Malo 106 Information, Review, Specs

The Malö 106 was in production from 1984 to 1988, with approximately 70 units built by Malö Yachts in Sweden. The design, attributed to Olsöner, reflects the builder's deep-rooted philosophy of creating safe, comfortable, and highly capable blue-water cruisers. Malö Yachts, with a heritage stretching back to 1939, committed fully to fiberglass construction by 1969, allowing for consistent production while upholding their reputation for structural integrity. During this era, Malö yachts were renowned for robust builds, typically featuring balsa core sandwich hulls chosen for superior rigidity and safety. The Malö 106 embodies this meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing durability and longevity. The model was also known by variations such as the Malö 106/36 and Malö 106/37, indicating minor distinctions within its production run. The design prioritizes the needs of a serious sailor, evident in its powerful rig and carefully engineered keel and rudder.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Malö 106 is characterized by its moderate displacement and excellent stability, making it a reliable performer in various conditions. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.65 suggests a balanced performance, indicating it is neither overly sluggish in light winds nor excessively powered in stronger breezes. With a Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.38, the boat possesses good stiffness, allowing it to stand up to a significant amount of wind and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 288.9 classifies the Malö 106 as a heavy cruiser, a design choice that contributes to its solid feel and seaworthiness, especially in offshore conditions. Described as "first and foremost a sailor's boat," the Malö 106 is considered a reasonably good performer and is noted for its stability, stiffness, and excellent righting capability. The boat's masthead sloop rig further contributes to its powerful and predictable handling.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Malö 106 is designed for long-distance cruising, featuring a well-thought-out layout that maximizes space, functionality, and comfort. The saloon boasts a generous headroom of 1.95 meters (approximately 6.4 feet), creating an open and airy feel below deck. Typically, the layout includes a double cabin forward and a spacious double aft cabin, often located behind the cockpit, providing ample privacy and comfort. The interior is finished with warm mahogany trim and a traditional teak and holly sole, contributing to a classic and nautical atmosphere. Storage is a hallmark of the Malö 106, with plenty of shelves, cupboards, and compartments found throughout the saloon, specifically designed to accommodate the needs of long-distance cruisers. The deck layout is also practical, featuring wide decks for safe and easy movement.