I purchased Meridian Passage in 1995 and had her professionally rebuilt from the decks up incorporating features derived from owning over ten large boats in 50 years. The objectives and results of the rebuild were:

1. Replace the original teak decks with glass decks that wouldn’t leak, were easy to maintain, and non-skid for safety, plus have a wide weather protected enclosed deck so one could walk around the boat in safety and comfort in all weather. No worrying about people on deck, especially kids.

2. Replace the below decks dark aft cabin with storage space and have sleeping quarters for guests on the main deck with lots of ventilation, air and a private head. Thus, the two sofa/beds in the main cabin can be used as doubles and pulled together for a very large queen size bed. The sleeping area is separated from the rest of the board and those in the forward cabin can do as they wish without disturbing those in the aft cabin (and vise versa).

3. Enlarge and open up the main cabin and the upper deck to accommodate and entertain 40+ people for cruises, parties, and receptions, etc. On both decks there is visibility and easy movement for and aft, thus the large double doors at the aft end of the main cabin, lots of windows for light and air, doors on either side of the helm for easy access to either side and smooth traffic flow for easy line handling and docking.

The main cabin in Meridian Passage comfortable accommodates 20 people and we have had as many as 60 aboard for dinner cruises with no problems. The uncluttered main cabin is light and airy and the furniture can be moved to suit the occasion. The dining table is spacious for two folded in but can seat up to 8 when folded out. A buffet for 20-40 is easy serving from the extended table and letting people stroll the boat and sit where best to admire the view, sunset, whatever. The foredeck is popular when cruising or entertaining and accommodates 10 easily.

We have three kids and over the years, when asked what they want to do on special occasions, birthdays, 4th of July, good report cards, high school graduation, college spring breaks, college graduation, wedding reception, the answer has usually been, “Let’s go for a cruise on MP.”

Often the cruises were short to a favorite beach to anchor out, swim, and have dinner, sometimes longer, like ten college students to the Bahamas or to Fort Lauderdale for Spring Break another year. The past two years we cruise the Chesapeake homeported in Annapolis.

However, the kids are grown. Today’s cruises involve fewer and more “mature” friends, so we have purchased an- other Grand Banks Woodie, a 1965 36’, Hull #26. As with Meridian Passage the decks and topsides are being epoxied with glass cloth, leaving the hull as is and as with Meridian Passage I expect no problems, only benefits from having a decks down woodie, in good condition. A wooden boat looks better, is warmer, easier to work on and quieter than glass, plus a lot less expensive to buy. New Europa like Meridian Passage about $750,000. In owning Meridian Passage for 10 years I found no additional expense in having wood and found by using good bottom paint I can haul out every other year rather than annually.

4. The topside deck was enlarged to over four times it’s original size and now accommodates twenty plus in comfort. We’ve found when cruising or taking trips with groups that most people prefer to be topside. Steering is always from topside, even in rough weather. Also four people can sleep in comfort topside making a total of eight berths before the futons are unrolled for additional accommodations. The topside helm station has a sunbrella bimini with a secure stainless frame. The helm area can be fully enclosed with roll down vinyl windows protecting four in any weather. The window in front of the helm has a zip up port that is easily closed or opened as needed. Additionally there is a full- length cover for the topside. The upper deck is enclosed with a heavy aluminum through bolted rail bolted handrail inboard of the deck. No worrying about people falling over.

5. In addition to an uncluttered and open living area and upper deck I wanted lots of storage space. The aft below decks storage area is 12 ft. wide by 10 ft. long by 4 ft. high and can accommodate everything from motorbikes to surfboards. We’ve had twelve people on the boat, three adults and nine kids, for up to two weeks in the Bahamas and there was ample room for everyone and their belongings. Additionally, motorbikes, surfboards, and dinghies may be stored on the wide upper deck overhangs, out of the way but easily accessible. On our long trips with the kids we carry two motorbikes, 3 surfboards and 3 dinghies. Everything for everyone.

6. Engine room - the engine room has been greatly improved over the original which was entered via a small hatch from the forward cabin. The hatch is still there for ventilation as needed but the top of the engine room opens up via two large hinged hatches which stay open when opened. The engine room light is activated by a switch on one hatch. There is a full standing room in most of the engine area and all parts of the engine, fuel, electrical and water systems are easily seen and reached. The engines are painted white and the engine room a light gray with white insulating tiles. It is light and airy, with ample lighting throughout. It is easly to service and inspect all parts of the engine and associated systems.

7. Electrical - any battery can be charged via either engine and either engine can be started via either starting battery. There are two separate 8D starting batteries and the two separate house batteries have a capacity of 240 amps. Unlike marine batteries which can only be utilized to 50% of their capacity, the in-series golf cart house batteries can be fully discharged many times without damage thus their full capacity is available for use. All electrical wiring and work is in accord with marine standards. All wires and circuits are fused and labeled for easy access and understanding. The GENERATOR is new (2007) with a 2 year warranty.

8. Bilges - the center bilges in the boat are easily accessed through lift up floorboards. Through hulls are also easily accessed and checked.

9. Engines - two Ford Lehmans, 120 hp each. Cruising speed 9 mph at 1600 rpm., max. speed 12 mph at 2300 rpm. The engines have been cared for (take a look at them) and serviced regularly. I have put about 600 hours on them. Before I purchased the boat the starboard engine had an out of hull total rebuild in 6/87, new pistons, liners, injec- tors, bearings.

The port engine was noted in 1987 as “having few hours only,” however at that time the injectors were rebuilt, the injector pump was rebuilt, the reduction gear was rebuilt, and a new cooling system was added. the starboard injection pump was replaced in 2005.

Total hours by previous owner were not over 900 hours (per letter by Captain Stephen Bueth, February, 1994).
The alternators, starters, heat exchangers, fuel system and filters and exhaust systems are new within the last six years. Each engine has a custom fitted stainless drip pan, which keeps engine fluids out of the bilge. These pans are easily accessed. The Ford Lehman is recognized as one of the best marine engines built. They are widely in use and parts are service are available. Bob Smith in Gloucester, VA, runs one of the best companies I have ever dealt with. Their specialty is Grand banks, all aspects. They are friendly, helpful and reasonable. Each year they host a Grand Banks Rendevous. We have traveled over 5,000 miles in Meridian Passage and in all of that time we have only had to shutdown an engine once, when it overheated when a raw-water intake was blocked. Give them clean fuel, air and change the oil and filters regularly and the Lehmans just keep on ticking. The engines and transmission were checked by a diesel mechanic and pronounced to be hale and hearty. The engines are easily owner maintained and I’ll be glad to show the next owner to how to maintain them.

The EXHAUST SYSTEM - all new since 1995, heat exchanges, mufflers, lines, new water pumps.

RUNNING GEAR - new shaft and props within the last 5 years. Drive savers on both shafts. Stuffings boxes repacked (the stuffings boxes are easy to reach and check or service).

10. Ventilation - Meridian Passage is well ventilated throughout. All enclosed areas and lockers have stainless steel all- weather vents, thus no mildew or stale air when docked. The entire below decks area is ventilated by a continu- ously running 110-volt fan that is activated when shorepower is plugged in.

11. The Hull - The hull is mahogany fitted to yacal frames, a tough durable hardwood. Fasteners are silicon bronze. Over 1400 wooden Grand Banks were built between 1965 and 1973 and there have been no major design changes in the hull. The Grand Banks hull is as tough as it gets. Any problems with rot or decay come from above, which has been corrected in this vessel with it’s new epoxy soaked treated wood fiberglassed decks and superstructure.

Good boat, safe boat, seaworthy boat, reliable boat, fun boa, entertains 50- easily handled and maintained and ready to go. Hope the next owner will enjoy Meridian Passage as much as we have.