The Malö 39 is a distinguished blue-water cruiser, renowned for its robust construction, exceptional comfort, and steadfast dedication to serious offshore passages. Designed by Leif Ängermark and built by the esteemed Malö Yachts of Sweden, this monohull sailboat encapsulates the builder's philosophy of creating safe and capable yachts for discerning sailors. With a length overall of just over 40 feet and a waterline length of 32.15 feet, the Malö 39 offers a substantial and purposeful platform for extended cruising.
Malö Yachts, originating from the boat-building island of Orust, has a long-standing reputation for prioritizing seaworthiness and build quality. The Malö 39 was produced from 1994 to 2004, with 87 units built during this period, cementing its place as a popular model among serious cruisers. Malö's manufacturing ethos, even during the production run of the 39, focused on robust construction, with hulls and decks typically built using fiberglass sandwich construction for superior rigidity and safety. The commitment to well-conceived, classic Swedish designs is evident in the Malö 39's lines and overall concept.
The Malö 39 is designed to offer excellent sea comfort and a purposeful, go-anywhere attitude. With a total calculated sail area of 748.69 square feet and a displacement of 19,621 pounds, its sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.5 suggests a boat with moderate performance, capable of making good progress without being overly focused on light-air speed. A ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.39 (39%) indicates good stability, allowing the yacht to stand up to a significant amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, its displacement to length ratio of approximately 263 points to a heavier, more traditional cruiser, emphasizing its robust build and comfortable motion rather than lightweight agility. Owners frequently praise the Malö 39's ability to sail well in various conditions, from coastal gunkholing to ocean crossings. Its masthead sloop rig is noted for its simplicity.
The interior of the Malö 39 is crafted from high-quality mahogany, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail synonymous with Malö Yachts. The typical layout provides five berths across two cabins plus the saloon, featuring a forward owner's cabin. While the specific maximum headroom is around 1.98 meters (6.5 feet), the interior is designed for comfort on long voyages. Malö yachts are often characterized by their secure cockpits and spacious aft cabins, although the Malö 39's specific configuration is a two-cabin layout. Owners benefit from a large amount of storage space both under the deck and in two massive cockpit lockers. The design team offered customizable interior layout suggestions, allowing owners some flexibility.
Owners of the Malö 39 consistently express satisfaction with their choice, highlighting the yacht's solid construction and seaworthiness. They appreciate its capabilities as a serious blue-water cruiser and often consider it a "perfect yacht" for experienced sailors. While generally well-regarded, some common maintenance areas noted by owners include replacing teak plugs in the deck, addressing issues with clogged sinks and drains, and re-sealing deck fittings and the arch to prevent leaks, which can be a recurring issue if not properly addressed. Some owners have also undertaken upgrades such as installing a second bilge pump to enhance safety. These issues are generally seen as typical maintenance for a boat of its age, rather than fundamental design flaws, and owners continue to praise the enduring quality and design of the Malö 39.