A lot of boats aim to be do-it-all cruisers, but many end up falling just a bit short. But the sporty, well-rounded 35z from Downeast builder MJM Yachts looks like she might just live up to that billing.
The first thing everybody’s going to be talking about is the vessel’s numbers: in particular, her speed and range. MJM says the 35z, when Hull No. 1 launches in June, will be a true 50-plus mph vessel (that translates to 44 knots for those of you playing along at home). That is some serious giddyap, and speed might not even be her most impressive number. At a 33-knot cruise, the boat has an estimated range of 304 nautical miles, or about the distance between Palm Beach, Florida, and Havana, Cuba, should you want to check out the island before its inevitable Disneyfication. The leggy range is thanks in large part to MJM’s prepreg composite epoxy construction process, which helps keep its boats light without sacrificing strength. Construction is a point of pride for MJM, and with good reason.
Fuel burn also is significant, given the 35z’s speed and range. The boat achieves both with a 250-gallon fuel capacity, something MJM says takes the competition 400 gallons to match (and trip engines instead of twins). Another noteworthy attribute is the 35z’s classic decor, which includes a teak-and-holly cabin sole finished with cherry joinery. A galley on the accommodations level has plenty of stowage and good counter space. Forward, the V-shaped seating will be handy for meals and can convert to a berth at night. A head is to starboard.
The 35z also has sweet options, such as a Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer and a full-length Bimini top to shade the cockpit. Anybody thinking of making that Palm Beach-to-Havana run would be wise to order both. When you couple all these sporty, aesthetically pleasing, cruising-conscious features with elegant lines that hearken to a simpler time, you end up with a package that can indeed lay claim to doing it all.
