29z .... As Close to the Perfect Boat as Anything I've Run in 35 years

As a professional captain of over 35 years, I have had the opportunity to operate a myriad of boats but, occasionally one stands out from all the others in its category. The new girl on the market is the MJM 29Z, built by Boston Boatworks. She is an example of master planning, forethought and superior design.

This delivery originated in Dunedin Fl. to Miami, Fl. via the Okeechobee waterway and included the return of the vessel a week and a half later, a total of over 650 N.M... The charm of this boat was evident immediately and was expressed by virtually everyone we met along the way with many comparing it to a Hinckley.

The storage accessibility and capacity for a 29 foot boat was indicative of the President of MJM, Bob Johnstone's, extensive boating/sailing experience. Everything has its place, including storage of the plush cockpit cushions and 3 smoked companionway Plexiglas weather boards. The enclosed pilot house, with vertical side windows; opening windshield; huge hardtop; and optional Bimini top, offers shade to the entire seating area making it comfortable as well as functional.

The cabin has a V-berth, although not unique in the lay-out offers comfortable berths for two. The optional filler cushion converts the V berth into a full size berth. A well equipped galley complete with cold plate refrigeration, cook top stove, ample storage and a small table create opportunities for dining aboard in your favorite gunk hole. The head and shower area is equipped with a Vacu flush head and a holding tank with the option of deck pump out or overboard discharge, when legal.

Docking this gem requires a little planning in fender placement because of her tumble home design. However, the bow thruster combined with the maneuverability of the stern drive makes docking a breeze. Attention was given to the large working deck with very good non skid finish and heavy duty deck hardware which easily accommodates placement of lines and fenders.

The most impressive thing about the 29Z is its performance, fuel economy and versatility. Running at 3000 RPM most of the time we were making about 28 knots and getting an amazing 3.11 NAUTICAL MILES PER GALLON.

When you advance the throttle, the boat jumps right up on plane with very little bow rise, providing great visibility and produces a small, flat wake that should not be offensive. The 29Z is by far the driest boat of its size that I have ever operated. We ran the boat in conditions where swells were 3 to 5 ft. with a moderate chop on top. I cut it back to about 20 knots and used a little trim tab which made for a very comfortable ride. We were passing boats that were much larger than the 29Z and I'm sure we were much dryer and more comfortable than they were.

The boat handles as if it were on a rail with a very tight turning radius and backs exactly where you expect it to go. The most appealing aspect of the 29Z is her versatility as a intracoastal cruiser and a boat that I would not hesitate to take offshore and go island hopping on, with her dimensions you could even load her on a trailer. With a good size pick up or SUV pulling her you could explore lakes and rivers that you would never see in other boats.

The only disheartening thing may be that the 29Z might get better fuel economy than the truck.

Throughout my career I have been in search of the perfect boat and until now I didn't think it existed, but the 29Z comes as close as anything I've found. All in all it is one of the most efficient boats I've ever run and she can be described in one word: SWEET!

Sanders Marine Services Inc.
Captain, J. Douglas Sanders
727-709 5843