jogged the boat sideways a few feet and then spun her in
her own length. No more docking stress.
Access to the engines is equally well planned; the
entire aft seat rises electrically to open all sides of the
diesels and their systems. In a hatch under the cockpit
sole is the 5k W Northern Lights genset, and there is still
enough room for an inflatable tender, plus deck gear like
lines and fenders.
The third advance is in the optional electronics. The
MJM 36z is the first boat ever to combine touch screens
with thermal-imaging night vision. Using Raymarine
FLIR night vision combined with Hybrid Touch displays
(an E140W and an E90W), the separate control panel
for the FLIR is eliminated, and the larger display is
dedicated to night vision. The larger screen gives you a
“window” to see where you’re headed, while the other
keeps you on course with chart and radar overlay. Very
cool stuff!
Under way, the MJM 36z is nothing but fun. On a
warm day with the side curtains rolled up, the hard top
providing sun protection, and the windshield cracked
open, it really was the best of all worlds. It feels, as Mary
Johnstone says, “like a summer porch”—a flybridge
without having to climb ladders. And yet it could be
buttoned up instantly against a passing shower.
