The MJM Yachts MJM4, an open-bow express cruiser, now has a twin Volvo Penta sterndrive diesel option. (It is also offered with twin 600 hp Mercury Verado V12 outboards or triple 300 Mercury outboards.)
The MJM4’s diesel option is a pair of 440 hp Volvo Penta D6s, which are 5.5-liter inline six-cylinder motors, matched to Volvo Penta’s DPI Advanced Drives. According to the engine manufacturer, this setup provides a similar boat-handling experience to the company’s IPS pod-drive system, but with a shallower draft. With the engines down, the MJM4’s draft is just 3 feet.
On the performance side, MJM reports the diesels get the MJM4 to a top-end speed of 39.3 knots at 3,600 rpm, while earning 0.9 nautical miles per gallon for a range of 277.6 nautical miles. Dial the motors back to 3,000 rpm and the average cruise speed is 28.3 knots with a 318.4-NM range. That equates to 1 NMPG. In fact, between 2,000 rpm and 3,200 rpm, the MJM4 consistently earns 1 NMPG or better.
For comparison, with the twin 600 hp Verado outboards, the MJM4’s reported top-end speed is 51-plus-knots at 6,400 rpm. At 5,000 rpm, average speed is 40 knots and at 4,000 rpm it’s about 31 knots.
Suffice it say, the MJM4 has admirable performance characteristics with either powerplant platform.
The yacht’s efficient propulsion system is supported by an equally efficient hull design and robust construction.
It starts with a modified, deep-V hull form with 19 degrees of transom deadrise. Combined with a fine entry, the MJM4 has wave-slicing ability as well as the ability to easily get on plane.
The yacht’s hull and deck are constructed via vacuum-infused and post-cured epoxy composite with stitched biaxial E-glass and closed-cell foam core, creating a strong, yet relatively lightweight structure. The yacht has a 17,730-pound displacement.
In terms of layout, the MJM4’s cockpit has a seat across the transom as well as a seat to port, forming an L-shaped layout. The enclosed helm is on a single level, and entering from the cockpit there are fridge and freezer drawers as well as a microwave/convection oven to port, set under a Corian countertop. There is also a sink and single-burner electric cooktop. The cabinets are cherrywood.
Across is L-shaped seating and foldout high-gloss table on a raised platform for casual meals with a view. Just forward is the two-seat helm station, which is outfitted with Garmin electronics and 24-inch Edson Destroyer wheel.
The bow lounge is accessed via the helm deck by opening the door to port and flipping up the window, which is supported by two beefy struts. In fact, all three of the MJM4’s forward windows lift up in the same manner to create an indoor-outdoor space. Slide open the helm deck’s side windows to port and starboard and the boat essentially feels like a center-console.
However, unlike many center-consoles, the MJM4 has accommodations belowdecks for overnight excursions and weekending. There is a 78-by-60-inch island berth with a Memory foam mattress forward. A second berth is aft for the kids. In between is the single head with Tecma toilet and shower. According to MJM, average headroom is 6’4” on centerline. The cabin sole is high-gloss teak-and-wenge, and the paneling and trim is cherrywood.
Take the next step: mjmyachts.com
Quick specifications:
- Length Overall: 46’8”
- Maximum Beam: 12’
- Displacement: 17,730 lbs.
- Fuel Capacity: 350 Gal (diesel); 475 Gal. (outboards)
- Freshwater Capacity: 90 Gal.
- Draft: 36” (engines down)
