Malango 8.88 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Malango 8.88 began its production run in 2006, emerging from the innovative spirit of IDB Marine, a shipyard founded by Denis Bourbigot in Trégunc, France. The company quickly gained recognition for its commitment to advanced manufacturing techniques, notably pioneering the use of injection molding for a small shipyard in 2010. The design philosophy behind the Malango 8.88, attributed to Pierre Rolland, is deeply rooted in the pedigree of single-handed Mini Transat racers, aiming to deliver a fast yet stable and easily manageable boat. This approach results in a vessel that is surprisingly seaworthy, capable of strong performance while remaining forgiving enough for family cruising or outings with friends.

A significant evolution occurred in 2013 when the Malango 8.88 was rebranded as the Mojito 888, maintaining the same hull design but incorporating a larger coach roof for enhanced interior volume and light. Further demonstrating IDB Marine's commitment to sustainability, the Virgin Mojito 888 was introduced, sharing the identical hull but constructed with eco-friendly materials such. This includes the use of linen fiber instead of glass fiber, cork replacing polyester woven felt (Soric), and PET foam substituting Corecell foam, significantly reducing the boat's carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle. IDB Marine's dedication to eco-design was also highlighted by its early participation in the "Blue Wave Eco-Design" program in 2013.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Malango 8.88's design metrics clearly indicate its performance-oriented nature. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 28.18, she exhibits excellent light-air performance, suggesting that she can get underway and maintain speed even in gentler breezes. This high ratio is indicative of a boat designed to be nimble and responsive, making the most of available wind.

Her displacement to length ratio, calculated at around 120.9, places her firmly in the category of a very light, high-performance vessel. This low ratio contributes to her agile handling and ability to accelerate quickly. While the ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.312 is moderate, implying less extreme stiffness compared to some heavy offshore cruisers, anecdotal reports consistently praise the Malango 8.88 as fast, stable, and easy to handle. Despite its sporty lines and racing derivation, owners find it surprisingly seaworthy, performing well in medium to stronger winds and proving capable of spirited sailing. The boat is also noted for being manageable for single-handed sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed layouts for the Malango 8.88 can vary, its classification as a performance cruiser suggests an interior designed for practical comfort during extended trips, despite its compact size. Though specific headroom figures are not available, boats in this category typically prioritize efficient use of space to include essential cruising amenities. Descriptions of the Malango 8.88 note that, despite being under 30 feet, it possesses the "heart, soul and the capabilities of a larger cruiser," implying a well-considered interior layout.

Generally, such a design would feature a forward V-berth, a compact galley, a saloon area with settees that may convert into additional berths, and a dedicated head compartment. While detailed material specifics are scarce, IDB Marine's reputation for quality suggests a sturdy finish. Given its evolution into the Mojito 888, which features a larger coach roof for enhanced light and visibility, the Malango 8.88 likely offers a more traditional, yet still functional, interior experience focused on the needs of active sailors.