MJM Yachts 53z:
The Largest Outboard Express Cruiser Ever
The Third Outboard Express Cruiser in the company’s unique new line up.
Bob Johnstone, founder and CEO of MJM Yachts, and son Peter, Director of Product Development, announced introduction of the new quad-powered 53-footer with this performance news: 50 mph top end performance, zero to 20 in seven seconds. With quad Mercury Verados the boat exceeds expectations while offering the other benefits boaters enjoy from smaller sport boats: shallow draft, easy maintenance, and easy handling around the docks. “Now in the 53z boaters can also enjoy the enhanced living space, all weather cruising, and smoother ride offshore that we all like in a bigger boat,” said Bob Johnstone.
The Johnstones’ MJM Yachts is just the right company to deliver on the promise of performance with comfort. The Doug Zurn-designed hull has a slippery 3.5-to-1 waterline length-to-beam ratio for great stability at higher speeds. The new model’s predecessor, the MJM 50z, powered with triple IPS 600’s, has a top speed of 40 knots (46 mph,) considerably quicker than its downeast competition. MJMs are built stronger and lighter by Boston BoatWorks, the leader in advanced epoxy composite construction. The weight savings resulting from this unique design/build are reinvested by MJM to create a fast outboard-powered cruising yacht over 50 feet which, to date, has only been achieved by smaller boats or open center consoles.
Living spaces are generous and well appointed. Belowdecks, MJM for the first time offers as standard, a spacious two-cabin dual master suite layout with ensuite heads having large glass wall showers with seats. Only three steps up, on the flush bridge deck, there’s a feeling of openness with large, lushly cushioned settees and moveable chairs that welcome family and friends aboard. Sliding safety glass side windows and powered windshields open fully to the fresh air, or when closed, allow for a fully climate-controlled environment.
Driving the 53z is sheer joy. The boat’s shape, speed and power give it tremendous stability and sportscar response to the wheel. And, for those who demand a peerless ride, the 53z’s optional Seakeeper gyro stabilizer dampens 93 percent of any roll, even at the dock.
Carry on a normal conversation at WOT? Yes, with the already quiet Verados behind the transom, the engines not only aren’t visible from the bridgedeck, but at some speeds, they can barely be heard.
The MJM 53z is expected to carry ISO Category A Ocean Certification as does its predecessor model, the MJM 50z.
Boaters coming from the easy operating world of center consoles will appreciate 53z’s Skyhook feature. Engage Skyhook to hold the vessel in place while you take your time with fenders and lines. Moving into your slip, Joystick Piloting makes landings a breeze, even singlehanded. The flush deck and side-boarding doors let you move easily from helm to cockpit and out onto the dock in seconds. Once there, it’s a 10 minute hose-off and go. The MJM 53z quality exterior finishes and deck hardware keep maintenance to the barest minimum.
Johnstone summed it up, “With the twin MJM 35z and triple MJM 43z introduced last year, and particularly now with this new quad MJM 53z, the term outboard cruising yachts has become a reality. MJM offers yachts that are at at the pinnacle of the outboard world. If you are nostalgic for the days when outboards were for fishing boats, we’ll even install some rod holders and a live well.”