MJMs Are Better Powerboats... Thanks to Sail.

You may have seen MJM 50z ads in SAIL, Sailing World and Sailing that describe how sailing contributes to  a better powerboat. MJM Yachts was created by a sailor,  drawn by a sailor (Doug Zurn); built by sailors (Mark Lindsay & Scott Smith) and are owned by sailors.  Among the most recent owners,  60% still have or had a J/46, Carkeek 40, New Custom 60, J/122 (2), Gunboat 60, J/24, J/22, J/109 and J/120. 

MJM Yachts Founder, Bob Johnstone, applied his J/Boats ‘Best Performing Brand’ strategy and many years of sailing experience to create a better powerboat.

Like sailboats, a stronger and lighter boat with a low VCG performs better. Prepreg epoxy composites make the 50z faster, more fuel efficient, fun to drive, easier to handle and more seaworthy. The 40z and 50z are the only two Down East designs of any size Certified ISO Category A Ocean.

Sailboats behave better in large following seas than slow powerboats. If the latter can’t cruise at 25 knots to outrun these seas, stick with sail. But, MJM's are special. They are all designed to cruise at better than 25 knots. 

Sailboats heel, but worse:  Powerboats roll. To stop the roll… yes, behave more like a sailboat with sails up… 50z is the first powerboat with a Seakeeper Gyrostabilizer as standard equipment.  Now, this already stable boat doesn’t roll at all, even at anchor or when watching races off Newport. In fact, the next dozen 40z's were all ordered with Seakeepers as well.

MJMs with opening windshields and roll-up side curtains, are in tune with sailors who enjoy being outdoors in fresh air with a 360° vista.  The main decks compare to an upper flybridge deck of much larger yachts.  Sailors feel right at home with the livability of 50z’s  Great Cabin below.

MJMs offer much easier boating at the drop of a hat with Volvo Penta IPS joystick, DPS auto-hovering and a flush deck from wheel, aft through cockpit sidedoors onto a floating dock. No need for foul weather in the all-weather, heated or air-conditioned pilothouse.  OK… admittedly, there are some aspects of sailing not found on a 50z.

50z Express Model Announced

Following up on success of this stylish option on MJM 34z, 29z and 40z models, MJM introduces the 50z Express model.  Tooling has been produced, so this configuration is currently available on new orders. 

This model was motivated by 3 factors:

1.  It’s a good looking boat to broaden 50z’s appeal. 

2.  For those wanting more glass on the sides, it does so without having to go to large sliding glass panels. The fixed portion in safety glass accounts for 60% of the normal opening... with stiff 2 EZ@CY type hinge up panels in the upper aft corners rather than roll ups.  

3.  Two advantages for small kids are (a) they are better contained inside on the settees and when going forward on side decks, the grab rail on the  curved window frame works well.