MJM 42: A New 46-foot, 8-inch Downeast-Style Performance Cruiser for Couples
MJM has introduced the MJM 42, a new performance-oriented cruiser measuring 46 feet, 8 inches overall with a generous 12-foot beam. Built in North Carolina, the MJM 42 blends classic Downeast styling with modern systems and multiple propulsion options to suit a variety of owners. Designed primarily for couples who favor extended time aboard, the boat emphasizes comfort, visibility, and refined interior joinery while offering strong performance from either outboard or inboard powerplants.
Power and Performance
The MJM 42 is offered with several propulsion choices to match different cruising styles and performance expectations. Prospective buyers can choose twin 600-horsepower Mercury outboards or opt for inboard alternatives: twin 400- or 440-horsepower Volvo Penta engines paired with DPI drives. MJM advertises a top speed near 44 knots, with actual velocity depending on the engine configuration selected. These power options provide brisk acceleration and efficient cruising capability suitable for coastal passages and fast weekend runs.
Main Deck: Helm, Visibility and Social Spaces
The main deck centers around a well-appointed driving station designed for exceptional sightlines. A two-person, business-class helm sofa faces large, opening windows on the front, sides and aft, making visibility outstanding in all directions—an important feature for both docking and passagemaking. Immediately abaft the helm, on the starboard side, the galley is positioned to serve the main social area efficiently. Opposite the galley, a large U-shaped dinette creates a comfortable dining zone that doubles as a casual lounge for entertaining or relaxing underway.
Belowdecks: A Luxury Suite for Two
Belowdecks, MJM has prioritized a flexible, open-plan arrangement. A hideaway door and smart bulkhead system allow the space to open up into what the builder describes as “a luxury hotel suite for two.” The forward master stateroom is the focal point, with an ensuite head featuring a glass-enclosed shower, offering both privacy and the convenience expected from a cruising platform designed for extended stays.
Attention to interior finish is apparent, with American cherry accents in the joinerwork that lend a warm, residential feel. The stateroom and accompanying lounge area are sized and fitted for a couple planning to spend substantial time aboard, combining comfortable living quarters with practical storage and layout choices. For occasional guests, the design includes a comfortable single berth located amidships, providing flexibility without compromising the couple-focused layout.
Design Ethos and Owner Feedback
When developing the MJM 42, the builder engaged with active boaters, including owners who have lived aboard the MJM 40. That feedback influenced the 42’s arrangement and feature set, reinforcing its role as an ideal cruising boat for couples. The result is a vessel that balances performance, ergonomics and livability—maintaining MJM’s reputation for producing cruisers that are comfortable, capable and thoughtfully detailed.
Who This Boat Is For
The MJM 42 targets couples and small crews who want a high-quality, turn-key platform for coastal cruising, weekend getaways and longer trips. Its combination of strong performance options, excellent helm visibility, and a belowdecks layout optimized for two makes it especially well-suited for owners who value time aboard as a lifestyle. The use of refined interior materials and attention to practical flow and privacy further reinforce the model’s appeal to discerning buyers seeking both comfort and capability.
This article was originally published in the August 2022 issue.