MJM Unveils the 42 Express Cruiser as President Peter Johnstone Steps Down

MJM Yachts, the North Carolina–based builder known for its premium express cruisers, has announced the newest model in its lineup: the MJM 42 Express Cruiser. The announcement comes as long-time leader Peter Johnstone prepares to leave the company. The new model marks a continuation of MJM’s focus on compact luxury, efficient layouts, and high-performance options for coastal cruising and day boating.

Peter Johnstone, who purchased the business from his father Bob Johnstone five years ago, led a major operational shift by bringing production in-house. Until that change, MJM had relied on Boston Boatworks to build its boats. Under Johnstone’s direction, construction moved to a facility in Washington, North Carolina, where he anticipated lower costs and increased capacity. That move, completed during a period that included the Covid pandemic, resulted in a significant increase in production output.

Kevin Madden, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Saothair Capital Partners and a principal owner of Seolta, which acquired MJM Yachts in 2023, praised Johnstone’s leadership: “The impact Peter has had on making MJM what it is today could not be overstated. We cannot begin to thank Peter enough for his guidance of MJM through a difficult transitional period. He successfully overcame the challenges of moving production in-house and the extra difficulties of doing so during the Covid pandemic, and he managed to double production output over this period. We all wish Peter great success in his future endeavors, and Peter’s imprint on the legacy of MJM will never be forgotten.”

The MJM 42 Express Cruiser has completed its initial sea trial and is available with either sterndrive or outboard propulsion. The hull measures 46 feet, 8 inches overall and has a 12-foot beam. Draft varies by propulsion: with outboards and the engines down the draft is listed as 36 inches, while the sterndrive/DPI configuration lists a 42-inch draft. Standard equipment highlights include gyro-stabilizers, a bow thruster, air conditioning, and an onboard generator—amenities that reflect MJM’s emphasis on comfort and low-vibration, confident cruising.

Designed with a flexible indoor-outdoor pilothouse and a galley-up arrangement, the MJM 42 targets cruising couples and owners who want a capable day boat that can also accommodate overnight stays. The pilothouse concept opens sightlines and interaction between helm and cockpit spaces, while the galley-up layout maximizes below-deck volume and makes entertaining underway more convenient. The cockpit itself features a U-shaped dining area that encourages socializing and offers protected seating for guests.

Below decks, the 42 provides a full-beam owner’s stateroom forward, complete with an attached head for privacy and convenience. A second berth amidships offers flexibility for guests or family. This combination of a roomy owner’s cabin and an additional sleeping space supports both weekend escapes and extended outings without sacrificing the yacht’s expressive exterior lines or onboard functionality.

Owners can choose between twin Volvo D6-440 sterndrives (DPIs) as the standard sterndrive option, or twin 600 V12 Mercury Verado outboards for the outboard configuration. MJM reports that both propulsion options are capable of speeds in the 47-plus-knot range, delivering performance that will appeal to buyers who want spirited acceleration and higher top-end speed without compromising the refinement and systems that define the MJM experience.

With the new 42 Express Cruiser, MJM is offering buyers a compact, performance-oriented yacht that retains the brand’s focus on build quality, comfortable systems, and intelligent layouts. The model reflects the company’s continued evolution under recent ownership and the operational changes initiated during Peter Johnstone’s tenure. As the company transitions leadership, the MJM 42 positions the brand to attract cruising couples and day-boat enthusiasts who value a combination of speed, comfort, and smart use of space.