Sweden’s bluewater sailboat Malö 40, a real passagemaker, will look after the crew below deck and on deck while consuming sea miles. from the July 2006 edition.
The Malö 40 is the island of Orust’s most recent contribution to North America. Orust is located on Sweden’s western coast. It demonstrated many qualities of a passagemaker on a fall sail, including a steady, effortless motion, a dry, effective, unflappable work platform on deck, and solid, soft-edged joinery below.
This bluewater sailboat is the most recent masterpiece from a well-known Swedish manufacturer of cruising boats between 36 and 46 feet. Like all Mals, this one may be heavily altered, which appeals to sailors with enough experience to have strong opinions. Although it is not a racing boat, it is exactly the kind of boat you would want for long-distance coastal cruising or ocean travel.
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The Bluewater Sailboat Malö 40 was selected Best Midsize Cruiser and Import Boat of the Year for 2007. After extensive deliberations involving numerous top-notch boats, the judges selected the Malö 40 as the Import Boat of the Year. However, the Malö 40 won because it did “a wonderful job of satisfying the needs of long-distance cruising couples in terms of sailing ability, safety, and pricing,” in the words of one of the judges.
Looking for a used sailboat for sale? Check out the bluewater sailboat data and specs to make an informed decision. Ocean Wave Sail has data for over 10000+ boats that can help you select one to meet your sailing needs.
A massive fiberglass-covered stainless-steel “Targa” arch is through-bolted to the hull at the backmost point of the Malö 40 windscreen. It serves as a mount for the traveller, acts as a strongpoint for the forward and back edges of the cockpit canopy, and keeps the mainsheet out of the way while tacking.
To choose a mahogany log with the desired hue and grain for the interior joinery, the buyer meets with carpenter Dan Rundblom when a boat is ordered. Except for the door panels and bulkheads, which are veneers chosen for their complementary grain patterns, the wood below is all real mahogany. The model’s CAD plans are then sent to Dan, who constructs the inside independently of the hull, which is moulded off-island. To lessen rattling in a seaway, the timber is varnished six times, and cabinets are foam-lined.
The bluewater sailboat Mal 40 is the most recent masterpiece from a well-known Swedish manufacturer of cruising boats between 36 and 46 feet. Like all Mals, this one may be heavily altered, which appeals to sailors with enough experience to have strong opinions.
Although it is not a racing boat, it is the kind of boat you would want for long-distance coastal cruising or ocean travel. It’s not slow; performance is adequate. Simply put, there hasn’t been any focus on lightening the boat for racing by removing scantlings or improving the lines to satisfy a rating need. On the other hand, durability and strength come first. This is a reliable boat that can transport a family or a couple over long distances in comfort and with good speed.
On the mainland, work on the hull and deck gets started. The cabin sides and the 40’s centerline are both made entirely of solid fibreglass, but the rest of the hull has vacuum-bagged sheet-balsa coring. After being glued together, the hull and Divinycell-cored deck are shipped to Malö for completion.
The wide, transparent, laid-teak decks, with chainplates and genoa track snug to the cabin sides, are ideal for sailing in bumpy conditions. The deck has great footing all over, low bulwarks, and handholds where they are needed. The canopy and windscreen keep the deep cockpit very dry.
The bluewater sailboat Malo 40 dockside, perfect for spotting minor leaks, gauging interior comfort, and assessing a boat’s general habitability. When there are occasionally gloomy cruise days, this will be a comfortable area. The cockpit enclosure offers bright, dry living space outdoors, the interior includes cosy, well-lit seating and lounging places, and the heat in the cabin is efficient and uniform. In any circumstance, the conventional windshield will be a delight.
Despite being a new model, this one has a highly sophisticated design on deck and below. The main bulkhead and watertight forward compartment are installed, and the hull and deck are then moulded and connected together. This shell then travels to a different facility to be finished. This indicates that nothing is hidden or inaccessible inside the boat and that everything entered through the companionway (and can exit through it later, if necessary). When it comes time for repairs or renovations, seasoned sailors are aware of how crucial these items are.
The 40 features a double sleeper to port and space for an additional fuel tank under; the normal aft cabin features a queen bed surrounded by bookcases and cabinets and a bathroom with a shower. A European washer/dryer will fit within a large locker. In the event that the house-bank fails, some electrical capacity can still be maintained because the genset and starter batteries are stored here.
Nigel Calder, a sailing journalist who owns a Mal (and is purchasing another one), had a significant impact on the layout and setup of the builder’s propulsion, water, and electrical systems. This 40-footer reflects it since every system has been Nigelized and well implemented, right down to the last nuance. Nowhere will you discover a superior battery installation or wiring configuration. Mal uses American equipment and standards on the boats that arrive in this nation, so locating spares or maintenance is never a problem.
The steering is positive and smooth, stopping and backing is simple, linear, and predictable on a sunny fall day with 8 to 10 knots of wind. The crew will be much more comfortable at the conclusion of a long day of motoring over flat calms because to the relatively low noise level when the engine is running. The boat can comfortably travel at 71/2 knots, or practically hull speed, thanks in part to a sturdy mounting and strong insulation and in part to the new low-revving Yanmar diesel, which hums along at roughly 2,000 rpm at cruise mode.
The Mal 40 is equally enjoyable to operate while sailing, both on deck and behind the wheel. It rotates far less than 90 degrees and returns boatspeeds that is half that of the wind. The helm’s feel with its Danish-made rod steering allow the boat to turn and gybe with absolute control. Although it’s difficult to describe the helm feel and boat responsiveness, this boat has the sense of a high-performance European luxury car.
At 2,400 rpm, cruising speed is between 7.7 and 7.9 knots. Two Andersen self-tailing winches are installed on the mast, where halyards are coiling traditionally. You can log 6.5 to 7 knots close-reaching in 12 knots while sailing with a fully battened main and a 135 percent genoa, and the helm is light. For a storm jib, a detachable inner forestay is standard.
Judge Ed Sherman, a stickler for details, gave the systems of the Malö 40 an A rating for excellence. It’s a lovely sailing vessel. The boat’s equipment is all of the highest calibre. The Malö 40 was chosen as the Best Midsize Cruiser as well.
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