2008 Meridian 490 Pilothouse "RUNAWAY"

You come walking down the dock, coffee in hand, and the first thing you notice is how clean she presents. Lines are right, gelcoat shines, and there’s just that quiet confidence about the boat that says, “yeah… I’ve been taken care of.” You step onto the swim platform, hop into the cockpit, and already it feels like a space you’ll actually use—not just pass through. Plenty of room to handle lines, hang out, or stage for a day on the water.

Slide open the salon door and this is where it clicks. Light pours in from every angle, and the same-level salon and galley just works. No steps breaking things up, no one isolated while cooking—it’s all one big, connected space. You can picture it immediately… people sitting around, drinks in hand, conversation going, and nobody missing out because they’re stuck in a separate galley.

Speaking of the galley—look down for a second. That teak and holly sole hits you right away. It’s classic, it’s warm, and it just feels right. Everything here is set up for actual use too. Big Norcold fridge/freezer, three-burner stove with an oven, and even a trash compactor—which, if you’ve spent any real time on a boat, you know is one of those “why doesn’t every boat have this?” features.

Now step up into the pilothouse. This is where you start to feel like you’re running a real cruising boat. Great visibility, side deck access right there for docking, and a clean Garmin setup with autopilot and AIS. Early morning runs, long cruising days, tight marinas—it’s all easier from here. This is the kind of helm that makes you want to put miles behind you.

Alright, let’s head below. Forward in the bow is the primary stateroom with a centerline queen, and it’s exactly what you want—easy to get in and out of, comfortable, and it feels like your space. Just aft to port is the third stateroom, which is perfect for guests, kids, or honestly just great storage if you’re cruising long-term. Then just off the galley down a few steps to port is the VIP—super convenient location, private, and ideal for another couple on board. Both heads are to starboard, laid out in a way that just makes sense when you’re living on the boat.

Now let’s go up top. Head up the molded stairs to the flybridge and this is where you picture the good days. Open water, breeze, friends hanging out. And here’s a big one—once the flybridge canvas is zipped on you are ready for any kind of weather! No waiting months, no big expense—you get to set it up fresh, exactly how you want it. Add in the exterior window coverings, and you’ve got a boat that’s been set up to stay cool and protected when you’re not aboard.

And that’s kind of the theme with Runaway. Everywhere you look, it just makes sense. The updates are done, the maintenance is handled, and nothing feels neglected or halfway. It’s the kind of boat you step off of and immediately start thinking… “yeah, I could see us doing this.”

You step into the salon and it just feels right. Light pours in through the big windows, the space opens up in front of you, and there’s nothing about it that feels tight or broken up. It’s comfortable in that immediate, no-explanation-needed kind of way. You can picture mornings with coffee, evenings with a drink, and everything in between happening right here.

The seating draws you in, and because everything is on the same level, it flows naturally. No steps, no separation—just one cohesive living space that actually works whether you’ve got a full boat or it’s just the two of you. This is where people end up… and stay.

Then your attention moves forward to the galley, and this is where Meridian really got it right. Positioned forward to port, it’s still completely connected to the salon, but just far enough defined to feel like its own purposeful space. You’re not tucked away, you’re not isolated—you’re still part of everything happening behind you.

And then you notice what’s under your feet. That teak and holly sole immediately adds warmth and character. It’s classic, clean, and gives the galley that true “yacht feel” that never goes out of style.

From a functionality standpoint, it’s exactly what you want. A generous Norcold refrigerator and freezer means you can actually provision for real trips. The three-burner electric stove with oven gives you the ability to cook—not just get by—and the built-in trash compactor is one of those features you don’t think about until you have it, and then wonder how you ever lived without it.

There’s room to move, room to prep, and storage where it needs to be. Whether you’re putting together something quick underway or hosting at the dock, it all feels easy and natural.

And that’s really the story here—you’re still part of the moment. You can turn around, talk to people in the salon, pass something back, laugh, carry on… you’re never removed from it. That’s what makes this layout so good—and why it stands out the second you walk in.

Step up into the pilothouse and everything changes just a bit—in a good way. The view opens up, you’re elevated, and suddenly you’re not just on the boat… you’re in charge of it. Sightlines are excellent in every direction, and you’ve got that immediate sense of confidence whether you’re easing into a tight slip or putting miles behind you on a long run.

The layout up here just makes sense. Controls fall right where you expect them, and with the Garmin electronics, autopilot, and AIS, you’ve got everything you need at your fingertips to run the boat comfortably and safely. This is the kind of helm where early mornings actually sound appealing—coffee in hand, water like glass, just you and the horizon.

One of the best parts? Direct access to the side decks. When it’s time to dock, grab a line, or just step out to check your surroundings, you’re not climbing over or around anything—it’s right there. Simple, practical, and something you really appreciate the more you use it.

Now head up to the flybridge.

This is where the fun lives.

You come up the molded stairs and it opens up into a space that’s all about enjoying the ride. Great visibility, plenty of seating, and that open-air feel that makes a beautiful day on the water even better. This is where people gather, where stories get told, where the day stretches out just a little longer than planned.

At the helm, you’ve got another excellent vantage point—perfect for cruising on those bluebird days when you just don’t want to be inside. It’s easy, relaxed, and exactly what you want from a boat like this.

And when you step back and take it all in, both spaces—the pilothouse and the flybridge—do exactly what they’re supposed to do. One gives you control, confidence, and capability… the other gives you freedom, fresh air, and a place to enjoy it all.

Walk forward along the side decks and you arrive at the bow, and this is one of those areas that people don’t always expect to love… but absolutely do. The foredeck on Runaway is wide, open, and incredibly usable, giving you a great space to actually spend time—not just handle lines and move on.

The molded seating up here is a huge win. It turns the bow into a destination, not just a working area. You can picture it right away—anchored out, a light breeze, maybe a drink in hand, just enjoying the water from one of the best seats on the boat.

And when it’s time to get down to business, everything is right where it should be. The windlass controls at the bow make anchoring simple and efficient, giving you full control whether you're handling it solo or working as a team. There’s plenty of space to move around safely, and the layout makes the whole process feel easy and controlled.

It’s that perfect balance—functional when you need it, comfortable when you want it. And that’s exactly what a space like this should be.

As you step down from the salon, the companionway naturally leads you into the accommodations, and right away you notice how well this space is laid out. It’s not tight or awkward—it feels open, easy to move through, and thoughtfully designed for real use over extended time aboard.

Everything flows logically from here. The VIP stateroom sits just off the galley to port, making it incredibly convenient while still offering privacy for guests. Continue forward and you arrive at the primary stateroom in the bow, with its centerline queen berth—easy to access from both sides and far more comfortable than climbing in and out of a corner bed.

Just aft of the primary and also to port is the third stateroom, a versatile space that works perfectly for additional guests, kids, or even as a dedicated storage area for longer cruising. It’s one of those rooms that adapts to how you use the boat.

Along the way, both heads are positioned to starboard, placed exactly where you want them for easy access from all staterooms without disrupting the flow of the layout.

What really stands out down here is how usable it all feels. Nothing is wasted, nothing feels like an afterthought, and there’s a sense that this space was designed for people who actually spend time aboard—not just weekend visitors.

It’s quiet, comfortable, and just a little removed from the activity above… which is exactly what you want at the end of the day.

Down in the engine room, Runaway continues to tell the same story—clean, well cared for, and dialed in the way you hope to find it. She’s powered by a pair of Cummins QSB 5.9HO diesel engines rated at 380 horsepower each, one of the most respected platforms in this size range for a reason. These are modern, electronically controlled common-rail engines known for their smooth operation, strong torque, and overall efficiency.

With 1,240 hours and a fresh 1,000-hour service just completed, a major maintenance milestone has already been taken care of for the next owner. That’s not just a check-the-box item—it’s a meaningful investment that speaks to the level of ownership and significantly reduces near-term maintenance concerns.

The QSB 5.9 platform is widely regarded for its balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it an excellent fit for the Meridian 490. Whether you’re cruising comfortably in the low to mid-teens or bringing her up on plane when needed, these engines deliver reliable, predictable power. They’re also supported by an extensive service network, which is a big advantage for those considering long-distance cruising or the Great Loop.

Access in the engine room is practical, and the space presents exactly how you want to see it—organized, maintained, and showing no signs of neglect. Hoses, wiring, and components reflect consistent upkeep, reinforcing the overall impression that this is a boat that has been looked after properly.

From a mechanical standpoint, Runaway offers confidence. The major service is done, the engines are a proven and desirable package, and everything about the space supports the idea that this boat is ready to go—not one that needs to be brought back.

Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.

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