Ohana

This boat has a special piece of my heart attached to her, as Ohana did as her name intended, become part of my chosen family.

Collecting the MJM 43z in Boston with the new owners, we planned her maiden voyage south to Charleston, creating lasting bonds between the five of us; them, their dogs, me, and Ohana who performed beautifully in a range of conditions from ICW bends and tight turns, to open water conditions that might have challenged lesser vessels. She’ll even come fully prepared for more ICW adventures with Bob’s track history being tracked on the Raymarine.

Her incredibly stable hull design (thank you Doug Zurn) and high-strength light-weight build (one of the last MJM 43z models from Boston Boat Works, renowned for their quality build) made running Ohana offshore in sizeable seas a pleasure. The extra speed gained from her triple 300 Mercury Verado engines meant we could easily outrun weather systems, before enjoying cocktails in the comfortable cockpit on the dock at the end of the day.

While I had previously run an MJM 40 with IPS (I was in love immediately) the triple Mercury Verado outboards shine through and create a performance boat, with shallow draft possibilities which added a lot of flexibility running down the ICW, and some fun to boot. I can attest to a 52mph top speed, in ideal conditions maybe, but fully loaded with everything needed for an extended trip.

The MJM 43z has always been a handsome boat, exemplifying the classic down-east style of yacht, with elegant and sleek styling, a beautiful hull starting with a Carolina flare and rounding out with a tumblehome transom. The low-slung wheelhouse maintains this elegance. This is a great option for people wanting to do the great loop, but don’t have the patience for 8-knot cruising speeds.

On the original specifications, they speak of the stability and ISO certifications (it’s cat A “Ocean” rated) which not only provides a sense of security on the open sea but is something you can actually feel when out in it. Add in the Seakeeper for extra stabilization and you’re a winner when things get lumpy.

As you board through either of the opposing side-entry doors you’ll feel the Esthec decking underfoot, giving an elegant feel and look to the space. There is ample cockpit seating for entertaining and relaxing, under the extended bimini top (another option) and a plug where the wheelhouse table can be relocated to, and has access through smaller convenient hatches for easy inspections of the Seakeeper and Westerbeke generator. The electrically operated main engine space hatch opens to the rear and the outboard version provides staggering amounts of space, suitable for lots of toys and even some compact bikes could be stored here. There is also a third door through to the swim platform, allowing easy access to the engines and deck shower.

The convertible wheelhouse is a comfortable and adaptable space, with electronically actuated windshields (especially handy when docking) and the optional sliding open glass tinted windows along with the strata-glass rear windows, this area has its own air handler can be opened up on perfect weather days, or closed in and cooled or heated to extend your cruising comfort throughout the year. The opposing settees are comfortable for cruising or entertaining, surrounding an expandable table (this can be relocated to the cockpit) and hiding enormous storage lockers and mechanical spaces, immensely useful for extra life jackets, spare cushions and other essentials.

Moving forward you have super wide and comfy helm chairs with all the adjustments, and the helm station with all the expected controls including joystick and bow thruster, and a drop-down tv above the companionway.

As you step down into the salon, you’re embraced by the classic Herreshoff style with glossy wood flooring, satin cabinetry, and plenty of white space to keep the interior light and bright. Overhead hatches and port lights abound so this never needs to be a dark space, however as every opening has a blind, it can be darkened for sleep or privacy. To starboard is the convertible dinette/double bed, and behind this the conveniently located switch panel.

To port is the galley which is well equipped with a twin cooktop, two large fridge drawers, a through bench freezer, toaster oven and a filtered drinking water tap eliminating the need for storing endless bottles. There is a surprising amount of useful storage here also, swallowing up all the provisions with ease. The second tv is located forward of the galley for easy viewing from the entire space, which is all served by a built-in vacuum system extending from the forward cabin to the cockpit.

Storage is everywhere, under seats, floor lockers, and large drawers and lockers in the main cabin in the bow. The warm wood makes for a cosy environment and the uniquely shaped bed provides maximum width where possible and easy step-up access on the lower third. Plenty of shelves for knickknacks and bookshelves for bedtime reading are all where they should be.

An interesting feature of the MJM 43z layout is the split shower/head. To starboard is the separate shower stall with 6’5” headroom, a seat, an opening portlight, and an overhead hatch for excellent ventilation. To port, the head a toilet, vanity, plenty of storage, and a hand-held shower.

Sadly, the owners have decided it’s time to move on from this dream, and have listed her for sale. She has been very well maintained and includes Mercury warranties until 2026, and all records of work or service will be available when under contract.

Contact me now to find out more about one of the great loves of my life, and make this gorgeous boat your own.

Key Features:

• Triple Mercury Verado 300hp
• Seakeeper 6
• Mercury Extended Warranties - 2026
• Custom bedding covers
• Ohana vessel comes complete with Bob’s tracks from Norfolk to Fernandina!
• Reverso engine flush system installed
• Optional sliding side tinted glass windows
• Optional interior blinds for the pilot house
• Glendinning Electric Shore Power Reel
• Power Opening Front Windshields
• Drop Down Sunbrella Privacy/Sun Side Curtains on Bridgedeck w/6 Sunbrella Panels Fore & Aft
• Esthec Synthetic Teak In Pilothouse & Cockpit
• Esthec on Swim Platform
• Aft Cockpit Bimini (Rolls up to Store in Boot on Aft Upper Hoop - Sailboat style) w/Stabilizing Bracket
• Hella Turbo Fans (3) over Forepeak Berth and in 2nd Cabin
• Twin Cooktop
• Counter Oven
• Fridge Drawers (2)
• Freezer
• Filtered water tap
• Seakeeper 6 Gyro Stabilzer
• Bow Thruster
• 6 KW Genset Westerbeke
• Primary 24" LED Smart HDTV for Dinette
• 32" Drop-Down LED Smart HDTV Over Companionway in Pilothouse
• Glomex HDTV Digital TV Antenna $ 592 Yes 592
• 32,000 BTU Marine Air 2 zone HVAC
• Glendinning retractable shorepower cable
• Raymarine Nav System w/Axiom Pro S16 Touch, 4 KW Radar, AIS, Depth & VHF - STANDARD
• Triple Mercury Verado 300 HP 8-Cyl Verado Gas Outboards
• Mercury Extended Warranty from 2 to 5 years