MJM 50z: Lobster Yacht with Luxury
Downeast-style lobster boats just keep getting better, with models like the new MJM 50z.
December 8, 2014
Who knew Downeast-styled lobster boats were going to experience a resurgence, long after the design served as a workhorse in the crustacean-harvesting industry? Today, new interpretations of these designs as luxury motoryachts just keep coming (read Boating Lifestyle Evolution: Sailors Add Power), and the MJM 50z is a fine example of how boats evolve and become extensions of our lifestyle.
Take a quick video tour of the MJM 50z
The design specs would be tall order for any designer, but Zurn managed to incorporate all the success factors and make the boat good looking as well.
Like its smaller siblings the 34z and 40z, the MJM 50z was built with some key objectives. The boat had to be lighter, so it could go farther on less fuel. Therefore, the high tech, prepreg epoxy shell is reinforced with Kevlar and cored with Corecell. As a result the MJM 50z comes in at around 32,800 pounds, which makes it the lightest in its class. With 15 feet of beam, it’s also the narrowest. With a fine entry at the bow, smaller, more fuel-efficient engines can push it. There’s a choice of propulsion with the standard being twin Volvo Penta 435 hp IPS D6 diesels, with pod drives and joystick control. Twin 370 hp Yanmar 8LV sterndrives are also available. An optional third engine and pod may be added, which will increase the draft by four inches (to 3’10”) and the price (our test boat hit 1.7 million) by $160,000.
The boat also had to be stronger and able to go well offshore. The MJM 50z is rated CE Category A for ocean travel. With its fuel efficient propulsion, the boat can travel up to 1,300 nautical miles at a trawler speed of eight knots (2.8 nmpg) or around 450 miles at 25 knots (0.9 nmpg). Few passages will be off limits to this versatile vessel.
Johnstone also places a lot of emphasis on comfort, because a less fatigued crew is a safer crew. Ease of movement with few level changes was key. The entire cockpit and bridge-deck are on one level. The entire interior is on another level. The two are separated by only three steps. Furthermore, an uncomfortable roll that keeps your abdominal muscles working all day is one of the worst contributors to feeling tired (not to mention nauseated). So the MJM 50z incorporates a Seakeeper gyrostabilizer as standard equipment. Spinning up to 10,000 rpm, the gyro counteracts rolling and even pitching movements. And since all you hear is a bit of a low whistle when the gyro is engaged (as well as the genset that keeps it running), sleeping in a choppy anchorage will be more tolerable as well.
MJM Yachts was founded by Bob Johnstone, the man behind the prolific ]/Boats line of performance sailboats. In 2003, Johnstone launched his first powerboat, the 34z. Since then, he and designer Doug Zurn have introduced four more models that have captured the imagination of boaters looking for comfort, style and fuel economy.
On Board
There are three ways to get aboard this boat and none of them involve swinging a leg over the hull. You can board from a dock via opening gates to port and starboard, or from a dinghy up onto the swim platform and then through the transom gate. Any of these will bring you to the aft cockpit which is uncovered, but may be topped with an optional canvas Bimini. Transom seating accommodates five, with another two on an aft-facing double seat. A dining table provides a place for al fresco meals for up to seven with the use of the two portable ottomans that can be brought up from below. To make entertaining more convenient, a galley module is to port with a fridge and an (optional) grill.
For shelter, step into the hardtop-covered bridge-deck. Roll-down vinyl windows provide an enclosed space when desired, and since this area may be air conditioned and is completely protected, this creates a third cabin that can sleep three between the couch to port and the U-shaped dinette that converts to a double to starboard. During the day, this is the place everyone will congregate since it also incorporates the helm and companion seating. Natural air circulation is brought in from two overhead hatches and the three panels of the windshield, each of which swings open.
The helm has all the accoutrements. A double-wide Stidd chair puts the captain high up to increase visibility in all directions. The dash includes room for two 15” Raymarine multifunction dispalys, two Raymarine instrument screens and the Volvo Penta EVC display. The throttles are to the right and the joystick is near the middle so it can be operated with either the right or left hand, when facing aft and docking. A handrail bisects the dash and lends stability so you don’t grab the destroyer wheel if off balance. There’s also a significant flat space with a fiddle for all those things that accumulate here during a trip: charts, guides and even lunch. If you want to keep your chart kit separate, you can place it on the top of the companionway cover that opens up to an angled surface with a lip. A wide companion Stidd single chair is to port and has its own flat surface ahead. Both chairs swivel to face company when entertaining.
Stowage space is everywhere, including below the helm seat where a deep drawer provides space for hanging folders, below the settees, and even below the deck where the gyro lives. You’ll be able to find room for whatever you feel you need aboard including folding bicycles and enough dry goods for an extended cruise.
The long bow section elongates the hull and the low hardtop extends aft as well. There’s little windage which not only looks good, it also helps with performance.
Two steps lead up to the side decks that take you to the bow. A long handrail leads along the cabin-top so there’s a place to hold on until you reach the pulpit railing, at about midships. At the bow there’s a Muir anchor windlass, a double anchor roller, and two cleats. An anchor wash-down is built into the roller and is controlled from the helm. A feature I can completely appreciate are two sets of midship cleats on both the starboard and port decks. It’ll make tying the boat up in a surging marina much easier.
Accommodations
The MJM 50z is first and foremost a couple’s boat, and that’s reflected in the layout. One plush master stateroom is forward with a large island berth, a small desk and a cushy easy chair. Following are his and hers heads that are near mirror images of one another. But no couple is an island so to speak, so occasionally, they’ll want friends and family to come along. The saloon area with its L-shaped settee and hi/lo table makes a double berth, providing an instant second cabin. Privacy for this bunk is comes via either a curtain or with removable panels that hide behind a bulkhead door. This is an optional feature that reportedly takes only 10 minutes to set up so if you know you’ll have others over for the weekend, it’s easy to plan ahead and expand the sleeping arrangements aboard.
The galley is to port with two drawers for the fridge and freezer space, a two-burner ceramic cooktop, a microwave/convection oven, a deep sink, and enough countertop space for two people to work simultaneously. A small wine rack is wedged in by the companionway steps and a unique dish-drying bin means you can let the morning dishes air dry even as you get underway.
Fit and finish is top notch and classic, with white panels and wood trim. Slats on the hull sides add a traditional feel and there’s plenty of light that pours in through 16 opening ports and hatches.
Performance
I tested hull number one with triple Volvo Penta engines and pods. Per the manufacturer, three smaller engines will add top-end speed but still be more efficient than larger twin diesels. Furthermore, the smaller engines have lower clearance to fit below the deck and are placed well aft in the hull near the pods, drawing noise away from the living spaces. Less noise and vibration equals less fatigue after a long day on the water.
The water around Ft. Lauderdale was calm, with a one-foot chop and five to eight knots of breeze. With five of us aboard, we headed out to open water where we used our own wake to build up some disturbed water. The boat came up on plane in six seconds and reached 25 knots in eight seconds. Four more seconds and we were off at 30 knots. Our turns were wide and consistent as the hull sliced, without digging in too sharply.
Our top speed was 38.5 knots with full tanks (520 gallons of fuel and 170 gallons of water). That would make cruising speed around 32 to 34 knots. For a better combination of comfort and economy, 24 to 26 knots at 2400 to 2500 rpm may be a better cruise. At 22 knots the range should be around 450 miles, and at a trawling speed of eight knots, the boat gets 2.8 npmg and could reach up to 1,300 miles with a small fuel reserve.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Length | 55'3" |
| Beam | 15'0" |
| Draft | 3'3" |
| Deadrise | 19 degrees |
| Displacement | 35,850 lbs |
| Fuel capacity | 520 gal. |
| Water capacity | 170 gal. |
Johnstone was excited to show off the gyro, which takes 40 minutes to spin up and had been ready and waiting for us as we played around. We cut some deep wakes and then positioned ourselves broadside to them. The boat steadied as soon as the gyro was engaged with little more than a slight rocking motion—the difference was definitely noticeable and even a cup of coffee sitting unguarded on the table would have survived.
Just about everything on the MJM 50z comes standard, which is great because I like adding options to a base price about as much as I like paying for bags on an airline. The key optional features include the third engine, a stereo, TV/DVD, thermal imaging camera, AIS, water-maker, washer/dryer and that cockpit serving bar with extra fridge and grill.
So what’s included, that is usually an add-on with other brands? Besides the gyrostabilizer, other standard goodies include Raymarine electronics, autopilot, and VHF radio; a Northern Lights 9-kW genset; air conditioning/reverse heating; Vacuflush heads; 735 amp hour house and 314 amp hour genset/engine batteries; an ice maker; the microwave and oh, even a central vacuum system. That’s a lot of value already added in.
The lobsters are indeed coming. Well, they’re actually already here, with Downeast boats from Hinckley, Sabre, San Juan, East Bay and others. This popular style has even induced dedicated sailboat companies like Tartan and Hylas to dip their toe in the lobster boat market, so expect to see more of them soon.
It’s no wonder the design is proving to be so popular. It absolutely reflects the way we boat today and as Johnstone puts it, this boat was built to be an “extension of your thoughts.” And a truly luxe extension it is, whether you’re downsizing from a large motoryacht, transitioning from a sailboat, or just searching for a great boat that’s equally at home in coastal or offshore waters, with just a couple or up to a dozen people aboard.
Other Choices
Those interested in the MJM 50z may also want to look at the Sabre 54 Salon Express, or possible the smaller Hunt 44 Express.
See MJM Yachts listings.
For more information, contact MJM yachts.
