MJM 50z
Downeast Yachts, 55 ft
Used $1.05M to $1.65M
MJM Yachts, Bob Johnstone's Light and Efficient Downeast Power
Lightweight, epoxy-built power cruisers from the J/Boats co-founder and designer Doug Zurn, now built in North Carolina.
- Founded
- 2002
- Headquarters
- Washington, North Carolina, USA
- Models reviewed
- 1
MJM Yachts models
MJM Yachts builds light, narrow, fuel-efficient Downeast-style power cruisers designed by Doug Zurn. Founded by J/Boats co-founder Bob Johnstone, the brand applies sailboat thinking to powerboats.
Known for
- Light, epoxy-built hulls and high fuel efficiency
- Doug Zurn designs with a slim 3.5 to 1 length to beam ratio
- Standard Seakeeper gyro on the 50z
- Downeast styling with modern engineering
A sailboat builder's idea of a powerboat
Bob Johnstone co-founded J/Boats with his brother Rod and spent decades building light, efficient sailboats. In 2002 he partnered with naval architect Doug Zurn to bring the same thinking to powerboats. The first model, the MJM 34z launched in 2003, used epoxy construction and a slender hull with a length to beam ratio of about 3.5 to 1, giving it a soft ride and fuel burn far below most competitors. The z in every model name honors Zurn.
MJM was originally built by Boston BoatWorks in Massachusetts. In 2019 the company moved manufacturing to Washington, North Carolina to bring production in-house. Today it uses what it calls the C5 build process and markets boats that plane at about 12 knots, with X, V and R series in 38 and 47-foot sizes.
The MJM 50z, the big boat in the family
The MJM 50z, introduced in 2014, was the brand's first large yacht and the model we cover in detail. Built by Boston BoatWorks, it now sits on MJM's retired-models list. It was one of the first production yachts of its size to include a Seakeeper gyrostabilizer as standard equipment, which, together with the light and slender hull, gives it a remarkably comfortable ride. It is aimed at couples who cover long distances along the East Coast at planing speed without a crew.
Other milestones include the 40z, which achieved ocean certification in 2009, and the outboard-powered 35z of 2017.
Resale, service and what to check on a used MJM
MJMs hold value well, especially the 35z, 40z and 50z, because there are few light and efficient alternatives and owners tend to be enthusiasts. Service for engines, drives and electronics is easy through mainstream marine dealers, while hull and joinery work goes back to the factory or experienced yards.
Because the boats are light, the survey should focus on structure as well as systems.
- Hull laminate and core condition, especially after groundings
- Pod or shaft drive service history and engine hours
- Seakeeper gyro maintenance records
- Deck hardware, rails and windows for leaks
- Build location and production year, Boston BoatWorks or North Carolina
- Joystick and electronic controls on pod-drive boats
MJM Yachts history
- 2002Bob Johnstone and Doug Zurn found MJM Yachts.
- 2003The MJM 34z launches with epoxy construction.
- 2009The 40z achieves ocean certification.
- 2014The 50z debuts with a standard Seakeeper gyro.
- 2017The 35z introduces outboard power.
- 2019Manufacturing moves to Washington, North Carolina.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded MJM Yachts?
MJM was founded in 2002 by J/Boats co-founder Bob Johnstone, working with designer Doug Zurn.
Where are MJM yachts built?
MJM yachts are built in Washington, North Carolina. Earlier boats were built by Boston BoatWorks in Massachusetts.
Are MJM yachts fuel efficient?
Yes. Light construction and slender hulls give MJMs much better fuel economy than most powerboats of similar size.
What does the z mean in MJM model names?
It honors designer Doug Zurn.
Official website: mjmyachts.com. Yatch US is independent and not affiliated with MJM Yachts.