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offshore

Malö 38

Malo Yachts · 1988–1995 · Sloop rig

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Malö 38 profile drawing
LOA38.22'
Beam11.06'
Draft5.58'
Displ.7.2t
Rigsloop
HullFiberglass

Bluewater Evidence · Ocean Proven

76% confidence
Doc.CapableProven

John Neal's Boats to Consider for Ocean Cruising lists the Malo 38, rated 5 of 5: 'High quality offshore boats with good sailing performance.' His warning about skeg failures applies to the Malo 45 and 46, not the 38. Its capsize screen value is 1.82.

Overview

The Malö 38 is a Leif Ängermark design built by Malö Yachts in Sweden from 1988 to 1995, with 44 completed.

Design and Construction

sailboatdata.com lists a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder, 38.22 ft overall on a 30.18 ft waterline, 11.06 ft of beam and 5.58 ft of draft. Displacement is 14,330 lb with 6,614 lb of lead ballast, a ballast ratio of 46 percent, and the masthead sloop carries about 605 sq ft.

Under Sail

One owner sailed 21,000 miles in a Malö 38, including an Atlantic circuit and a season in the eastern Caribbean. They report that she sailed well, always felt safe and well protected at sea, and suited two people living aboard in hot climates.

Buyers Notes

John Neal rates Malös 5 of 5 as high quality offshore boats with good sailing performance. His warning about skeg failures concerns the larger 45 and 46, but any skeg is worth inspecting on a boat this age.

Passage records

Tai Tai of London2005

ARC (2005)

Finished.

Source: World Cruising Club: ARC 2005 results

Known Issues

Stanchion basesmoderateOwner-reported, unverified

An owner who sailed 21,000 miles in a Malö 38 reports leaks around the stanchion bases, which they understood to be a design fault, and says a friend with a Malö had the same problem.

Inspection: Check under the stanchion bases for leaks, stains and wet core, and rebed them.

Source: YBW forum (Practical Boat Owner): Malo 38 thread, 2012-2013

Teak decksmoderateOwner-reported, unverified

Malö teak decks are thick (an owner gives 12 to 13 mm) and last well, but replacing an old teak deck is very expensive.

Inspection: Check teak thickness, caulking and fastenings, and price a re-deck before making an offer on an older boat.

Source: YBW forum (Practical Boat Owner): Malo 38 thread, 2012-2013

  1. [1]SpecificationsMALO 38 - SailboatData.com- Dimensions, displacement, ballast, sail area, keel, rig, designer and builder.
  2. [2]EditorialJohn Neal - Boats to Consider for Ocean Cruising (Mahina)- Lists the Malo 38, rated 5 of 5.
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