kit (oil filter, fuel filter, drive seals) MPI engines with Gen III cool fuel module (2002 and newer) |
Mercury 8M0147053 | “Mercury 8M0147053 MerCruiser 5.0L, 5.7L, 6.2L, 8.1L and 8.2L V8 MPI ... 100 Hour Maintenance Kit” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Cummins 6BT / 6BTA 5.9 parts: good
Factory optional engine — you entered “Cummins 6BT 5.9 (270 hp)”
Mechanically injected 5.9 L inline six from the Cummins B-series truck/industrial family, so base-engine parts are everywhere. Cummins still sells factory ReCon (remanufactured) marine 6BT/6BTA engines (152–210 hp ratings) with a 2-year/2000-hour warranty. Seaboard Marine is the best-known marine specialist, selling aftercooler/heat-exchanger service kits, upgraded raw water pumps and technical guidance; TAD also sells Cummins packages.
Parts sources: Seaboard Marine, Cummins (ReCon 6BT/6BTA), Diesel Pro Power
Common problems (2)
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Aftercooler corrosion letting seawater into the intake cooling
On the turbo-aftercooled 6BTA the seawater-cooled aftercooler core has vertical tubes and an aluminum housing that corrodes from condensate; a leak can put salt water into the cylinders and wreck the engine. Owners pull, clean, grease and pressure-test the core every few years and fit new O-rings.trawlerforum.com · sbmar.com
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Heat exchanger and aftercooler service cooling
Routine seawater-side service (O-rings, gaskets, zincs) is a recurring owner job; kits are sold for it and refilling coolant without trapping air is a common question.sbmar.com · sbmar.com
Service part numbers (5)
| Oil filter | Cummins 3937743 | “| Oil Filter | 3937743 |” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Cummins Oil Filter 3937743 Spin-on type, 3.66" outside diameter, 6.95" height” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
| Fuel filter 6BT 5.9 210 hp (CPL 742) |
Fleetguard FF5052 Replaces FF42000, FS1251 |
“on-engine fuel filter with drain for all 6BT 210 B’s (CPL 742). Replaces the FF42000, FS1251.” — dealer, sbmar.com · “Cummins 6BT Fuel Filter 3931063 FF5052” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au |
| Fuel filter late 6BTA (also late 4BTA and 6CTA) |
Fleetguard FF5285 | “Fleetguard FF5285 Fuel Filter – late 4BTA 6BTA and 6CTA’s” — dealer, sbmar.com · “Cummins 6BTA Fuel Filter 3890017 FF5285 ... suits late model Cummins 6BTA's, 6CTA8.3-M” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au |
| Raw-water impeller seawater pump with 1-1/4 in hose ports (Sherwood M70/M71 type, early 4BT/6BT) |
Sherwood 10615K | “Seawater Pump Impeller | **1-1/4" PORTS** 3908220 10615K” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Cummins Marine Water Pump Impeller 10615K 2 9/16" diameter, 1 5/8" length” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
| Raw-water impeller keyway-shaft pump, 2 in inlet / 1-3/4 in outlet, 11° offset flange (e.g. P1716/P1730 on 6BTA) |
Sherwood 17000K | “**2" inlet & 1-3/4" outlet ports with 11° OFFSET flange** 17000K” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Cummins Impeller for Key Shaft 17000K” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Model sources (7)
hmy.com · alexandermarineusa.com · boatingfreedom.com · yachtr.com · seattle.boatshed.com · irwinyachtsales.com · mapleleafyachtsales.com
Own a Meridian 381 Sedan (ex-Bayliner 3788)? Add her to your boats, then share a photo — names, numbers and faces are blurred before it appears.
Other Meridian models
- Meridian 341 Sedan (2005-14) 2005–2014
- Meridian 411 Sedan 2003–2008
Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.