Design and Construction
The hull and deck are fibreglass. The sandwich-constructed deck improves the interior climate.
A lead keel and solid glass structure give the Malö 106 a ballast ratio of 38 percent and a displacement-length ratio of 276, placing her firmly among heavy cruisers. Her length-to-beam ratio is 3.24, with a beam near 10.7 feet. She carries her volume low and narrow.
A capsize screening value of 1.76 and a motion comfort ratio ranging from 28.5 to 31.4 describe a stable, easy-riding hull in a seaway. About 333 square feet of wetted surface and an immersion rate of roughly 1,055 pounds per inch point to a deeply loaded cruising hull that holds its lines under stores and water.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The 106 is a masthead sloop carrying 592 square feet of mainsail and jib area. Her sail-area-to-displacement ratio is 16.2 with the ISO reference sail and 19.2 with a 135 percent genoa.
The standing and running rigging reflect period cruising practice. The main, jib, and spinnaker halyards are each 32.8 meters long and 12 mm in diameter. Jib and genoa sheets are 10.6 meters long and 14 mm in diameter, while the mainsheet is 26.5 meters long and 14 mm in diameter.
Theoretical hull speed is 7.1 knots, and the Relative Speed Performance index is 24. Under Volvo Penta MD17 power, the noted engine speed is 8.5 knots.
Accommodations
Below, the mahogany interior includes seven berths, a galley, and a toilet. The arrangement favors a cruising crew over a racing skipper, while the seven-berth count suggests a sociable overnight layout rather than a sparse sea-berth plan.
Fresh water capacity is 250 liters. Combined with the boat’s other cruising features, that capacity provides long-range autonomy for a boat of this size.
Engine and Tankage
The specified inboard engine is a 36-horsepower Volvo Penta MD17 diesel, giving the Malö 106 a noted speed of 8.5 knots under power.
The stainless steel fuel tank holds 250 liters, a robust period choice. Water capacity is also 250 liters.
Verdict
The Malö 106 is a thoughtfully engineered small cruiser from the early 1980s. Conservative in rig and generous in accommodation, she was built to a heavy-displacement Scandinavian standard.
Pros
- Lead keel, 38 percent ballast ratio, and a heavy-cruiser displacement-length ratio of 276
- Sandwich deck that improves the interior climate
- Seven berths, 250 L of water, and a 250 L stainless steel fuel tank
- Masthead-sloop rig and a noted engine speed of 8.5 kt
Cons
- Sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 16.2 is modest with the reference sail
- Fewer than 100 were built, limiting spares and community support
