Malo 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Malö 38's production run from 1988 to 1995 places it firmly within an era when Malö Yachts, rooted in the boat-building traditions of Orust, Sweden, had fully embraced fiberglass construction while maintaining its commitment to skilled craftsmanship. The builder, with origins tracing back to Johannes Olsson's Olsöners Båtbyggen in 1939, had transitioned to GRP production for all models by 1969, allowing for consistent quality and modern designs. Malö's design philosophy, evident in the 38, consistently focused on creating yachts that were first and foremost safe, comfortable, and highly capable for blue-water sailing. The Malö 38 was designed by the Malö team, specifically Leif Angermark, aligning with the company's ethos of building durable vessels with meticulous attention to detail and robust construction, often utilizing a balsa core sandwich for superior rigidity and safety.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Malö 38, with a length overall of 38.22 feet and a waterline length of 30.18 feet, is characterized by its balanced sailing performance suitable for a cruiser of its class. Its sail area to displacement ratio (ratio_sa_disp) of 18.06 suggests a boat that performs adequately in lighter airs while still being manageable when the wind pipes up, reflecting its cruising aspirations rather than pure racing performance. The ballast to displacement ratio (ratio_bal_disp) of approximately 0.46 indicates a stiff and stable vessel, capable of standing up to significant wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. This high ratio is a hallmark of Malö's commitment to seaworthiness, ensuring the boat remains upright and secure even in challenging conditions. Furthermore, with a displacement to length ratio (ratio_disp_lwl) of 232.72, the Malö 38 falls into the category of a moderately heavy cruiser, providing a solid feel and momentum, enhancing its offshore capabilities. Owners frequently praise the Malö 38 as an extremely comfortable and well-balanced cruiser, known for its excellent seakeeping qualities and impressive performance. Its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder contribute to predictable handling and good directional stability.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not available in the provided data, the Malö 38's design, typical of a Swedish blue-water cruiser, prioritizes comfortable and functional accommodations for extended voyages. The interior layout generally features a traditional arrangement with a focus on high-quality materials and robust joinery, creating a cozy and secure atmosphere at sea. Reviewers and owners often describe the interior of Malö yachts as well-ventilated and thoughtfully designed. Standard configurations usually include a comfortable V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can often convert to berths, a well-appointed galley, and a dedicated navigation station. Given Malö's reputation for center cockpit designs, the 38 would likely offer a spacious aft cabin, a defining characteristic for enhanced liveaboard comfort. The interior would feature pressurized hot and cold water systems, further enhancing the comfort aboard. The general finish quality would emphasize durable wood trim and high-quality upholstery, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail for which Malö is known.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Malö 38 generally hold their vessels in high regard, appreciating their robust construction and suitability for serious cruising. They consistently praise its solid build and the comfortable motion it provides in a seaway. Many consider the Malö 38 an extremely capable and well-built offshore cruiser, making it a popular choice for those seeking reliability and safety. Owners have also highlighted its suitability as a liveaboard for two people, noting good ventilation.

However, some owners have noted recurring maintenance points. A common issue mentioned relates to leaks around stanchion bases, which appears to be a design fault that often requires re-bedding. As with many older vessels, general maintenance, particularly around the engine area, can sometimes be a concern, with issues like a "filthy" engine compartment being noted by potential buyers. Despite these common age-related considerations and minor design quirks, the Malö 38 maintains a strong reputation for its enduring quality and design, contributing to a healthy resale value.