POWER & MOTORYACHT
May 2004 - Pages 68-70
Mary Johnstone's Motorboat by Ben Ellison
...The Johnstones' dreamed up their own fairly audacious notion of a fun 34-footer and then created an all star team to build and market it in volume. ...And while the vessel may be known affectionately in the family as Mary Johnstone's Motorboat, marketing guru Bob hopes the simple, symmetrical "mjm", which fits neatly on a cove stripe or boating cap, is destined to become another widely seen J logo...
The MJM 34Z will not be confused with any existing designs. Look how the bow flare and slightly reversed sheer of a Carolina offshore fishing boat twists into the sort of aft tumblehome that's become a signature of New England lobster yachts. Yet the pilot house, open as a porch with its straight up and down side windows and support post, is pure modern lobster boat, not yacht. "Ayuh," with the Strata Glass side curtain rolled up, you could haul pots from the helm...or pick up a mooring, or - like a solo fisherman - step right from the wheel onto a float to tie up. Note that alternate soft and hard top express versions, even a sport fish configuration, are available, but all the early buyers have chosen this Downeast model...even a sportfisherman....
That porch-like house is not just practical, it's also a wonderfully open place to drive or hang out. The flare not only results in a dry boat - dry as toast, even sitting on the stern seat at speed through Annapolis outer harbor crazy wakes - but also gives the forepeak table/berth area a very spacious feel. Sit at that table and you'll notice how good sized ports fit just below the sheer at perfect eye level, and can even be left open in rain because of the overhang.
I'd call those ports a cherry-on-top feature, one of many, except that the real cherry is in the light, lustrous joiner work that surrounds this lovely cabin, suitable to cocktails for six or a long weekend for two. The cockpit and pilot house are equally flexible people places, and moving anywhere, including the bow, you'll find a well thought out path. It's easy to imagine the Johnstones - after all those years of tight sailboat cockpits and spider webbed decks - gleefully maximizing ergonomics on the 34Z. They also detailed the topside areas in a more utilitarian, low maintenance, style than some might like, but teak soles and pilot house table are available options. Otherwise, the list of standard gear is remarkably complete and well chosen.
I also see Johnstone boating experience behind details like these: stainless handholds in all the right places; huge pilothouse lockers with room enough for bikes, but also with mesh pockets for organizing small gear; and deck drains so that rain won't stain the topsides. And notice the mate's station with its own Stidd chair and a place for paper or laptop charting, power and GPS hookups built in; there's plenty of electronics power at the helm for single handing, but sharing the navigation can be really fun in explorer mode, extra safe in fog mode.
The MJM's combination of hull form - the flare, relatively narrow beam, and a long run of constant 18Ądeg; planing surface - plus a super light and strong construction program promise high performance, even with modest power (and fuel consumption). The hull certainly seems bullet proof, its epoxy/Kevlar/core laminates vacuum bagged and oven cured at high tech Boston BoatWorks. And the test numbers indicate an efficient, nimble craft....The 34Z did pop onto a plane very quickly, assuming an almost constant running trim that felt just right, with excellent visibility at the helm. The noise, even standing nearly atop the diesel, was not bad. Handling was tight, light, and sporty...and I sensed that the boat would continue to behave well even in serious sea conditions. Altogether, the MJM 34Z asks for, and deserves, a second look. Just don't be shocked when you seek out your local dealer and find yourself in a forest of J Boat masts; this powerboat's parents are sailors.
MOTORBOATING
May 2004 - Pages 80-82
Moving On by Dan Fales
Picturesque Somes Sound, which neatly bisects Mt. Desert Island and has a well-protected harbor at its north end, is one of Maine's most coveted cruising destinations. It was in these beautifully granite-and-pine surroundings that I had an opportunity to run hull number one of the new MJM 34z...This Downeast cruiser with its striking, traditional style...will please those who have a penchant for sweet lines and an elegant tumblehome.
This boat is intended for day trips, weekend cruises and longer vacations. It's targeted for those who are downsizing from either a power or sailboat, particularly those who want the convenience of a smaller craft that doesn't take half a day's prep to leave the dock. The layout is perfect for a couple...
In the pilothouse, there's 6'6" of headroom at the helm. What I like most about this area is the design of the side "windows." They are taller than usual, and create an open feel in the pilothouse. The windows are fitted with Strataglass coverings that can be rolled up when you need more ventilation, or snapped down for protection from spray and rain. Steps on either side of the cockpit lead to the sidedecks, which are covered with non-skid. Ample grabrails make it easy for you to go forward. There are no VHF antennas to interrupt your progress because they are mounted up on the hardtop, along with antennas fro the radar, GPS and satellite radio...
Though the style of the 34z is definitely eye-catching, and the interior features well thought out, it's the construction and drive train system that I found most notable. The hull, built by Boston BoatWorks, is a modified-V design with a sharp entry and noticeable bow flare, plus dual lifting strakes, chine flats and an 18-degree deadrise at the transom. The prop pocket allows for an 8-degree angle on the shaft, which makes for better efficiency along with excellent shoal draft. The hull is a post-oven-cured, high-tech composite of epoxy-impregnated E-glass and Kevlar-cored vacuum laminate. It's one reason the entire boat weighs less than 11,000 pounds will full load. A solid fiberglass centerline keel and chines with structural grid will minimize the effects of grounding. Thanks to a beam that's almost 11 feet, the 34z offers a smooth ride...I thought the experience felt more like flying. The response from the stainless destroyer wheel was immediate, and the boat gently banked in turns. On the straightaway, it tracked true, even when I took my hands off the wheel. This single-screw boat will pivot 360 degrees within its own length, and close quarter maneuvering is no problem, as I found out when backing out of the Northeast Harbor Marina. But the best feature of this hull is its dryness. With 20 knot winds charging down the sound form the north, we took no water on board, not even spray...
The selection of equipment offered with the boat is impressive and of the highest quality: it reflects the builder's and the designer's years of cruising experience. The list of standard items even includes a full complement of electronics. This is truly a turnkey craft with sensational looks. MJM's new 34z is one of the most imaginative boats I have seen in quite a while.
BOATING
March 2004 - Pages 98-100
Yankee Tradition Retro meets techno by Kevin Falvey
When you spot deck drains that have been designed to carry rainwater to a sump, so it doesn't dribble over the topsides and leave the hull streaked with black, nod your head and quietly acknowledge that you're aboard a boat designed with care...But, this Doug Zurn-designed Downeaster stands apart by more than its salty good looks. It serves swimmingly as a family dayboat, and it's equally suited to the cruising couple.
...Standard power is a single 440-bhp Yanmar diesel inboard swinging a large prop, the wash of which flows across a big leveraging rudder for precise control whether running or docking. Put it in gear, nudge the throttle lever, and you're rewarded with a gratifying sense of power: It doesn't lurch forward because the controls are rigged with precision. I could increase or decrease engine output by as little as 50 rpm. There are no dead spots in the arc traveled by the 34z's throttle lever.
Steering was equally precise, thanks to an oversized, teak and stainless steel wheel...This provided fingertip control as I spun the 34z hard over first at 20 mph, then at 30 mph. The boat tracked precisely, and there was no drop in rpm as it sliced through the turns. Single inboard boats carry the prop deeper than twin engine boats, ensuring constant thrust whether turning or running in following seas. That, and lower cost, are why lobstermen love them.
The Chesapeake was calm during my test, so I trounced through tugboat wakes to check out the 34z's seakindliness. It felt solid underfoot. There was no undue slamming and hardly a creak or groan. With construction comprising vacuum-bagged Kevlar and epoxy resin, it's built to take you offshore. Even the hard-top is high tech. It's entirely fiberglass, including the pillars and mullions. Most other tops feature less expensive and less labor-intensive powder-coated aluminum, which works until the powder coating chips or blisters. The 34z's top is oven cured in a two-piece mold. It never wracked or rattled during my test.
Minimum planning speed, which I use to determine both lift and worst-case scenario running qualities, clocked in at 10.6 mph. That's wonderfully slow for a five-ton boat to be on top and running, and so I'd say its hull form is efficient. Should you get caught in a storm, that slow minimum plane will provide you with steerage and control long after other bots are forced to troll and wallow.
At the dock, the 34z's big prop proved a positive and predictable kick to port when in reverse. Put the big rudder hard over then add a burst of forward throttle to get a positive kick to starboard. Both maneuvers occur with little forward or backward motion - provided you use only short bursts of throttle. This makes docking easy. If you're concerned, MJM Yachts will install a bow thruster.
The hardtop incorporates twin opening windshields and short glass side wings. Visibility was excellent...Also, look closely at the wing glass. Its bottom edge - indeed, the lower edge of the entire frame from the forward mullion to the aft one near the cockpit - is a reverse curve. This provides a distinctive look and makes it easy to go directly from the helm seat to the sidedeck for grabbing a line. I love a design that works as good as it looks.
...The 34z's layout is practical and tasteful. Topside, the cockpit sports an Adirondack-style bench made of glossy, slatted teak. Tan non-slip is underfoot, and there's a deep toe-kick beneath the gunwales. Large oval scuppers, which I measured at 6" above the waterline, provide excellent self-bailing....
One step up puts you on the helm deck. The sole here is teak (an option) and is protected from the sun. Facing lounges seat six and convert to twin berths. A teak table (option) ...is for topside dining. Helm and companion chairs are pedestal models by Stidd. The helm console provides plenty of room for electronics. In fact there's a standard 10" chartplotter. The portside console incorporates a deep chart flat.
The entire helm deck lifts to provide engine access. I was impressed with the wiring and rigging of the Yanmar. Plus, there are easily removable panels on either side that when in place, provide huge stowage outboard. The rudder post is under a hatch aft. Access is excellent....
Belowdecks, a dark teak sole contrasts nicely with the light cherry used for the cabinets, table and battened paneling...What impressed me most was the depth of the oversize hanging locker and several galley features. One of these is the use of a top-loading refrigerator. It's more efficient and you won't find its contents scattered on the sole after a rough crossing, as happens with front-opening models. At 5 cu ft., it's larger than most found on bots this size, too.
Extra Point: Stowage beneath the helm lounges is large enough for a mountain bike, golf clubs, or a roll-up RIB.
NOR'WESTING
March/April 2004 - Pages 26-33
Water Rocket: The MJM 34z
... Johnstone concluded that it would be pointless to enter the powerboat side of the industry unless he produced a boat that was uniquely designed and engineered to a very high standard. ...The MJM 34z demonstrates what can happen when innovative professionals begin with many decades of experience but without preconceived limitations.
The MJM 34z breaks a few old rules, with such notable results that the vessel is likely to write some new ones. The 34z is built to exceed ISO 2003 "Ocean" standards, the most stringent small-craft category. Vessels in this class must be proven suitable for seas up to 23 feet and in winds of up to 47 knots...Traditional design would dictate a heavy displacement, deep-draft vessel for such conditions. The 34z displaces (less than 11,000 lbs) and draws 28 inches
ISO standards specify material properties based on E-glass fabric saturated with polyester resin, the most common approach to fiberglass hull construction. The MJM does not use polyester resin, but rather a more expensive epoxy resin to create a layup that offers superior adhesion, improved resistance to fatigue, and greater overall strength. The (outer) layers of the laminate contain Kevlar...to provide greater strength and abrasion resistance. The hull is laid up over a closed-cell Core-cell foam. Core-Cell is reputed to be impervious to water and is more tolerant to collision than other types of core materials. ISO "ocean" standards call for a minimum glass/resin ration of 50 percent, and the 34z incorporates a ratio that exceeds 60 percent for additional strength. Structural integrity is enhanced by the use of a solid, laminated network of stringers and ribs. There is no wood used in the hull. A solid fiberglass keel and chines ...provide additional hull stiffening and protection against grounding.
In an era when many boatbuilders are emphasizing exaggerated beams, the MJM 34z is relatively slim at only 11 feet. The narrow beam reduces both weight and drag, improving the vessel's performance. An 11-foot beam doesn't allow a sloppy approach to interior design if a vessel is going to become a workable and inviting environment.
Well-considered and skillful use of proportion is required. The MJM 34z succeeds in accomplishing what many express cruisers have failed to do: creating an interior where boaters will spend time because they want to, rather than have to.
The 34z joinery is crafted by East Coast Interiors, the company that builds interiors for the Cessna Citation business jet. Cherry battens, lockers, forward bulkhead, and adjustable hi-lo table contrast smartly with dark blue Ultraleather settee cushions and a teak/holly sole. The effect is impressive....The enormous settee just aft of the forward bulkhead is a dining and social center by day, and converts quickly to a 6'6" x 7' double bunk....The five-cubic-foot refrigerator/freezer is one of the largest standard systems in a vessel of this size.
The helmsperson and the navigator share matching Stidd chairs. These high-quality, infinitely adjustable, Ultra-leather seats are state-of-the-art accessories. There are port and starboard pilothouse settees with Ultraleather seat cushions. The settees can be pressed into service as single berths, expanding the practical sleeping capacity to four. Each settee can be lifted to provide access to a huge storage space...Stainless handrails on the cabin trunk, the pilothouse roof, and on the aft hardtop supports provide plenty of confidence-boosting grab points when going forward to handle lines and fenders. ..An Adirondack-style slat-back bench functions as a full width transom seat. The Ultraleather cushions and glossy brightwork make a traditional and classy statement. MJM 34z owners will enjoy one of the best engine access systems ever devised. A switch in the cockpit tilts up the entire pilothouse deck, allowing full stand-up working room on both sides of the engine....
Our test boat did not have a bow thruster, but reversed smoothly and predictably to port. We backed away to clear a crowded dock from a starboard side tie without any drama, and the 34z proved to be very responsive to the wheel during close-quarter maneuvers. Some lightweight shallow-draft boats seem "skittish" at low speed, but the 34z does not...at slow speeds, one of the most pleasant aspects of the 34z design becomes apparent. There is the happy sound of water gurgling past the hull; a sound one expects to hear in a dinghy or on a sailboat but less predictably part of the experience in a 34-foot cruiser. Being close to the water rather than isolated from it must have been a major design goal in the 34z. There is no "floating condo" sensation about the MJM. Acceleration was lightning quick....a very modest application of trim tab achieved a running attitude that provided excellent forward visibility. The MJM 34z is on plane at surprisingly low speeds, with less mass to drag over the bow wake. At any speed at all, the 34z is skimming the surface and leaves only a very slight, exceptionally flat wake astern. Although the 440-hp Yanmar is almost immediately underfoot, engine noise is well within acceptable levels even at WOT.
The MJM 34z is fast and fun! We had to search diligently for wakes and swells to try to simulate how the 34z would respond in snotty conditions, and we were impressed by the extreme solidity of the hull. It is almost difficult to believe that a vessel of such light weight can seem so heavily built. One of the features that MJM prioritized during the design was a "dry ride," and our experience would suggest that was well accomplished. The 34z is a water rocket....Speed and fuel efficiency are rare bedfellows, but the lighter displacement, shallow draft, and narrow beam of the MJM 34z permit some relatively impressive numbers. When cruising at 2500 rpm, the 34z will burn 9 gallons per hour. Based on our observations, that's about 2.4 nmpg. There are any number of cruisers in the same general size category that struggle to reach one nmpg efficiency at similar speeds. Breakfast at Shilshole, early lunch at Friday Harbor, and dinner at Chemainus would be easily accomplished in a 34z, and without a wallet-walloping, disastrous fuel bill.
J/Boat's Bob Johnstone felt there would be no reason to bring another powerboat to market unless the vessel was very well done and offered an alternative to the vast fleet of "me too!" products currently available. Johnstone obviously realized his goal with the development of the 34z. It appears to be a natural fit for weekend and vacation cruising in the Pacific NW, with a good turn of speed expanding the number of practical "overnight" destinations.
Prospective boat-buyers will want to take a close look at the MJM. Many will be impressed (as we were) that the boat fills a unique niche that isn't ordinarily addressed by other manufacturers.