Yachting Monthly called it a head-turner with blue-water promise. The builder described it as a safe, long-distance yacht for those seeking the very best life at sea, capable of withstanding serious conditions with true staying power.
Design and Construction
Malö built the 45/46 with hull and deck sandwich construction using a balsa core. The mouldings were bolted and bonded together into a single unit. Longitudinal and transverse bulkheads were laminated directly to the hull rather than set into a tray, while solid-core laminate reinforced the areas beneath high-load deck fittings.
Expert survey opinion holds that the hull is balsa-cored above the waterline and solid below. New owners were reportedly offered a choice of balsa or Divinycell foam reinforcement in the hull and deck. Build quality was high, and all laminates were hand-laid.
The deck carries acres of 12mm teak, a stainless-capped rubbing streak, proper dorade vents protected by grab rails, and deep coamings that give the cockpit a strong sense of protection. A part-skeg supports the balanced rudder. The deck also has a stainless-capped rubbing streak.
Below the waterline, a substantial fin keel keeps draft to little more than 2m. A hearty 39 per cent ballast ratio and an AVS of 128° underpin the boat’s blue-water claim.
Rig, Cockpit, and Sailing Performance
The 46 has a masthead-sloop rig and a trademark Targa arch that keeps the cockpit clutter-free. The arch also protects the crew from an accidental gybe and supports a full cockpit canopy.
A removable inner forestay accommodates a hank-on staysail. The test boat, Wimsey, was also equipped for downwind sailing with a mast-mounted spinnaker pole and a removable sprit for a cruising chute.
Test sailors found the boat light enough to get moving in 6 knots of true wind, yet heavy enough to dismiss wind-over-tide chop. Under full sail in 17 knots apparent, she made 6.5 knots at 48°. Freed off onto a close reach, she exceeded 7 knots, and she sailed downwind at a comfortable 8 knots under a conservative sail plan.
Interior and Accommodation
The 46 offered more flexibility in layout and fitting out than any other Malö, allowing the yard to meet individual owners’ requirements down to the finest detail. Its hand-finished mahogany interior feels warm, and the layout is well compartmentalised.
The snug U-shaped galley sits to port of the companionway and faces forward. Its fridge is small for a boat of this size, although a decent freezer provides some compensation. A standard-sized heads lies opposite.
To starboard, the generous navigation station has a proper chart table and a dedicated chart drawer below. However, there’s little to hold the navigator in the seat on starboard tack.
The saloon centres on a horseshoe-shaped seat that unfolds and turns through 90° to form a double berth, providing berths for eight in total. Saloon stowage is limited.
Forward, the master cabin is flanked by a heads and a separate wet room, which is superb for sodden foul-weather gear. The cabin’s position in the bow, however, makes it noisy and bumpy in a gale.
Two nearly symmetrical double cabins sit aft beneath the cockpit, with a twin-bunk alternative available on one side. A wonderful lazarette lies beneath a helm seat that lifts to provide exceptional access.
Systems and Known Issues
Several aspects of service access fall short. The black-water tank can’t be reached without dismantling the heads, and bilge access is minimal throughout the boat. The chain locker is also difficult to access.
Engine access is adequate for coastal sailing but disappointing in a boat with serious cruising ambitions. Access from the companionway leaves a tight squeeze at the sides, and the dipstick is barely visible. Reaching the alternator and raw-water pump requires a screwdriver to remove the front of the compartment. On the positive side, the Racor and coolant tank are easily reached above.
Surveyors have also seen problems where deck fittings are fastened with stainless steel into encapsulated alloy flat bar. The lower bearings and lip seals on the skeg-supported rudder need checking, and the seals require renewal every seven years.
Verdict
The Malö 45/46 is a rare, thoughtfully engineered Swedish cruiser. It combines a stiff, seakindly hull with a flexible, hand-finished interior, while its cockpit arch brings order to downwind sailing. Limited production and bespoke layout options make it a considered choice for long-distance sailors who value build integrity over volume. Tight access to several systems, however, calls for a patient owner.
Pros
- Balsa-and-solid-laminate hull, with a bonded deck and directly laminated bulkheads
- Targa arch, inner forestay, and fin keel with a 128° AVS for blue-water sailing
- Unmatched layout flexibility and warm mahogany joinery
- Generous navigation station, separate wet room, and lazarette beneath the lifting helm seat
Cons
- Minimal access to the bilges and black-water tank, plus awkward access to the engine and chain locker
- Forward master cabin is noisy and bumpy in heavy weather
- Small saloon fridge and limited stowage
- Rudder-seal renewal and possible corrosion around alloy-and-stainless deck fittings require monitoring
