Malabar SR. (Alden) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Malabar SR. emerged from a rich tradition of yacht design, with its origins rooted in John G. Alden's influential Malabar series. Alden, known for designing "fishermen-inspired yachts" and later "fast, able cruising yachts," focused on creating exceptional designs for cruising rather than pure racing hulls. The Malabar SR., Alden Design #917, represents a later evolution of this philosophy, tailored as a masthead sloop.

During its production run from 1956 to 1963, the Malabar SR. was a product of LeComte-Holland's early commitment to traditional wooden construction and their collaboration with prominent American naval architects. Founded by Adolf “Dolf” LeComte, the Dutch shipyard in Jutphaas prioritized high-quality finishes and robust construction from its inception. While LeComte built a significant portion of these wooden sloops, approximately half of the Malabar SR. hulls were also constructed by various builders across the USA, Canada, Australia, and Hong Kong, including Burr Brothers in Mattapoisett, MA.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a total calculated sail area of 555.89 square feet and a displacement of 13,200 pounds, the Alden Malabar SR. exhibits a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 15.9. This suggests a balanced performance profile, capable of handling a variety of wind conditions without being an extreme light-air performer or an overpowered heavy-air boat. The vessel’s Ballast to Displacement ratio of about 0.32 indicates a moderate level of stability, typical for a long-keeled cruiser of its era, providing a comfortable motion in a seaway.

The Malabar SR. features a long keel, a design choice that contributes significantly to its excellent directional stability and tracking ability, making it well-suited for extended passages. Its Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at approximately 417, places it firmly in the heavy displacement category. This characteristic is consistent with its robust wooden hull construction and suggests a vessel that will carry its way through waves with comfort and momentum, rather than being a light and nimble racer. Owners often describe the Malabar SR. as a "wholesome classic mast head sloop," emphasizing its reliable and predictable handling. With a hull speed of 6.59 knots, she is designed for comfortable cruising at sensible speeds.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Alden Malabar SR. is designed to offer a comfortable and practical living space within its traditional hull form. While specific detailed layouts can vary among individual vessels, the design generally makes good use of its generous 9.75-foot beam, providing ample internal volume for its 33.25-foot length overall.

Typically, one would expect a classic arrangement including a V-berth forward, an enclosed head, a main salon featuring settees and a central table, and a functional galley. Reviews of similar Alden Malabar sloops note a "generous beam giving a lot of internal volume" and "classic design internal light fittings." The cockpit is often highlighted as being "very large and comfortable," creating a feeling of spaciousness usually found on larger yachts. The emphasis on quality craftsmanship and traditional materials, characteristic of LeComte's early wooden builds, would likely be evident in the interior joinery and finish, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere below deck.