mcmichaels yacht yard

• McMichael News

Out For The Day

By Steve Davis | Southern Boating

MJM HITS THE MARK WITH ITS NEW DAY YACHT THAT CAN CRUISE THE ICW AND TACKLE THE OCEAN

Boats are described with catchphrases From the Bottom Up all the time, but when MJM tagged its new MJM 3 day yacht “all-weather,” it meant it. A cloudy afternoon turned to rain on the Pamlico River along the shores of Washington, North Carolina, but the pilothouse on this luxury dual console kept the rain and wind at bay, even at 45 mph. The “Carolina Downeast-style” yacht is strong, stable, powerful, balanced, and best of all, fun to ride.

The 3 has that classic look, but the simple layout and clean design is a high-tech masterpiece. “Everything is well laid out,” says McKenzie Hutaff, MJM’s sales coordinator. “You have everything you need. It’s not too much. It’s nice and elegant, yet not over the top.” In other words, the boat checks all the boxes… rain or shine.

From the Bottom Up The MJM 3 is built upon the popular 35z hull, one of Doug Zurn’s most advanced and efficient designs. It begins with the hull’s infusion process. “The infusion process is pretty special. We build the whole boat dry, so you have your outer skin of glass, foam core, your inner skin of glass, and it’s put under a vacuum bag. The vacuum bag is pressing down at one ton per square foot of pressure,” explains Peter Johnstone, MJM’s chairman. “So it really compacts the laminate, pulls out all the moisture, pulls out all the air, and when you know you have a good vacuum, then you do your infusion process. You open up the valves and let the resin get vacuumed in through the entire laminate. It gives the least amount of resin for a given laminate or process.”

In addition to the adhesive bond, this process provides a bond that results in a 25 percent gain in mechanical properties when compared to a hand-laid, vacuum-bagged, infusion process. MJM’s resin use averages in the mid to high 30 percent range, where typical processes for production boats (without vacuum bags) can range up to 70 percent. The result is a 30 percent weight savings in the deck and a 15 percent weight savings in the hull.

The reason so much weight is reduced in the deck is that all the molded components are also infused using the same process. “All the parts are infused, not just the hull,” says Johnstone. “We do our decks, which is probably the trickiest part, we do our grids, lids, everything.”

The Benefits of High-Tech Design There are many advantages to decreasing the weight of a boat. For one, it uses a lot less fuel. Also, the 3 has twin 300-hp engines where most boats in the 38-foot size range use triples, thus 50 percent more fuel. Then there’s the speed efficiency. “The boat gets up on a plane around twelve to fourteen knots,” Johnstone says, which really helps when facing a steep chop. “If the Gulf Stream is, say, six- to eight-foot waves, and you need to drop down into the teens, MJM can ride level at twelve to fourteen just going through it. The full range of speed is available to you to pick what’s comfortable for the conditions.”

Speaking personally about riding level, I’ve never seen a boat “lift” its way onto plane like the 3. There’s no bow rise. From a dead stop to full throttle or a slow acceleration, the stern never dug a hole and the bow never stood up. The lighter hull and deck weights allow the boat to have a much narrower water plane, akin to a high performance, go-fast design and “not the typical heavy Downeast, sort of lobster boat,” adds Johnstone. “We start with a twenty-one-degree deadrise V and then up forward, it gets as sharp as fifty-five-degree deadrise, so you’ve got a really fine waterline forward that really goes through the waves. When you go to accelerate, the whole boat lifts rather than just the bow plowing water.” The narrower waterline and lighter displacement keep the boat up on the water and when accelerating, the whole platform goes up at the same time.

The Beauty of a Simple Layout The technology behind boatbuilding is rarely seen when stepping aboard. The mechanical and electrical systems are installed on each section of the boat before the components are melded together. “The more boatbuilding you can do in sub assembly, the better off you are,” says Johnstone. “If you have to build the boat once it goes together, it takes four times as long.” It makes for a clean layout, and everything is accessible.

The same holds true on the deck. The one-level layout is simple with plenty of room to move from bow to stern. Three distinct social areas, the bow, the pilothouse, and the aft deck with swim platform, have their own personality, but when the three electric-powered windshield windows, the tinted, sliding glass windows on the side, and the aft roll-up StrataGlass panels are open, the entire boat becomes an entertainment center.

“The bow is really a sweet spot for me,” says Hutaff. She also loves the roominess of the pilothouse. “On the 35z, there’s a walkaround outside of the cabin to get to the bow, and you don’t need to do that on this boat, so the pilothouse becomes wider. The whole reason I fell in love with (this) MJM is because it’s one level, you’ve got your pilothouse that is climate- controlled, and you can go sit in the sun on the bow and have conversations with those at the helm, but what I love the most is that I can single-hand it.”

Lots of Amenities The MJM 3 is a day yacht, but can easily sustain an overnight. There’s plenty of storage space and comfortable seating from stem to stern. Wraparound bow seating easily fits two people reclined on each side. A center table provides room for alfresco dining or snacks. Port and starboard settees inside the pilothouse seat six (or sleep two) with a folding table that opens to reach both sides. Helm and companion seats are fully adjustable and rotate 360 degrees, and the aft deck L-shaped seating configures into a daybed for napping or sunning.

On the aft deck, the starboard service station accommodates a sink with an icemaker or fridge below, while an electric grill is an option for the port-side station. Forward in the pilothouse, a full head and shower is hidden in the port console, yet easily accessible.

The helm is clean and efficient with all controls and Garmin displays mounted within arm’s length. Mercury’s digital fly-by-wire technology makes piloting easy and fun with joystick control, Skyhook digital anchor, auto trim with electric Zipwake trim tabs, Vessel View, and digital throttle. Switches, engine gauges, and bow thruster control are also conveniently within reach. A nicely designed inset in the dash is meant for an iPad, for one reason because MJM appreciates the Aqua Map app that’s only available on a smart device. The app connects with the Army Corps of Engineers’ soundings data in real time, so when navigation the inlets and ICW, you have the most up-to-date information…color coded. There are also 14 USB ports on board, and don’t worry about where to put your drink. There are 14 cupholders as well.

Numerous options add to your MJM 3 experience, including a Seakeeper, genset, bow thruster, air-conditioning, and more. As for that “all-weather” designation, the MJM 3 pilothouse provided an unobstructed 360-degree view and allowed us to enjoy a day on the water, even in the rain.

Specifications

LOA: Beam: Draft w/ Engines Up: Draft w/ Engines Down: Displacement: Deadrise at Transome: Fuel Capacity: Water Capacity: Standard Power: Top Speed: Cruise Speed:

38' 2' 11' 1' 9" 2' 8" 13,279 lb 16.8° 250 gal 58 gal 2 x Mercury Verado XL @ 300-hp (standard) 50 mph 35 mph

Brett Lyall A lifelong, passionate boater, Brett brings 26 years of sailing and 18 years of powerboat knowledge to the McMichael team. His background includes Environmental engineering and consulting, along with 7 years of sales and marketing experience in the luxury market. In addition to being an avid fisherman, surfer, and scuba diver, he is a sailing coach and has crewed extensively offshore on a variety of boats from J109, J105, J99 and 112E to a Gunboat 57. His knowledge of all things boating related is second only to his reputation for exceptional customer service and professionalism.

Doug Conner Doug’s life-long love of all things nautical naturally led him to pursue a career in luxury yacht brokerage. His professional background in sales and marketing, combined with his overall experience in and passion for the yachting industry, makes him a valuable asset to his clients for sail and power boats. Doug is committed to providing his clients with honest, professional, knowledgeable, and personal service.

Myles McQuone Myles is a licensed captain from age 18. He is a third Generation Merchant Mariner, operating boats runs deep in his family. Myles has held multiple roles within the marine industry between Marine Towing and Salvage, Marine Technician and Marine Service Manager. Myles’ focus has always had the customers best interest in mind; expect the same attention while consulting with Myles.

Ethan Morawski Ethan grew up in Fairfield CT and has been sailing for 13 years and powerboating for 10 years all over Long Island Sound. He has worked in the marine industry since High School and has an excellent reputation for superb customer service, seamanship, and attention to details. He is a graduate of Bryant University in RI.

Position Title: Boat Yard Crew Member Position Type: Full-time Experience level:  2-3 years preferred

Reports to: Service Manager

Job Description and Summary: In this position you will work alongside a team of supportive and experienced marine industry professionals. Your primary role will be to support the efficient daily operations of the McMichael yacht yard and the satisfaction of our customers.

This will include a variety of functions and tasks including basic property maintenance, launch and recovery of boats, cleaning, crane and forklift operations, blocking boats, and winter storage and other relevant duties as assigned.

Core Skills:

• Ability to clearly understand instructions and complete tasks accordingly
• Mechanically inclined
• Able to lift and reposition equipment, tools, and materials
• Basic boat operations – power and sail (will train)
• Strong communication skills, verbal and written
• Focus on customer satisfaction
• Proactive mindset
• Able to work unsupervised
• Ability to collaboratively work well with other team members

Responsibilities:

• Support of daily operations
• Support clients boating activities, prepping boats, fueling, etc.
• Safe operation of company vehicles, forklifts, and equipment, including trailer handling
• Haul, block and launch boats
• Boat cleaning and detailing
• Bottom paint and waxing boats
• Dock and marina area maintenance
• Shrink wrapping
• Repositioning boats

The ideal candidate is someone who will enjoy the nautical environment of the boatyard, which includes being around boats and being on the water. They will have at least two to three years of experience at a previous boat yard or yacht club. Their background will include a familiarity with boats. They will be someone who enjoys the boating lifestyle and enjoys working outdoors. They value working in a team and being part of a family-owned organization an enhancing part of the local community. We encourage you to apply if you do not have the experience but are dedicated to building a career in the marine industry.

What does a typical workday look like? A typical morning could involve arriving and immediately removing covers, prepping several boats to be launched and readied for use by their clients. You could find yourself assisting with changing a large tire on a trailer or rigging and craning a boat onto a truck for transportation. Daily activities will also include basic maintenance of the boatyard facilities which includes painting, building repair, emptying garbage, and cleaning, as well as assisting technicians with boat maintenance.

Salary range: $15 – $30

Email: [email protected]

https://vimeo.com/758079548

Position Title: Fiberglass / GelCoat Technician Position Type: Full-time Experience level:  2-3 years preferred

Job Description and Summary: In this position you will work alongside a team of supportive and experienced marine industry professionals. Your primary role will be fiberglass and gel-coat repair work on sailboats and powerboats. The fiberglass work will include everything from small parts repair to structural repair and rebuilds. The gelcoat work will be similarly inclusive and will also involve spaying hull bottoms and topsides with boat bottom paint and gelcoat.

• Working with vinylester, polyester, and epoxy resins
• Experience working with various coring materials
• Knowledge of gelcoat matching and application
• Cutting, grinding and finish sanding
• Visually spot imperfections in all parts
• Use of buffers, DA’s, pencil grinders etc.
• Finish buffing and polishing
• Exceptional paint rolling and spraying finishing
• Proactive mindset and able to work unsupervised
• Complete fiberglass and composite repair work to the highest possible standards
• Spray gelcoat, clear coat, and metal flake consistently and evenly to desired thickness
• Getting the customer back on the water with a safe operating boat
• Ensuring all repair work structurally and visually exceeds expectations
• Lifting heaving objects
• Assisting the entire service teams with various tasks

The ideal candidate is someone who will enjoy the nautical environment of the boatyard, which includes being around boats and being on the water. They will have at least two to three years of experience in fiberglass and composites fabrication or repair as well as experience with painting and gelcoat work or similar skill sets. Their background will include a familiarity with boats and enjoy delivering exceptional finish work. They will be someone who appreciates the boating lifestyle and working sail and powerboats. We are looking for a person who values working in a team and being part of a family-owned organization that is a respected part of the local community.

Salary and benefits: $50 – 70k, Medical, 401K

Position Title: Marine Service Mechanic Position Type: Full-time Experience level:  2-3 years preferred. Certifications Preferred. Equal skills and high motivation also accepted.

Job Description and Summary: In this position you will work alongside a team of supportive and experienced marine industry professionals. Your primary role will be engine maintenance and repairs for both gas and diesel engine systems as well as service and repair work on a variety of other boat system. A large part of this position will include troubleshooting, engine and drive preventative maintenance, emergency repairs at the yard or at the location of the boat needing service. You will be working on inboard and outboard systems and interacting and communicating with our boaters, so a focus on customer service is an important skill. Certification not initial required but is a plus.

• Effective and knowledgeable mechanic
• Problem solving – engines, drives, control systems and electrical
• Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting
• Engine rebuilds, 12v DC systems, machining work
• Gas and diesel engine/generator operations
• Wiring and soldering
• Performing maintenance and repairs safely and quickly
• Have your own set of tools
• Performing functionality checks on engines and systems
• Basic boat operations

The ideal candidate is someone who will enjoy the nautical environment of the boatyard, which includes being around boats and being on the water. They will have at least two to three years of experience as a marine service technician, automotive mechanic, Gen Tech, or similar skill sets. Their background will include a familiarity with boats and enjoy solving mechanical and systems issues. They will be someone who enjoys the boating lifestyle and working outdoors. They value working in a team and being part of a family-owned organization an enhancing part of the local community. We encourage you to apply if you do not have the experience but are dedicated to building a career in the marine service industry.

Salary and benefits: $60 – 80k, Medical, 401K

Position Title: Yacht Sales Consultant Position Type: Full-time Experience level:  2-3 years preferred

Reports to: Sales Manager

Job Description and Summary: In this position you will work alongside the McMichael Sales Team to consult with our client boaters, guiding them to find and purchase the best yacht for their modern boating needs. You will work with an experienced team that specializes in premium racing and sailing yachts, as well as high-performance inboard and outboard day and cruising power yachts. You will work with existing clients as well as being responsible for identifying, nurturing, and closing new clients. You will cultivate relationships with our clients and their families that demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism for the McMichael brand. You will be supported by the team to help you locate, acquire, and nurture prospective new client boaters. You will be a part of a sales and service team that caters to the all-encompassing boating needs of the McMichael community of boaters.

• Active listening
• Conveying key features and distinguishing selling points of a given boat model
• Ability to close high-value sales from $500k – $3M
• Prospect farming
• Excellent negotiating skills
• Influencing with content through digital and social media tools
• Consulting with and guiding clients effectively
• Proactive mindset that fosters successful unsupervised work
• Ability to work collaboratively with other team members
• Close deals on new yacht sales
• Deliver world class service in the form of professionalism, knowledge, and customer service
• Acquire and develop prospects into leads, then into new boat sales
• Attend boat shows and events to meet with and engage boaters
• Use digital and social media tools to engage with boaters
• Secure used boat listings
• Close used boat sales
• Guide boaters through the research, selection, specification, closing, delivery, and commissioning process
• Work with the Sales Team to constantly increase brand and model knowledge
• Influence your client boaters to choose McMichael Yards for their boat servicing and storage needs

The ideal candidate is someone who will enjoy the nautical/boating lifestyle and has grown up around boats. They will have previous experience selling in the corporate environment, in addition to a strong boating background and several years of selling yachts over 30 feet and over $500K. They will be an excellent communicator who is able to convey information clearly and concisely. They will be motivated to constantly learn more and achieve more regarding new boats and sales goals. They will be a person who can collaborate with all the members of the sales team to find creative solutions to barriers and issues.

Experience Level Experienced as a sail or power boater or similar industry background 2-3 years preferred

Salary and benefits: Base of $50 – $70k, commissions, Medical, 401K

John Glynn John brings to McMichael more than three decades of sailing, boating and sales experience. In addition to his time at BEYC, Glynn’s resume includes years as an Associate Editor (and Contributing Editor) for Sailing World magazine, where he was part of the team that created both the “Boat of the Year” awards and the NOOD Regattas. Over the years he has raced aboard C&C 40s, New York 36s, J/35s, Express 37s and Farr 40s, as well as his own J/30 and Soverel 33 Grey Seal. He boats with his family out of Captain Harbor in Greenwich, CT.

“John brings a wealth of experience as a racer, boat owner and industry professional,” said Michael Beers, McMichael Sales Manager. “He will be a fantastic resource for his clients in buying and selling boats. We’re proud to have him on our team, and his background will help us continue to fulfill our motto, ‘Experience Counts!’”

“I’ve been fortunate enough to spend my career in and around the sailing and boating community, enabling me to love the various jobs I’ve held,” said Glynn. “In joining McMichael Yacht Brokers I’ve found another fresh, new outlet from which to apply my knowledge of and passion for yachting. Moreover, I’m able to do that while working in the company of some of the finest yacht brokers in the business. It is my hope to bring to my brokerage customers a sense of confidence and satisfaction as they make yacht transactions, both from the buyer’s and seller’s sides.”

Cameron Campbell Cameron has been boating his entire life, starting as a toddler on Great South Bay on Long Island. He grew up in Connecticut and spent every summer on Long Island Sound. In college he was a member of the University of Rhode Island Sailing Team and also ran operations at the URI Waterfront Center. After college he was an ASA Sailing Instructor at the New York Sailing School on City Island and then for Olympic Circle Sailing on San Francisco Bay. He participated in many regattas on both coasts in both small and large boats. He owned a Sabre for many years which he cruised from Annapolis to Maine. Cameron also has experience with power boats ranging from center consoles though larger cruisers.

Cameron has been working with clients preparing for Bermuda races, extensive blue water cruising, and many that are new to boating.

Rick Fleig Rick grew up on Long Island spending many years sailing on the Sound in everything from J/22′s to J/105′s, Custom C&C 41′s and many other boats, competing in all the major Northeast events. This experience and passion for sailing led him on a path to sail in the 1987 America’s Cup in Perth, Australia with both the Courageous and USA Syndicates. He has sailed in many major international regattas, including the Swan World Championships in Sardinia, the World 6 Meter Championships in Portofino, Italy, and several Newport Bermuda races.

Rick combines his extensive sailing background with both the marine and sports industry, having worked as a regional sales manager at SunfishLaser and Vanguard Sailboats, and prior to that as a regional sales representative with sporting goods giant Nike. He believes that building relationships and understanding the clients’ needs are essential in helping customers have a great experience with their boats. He works out of the McMichael Yacht Broker’s Newport office at the Newport Shipyard.

Rick resides in Portsmouth, RI, with his family, having fallen in love with the Newport area during his many sailing events there. He recently retired as the director/coach of the Portsmouth High School Sailing Team after many years, and along with his wife, Carline, now enjoys his time proudly following their youngest son, Tyler, who just finished his second year at the US Naval Academy. Tyler is a very accomplished sailor himself, and a member of the nationally ranked USNA dinghy sailing team. Rick is a member of Sail Newport and can be seen racing many weeknights and weekends in all the local events in a variety of boats.

Michael Beers Michael is a licensed captain and active racer who began his sailing career in Boston on the Charles River. As someone who did not grow up sailing, he especially enjoys introducing new boaters to the sport. Michael has a proven track record of working tirelessly for his clients, and enjoys working directly with buyers to identify the best possible “next boat” from the many options available. He is an active racer, recently racing in the J/70 fleet at Quantum Key West Race Week and aboard the J/130 Dragonly in the 2012 Newport Bermuda Race.

Prior to joining McMichael in 2007, he captained the 80′ schooner Adirondack II in Newport, RI and was an instructor at Offshore Sailing. In his free time, he enjoys cruising his Sabre.

Todd Williams Todd started sailing on his family’s cruising boat before his memory serves. His love of racing was cultivated through sailing Blue Jays and Lasers in Pequot Yacht Club’s junior program.  Since then he has actively raced in the J105 fleet, J109 fleet, and helped form the J122 class. He also developed and helped launch the LIS IRC 35 class.  Todd is an experienced distance sailor and was involved with winning the Vineyard race class and IRC overall aboard the J122 Partnership.  

Todd enjoys using his extensive knowledge of boating to find his clients the boat that best suits their needs.  He is dedicated to providing the best possible service to all his customers.  Todd can often be found racing with clients and helping them build their racing programs. Through the years, he has custom built many J/Boats, Alerions, and MJM power boats for clients, many of whom he now considers personal friends.

During the winter season you may spot the Williams family on the slopes at Okemo where they have a ski house.

Andy Kaplan Starting October 4, Andrew (Andy) Kaplan has joined the brokerage team at McMichael Yacht Yards & Brokers. The addition increases the McMichael roster to seven full-time yacht brokers serving customers up and down the east coast with a concentration on the Long Island Sound and Narragansett Bay. He will work primarily out of the McMichael Mamaroneck, NY, office as well as Martha’s Vineyard.

“Andy is bringing to McMichael a lifetime of experience in sail and power boating with a keen focus in the sailboat racing world,” said McMichael President Steve Leicht. “His broad familiarity with offshore and one-design sailboats combined with his powerboating experience makes him an ideal addition to our brokerage team.”

Kaplan spent the majority of his career in finance including helping create the Quattro Global Capital, LLC where he was a principal and head of operation and marketing. “I believe that my financial sales and management experience is a great asset as I transition to yacht brokerage,” noted Kaplan. “While they are different industries, to succeed in either you need similar disciplines when matching buyers with the right product. That’s what creates and maintains long term customer relationships.”

Kaplan grew-up in Mamaroneck and has been a member of the Larchmont Yacht Club for over 30 years where he has been active in the Club’s leadership. He lives in New Rochelle, NY, and on Martha’s Vineyard, MA.