Here's a few facts and differences between the 45' and 47' models; About the 4788: Built from 1994 - 2002- in Washington State and Maryland (00 last year built in Maryland)not many 2002 models were built due to change over to the Meridian name. Most dealers received the news of the elimination of the Bayliner line and hence the fact they will no longer be dealers as early as March 02 when they attempted to order more 4788's. Most all of the 03 490 Meridians were simply 02 models that they would not deliver to the dealers with HIN numbers changed to 03 with decals on them saying "Meridian". The VERY desirable High Gloss Cherry wood interior was ONLY available in the 2002 models. We were hoping that ALL the Meridians would have this interior but it was not to be. The company really didn't listen to what buyers were wanting which is one reason they quit producing the boat due to "falling sales"- THEY WEREN'T falling at ALL in 02 when Brunswick decided to pull the plug on the marque.
THANKS to Schommer, Rob H for the following information which was posted on the Bayliner owners club website:
Cummins engines standard from 1996 models onward. Some early 97 models also had 315hp Cummins and no Corian countertops. These obviously were left-over 96 models with just the HIN number changed. The value of these 97 models will be substantially less than the 97 models with 330hp engines and Corian countertops.
330hp Cummins were standard from (most) 1997 models onward with 370hp Engines available as $18k retail option and almost $10k for the dealer! The 330's are nothing but de-rated 370hp engines.
Hino 310HP engines standard in 1994 - 1995 models.
More streamlined look- radar arch leans forward.
No wood exposed to the weather (just the bulkhead entry to the salon on the 1994 models- which is sheltered by the hardtop).
2 more feet in salon making everything slightly roomier allowing the TV to be built in galley divider.
A mirror-imaged Salon couch arrangement of 45' Chairs now on port, L-shaped settee on Starboard.
Pilothouse floor is LEVEL and much larger than the 45' due to the dash being pushed forward. One can easily walk behind the helm chair-which is hard to do on a 45'.
More room to move around in the Pilothouse due to curved instrumentation panel. (In the 4588 it is a bit tough to move past the helm chair)
Better Davit (750lb capacity vs 500lbs on 45')
A bit less fuel (444 gallons vs 500 gallons on 45')
A bit heavier (30K official lbs versus 28K)
No prop tunnels as on 45's.
Corian countertops standard from 1997 onward.
Vacuflush heads available on 4788 models.
Height is higher on the 4788. Will clear bridges at 18'.
Draft is deeper 40" on 4788's. Props are not protected on 4788's (no prop pockets like on 45's)
The beams are Identical - 14'11".
--Less bow rise at cruise
--Factory A/C compressors not in engine room
--Pocket door to guest stateroom
--Holding tank stb of stb engine (not in guest head)
--Water tanks plastic (from 1989+ all 45's/47's had plastic)
--Fly-bridge furniture is FRP (not wood that rots)
--Davit is good for 750# (not just rated for that)
--Decks have closed cell foam (instead of balsa/plywood)
--batteries under cockpit hatches for easy access
--Genset has sound shield (many 45 gen's have sound shields too)
--Radar arch is anchored well- leans forward vrs. leaning aft in 45's- SOLID glass.
--Fly-bridge overhangs (Pt &Stb) are FRP
--engine access slightly better
drippless shaft seals
--Separation from engine room to lazerette (on 45's you can go from Lazarette to the engine room and onward into vessel)-so better security.
--Large water lift mufflers
--No prop tunnels
-- 2" shafts (versus 1.5")
--Quieter a bit (71 vs 75 Db's)
4588's (built from 1984 - 1993):
-----------------------------------
Built in Washinton State, and North Carolina.
The woodwork in the North Carolina built boats is quite impressive
Teak caprails and on aft salon bulkhead.
Radar arch leans aft
flybridge seats in plywood. Radar arch cored in plywood
Decks are balsa
Hino engines only. 220hp ONLY to late 1991 models- then 250hp for 1992 -1993 models.
Not many 1993's were built due to the Luxury Tax during this time.
-- V-struts
You can access engine room from lazarette
--Prop tunnels for shallow draft- props are protected by keel.
--neat drain areas at shaft packing glands
--deep storage at foot of guest bed area
--area of ice maker,stereo, storage very good
--stock factory engine start batteries next to stbd engine
--Less A/C compressor noise
--2 hot water heaters
-- 'Y' valve location and storage in 'hall'
--cheaper to buy (older is why)
--more fuel efficient (smaller engines is why)
| 
