The Malo 45 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Malo 45, an aft cockpit sloop, was designed by Leif Ängermark and built in Sweden by Malö Yachts.

'Malkemi', a Malo 45 bluewater cruising yacht, fitted with a double-headsail solent rig.

A Malo 45 bluewater cruising yacht, fitted with in-mast furling and a solent rig.

Published Specification for the Malo 45

Underwater Configuration: Fin keel & skeg-hung rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 46'7" (14.2m)

Waterline Length: 39'0" (11.9m)

Beam: 13'6" (4.1m)

Draft: 6'10" (2.1m)

Rig Type: Masthead sloop

Displacement: 31,085lb (14,100kg)

Designer: Leif Ängermark

Builder: Malö Yachts (Sweden)

Year First Built: 2000

Published Design Ratios for the Malo 45

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 16.1

Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 39.0

Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 234

Under 100: Ultralight
100 to 200: Light
200 to 275: Moderate
275 to 350: Heavy
Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 36.3

Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.7

Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Malo 45

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1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 16.1 suggests that the Malo 45 will, in the right conditions, approach her maximum hull speed readily and satisfy the sailing performance expectations of most cruising sailors.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 39.0 means that the Malo 45 will have a tendency to heel excessively in a gust, and she'll need to be reefed early to keep her sailing upright in a moderate breeze.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 234, tells us the Malo 45 is a moderate displacement cruiser, which means she'll carry all your cruising gear without it having a dramatic effect on her performance. Most of today's sailboats intended for offshore cruising fall into this displacement category.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 36.3 suggests that crew comfort of a Malo 45 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a moderate bluewater cruising boat - a predictable and acceptable motion for most seasoned sailors.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.7 tells us that a Malo 45 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0.

The Malo 45: Key Features

The Malo 45 sailboat is a bluewater cruiser that is designed for long-distance sailing. It is known for its high-quality construction and excellent sailing performance. The boat has a spacious interior with plenty of room for living aboard. It has two cabins and four berths. The galley is located on the port side of the saloon, and the navigation station is located on the starboard side. The boat has two heads.

The Malo 45 sailboat has a slab reefing mainsail. The mast is deck-stepped. The boat has an aft cockpit. It is designed for offshore sailing and performs reasonably well in light winds. It has an easy and comfortable motion at sea under sail.

In terms of its 'fors', the Malo 45 sailboat is known for its high-quality construction, excellent sailing performance, spacious interior, and comfortable motion at sea under sail.

In terms of its 'againsts', it has a limited number of sleeping cabins and berths, which may not be suitable for larger crews. Additionally, it may require help from the engine in light winds.

Malö Yachts: A brief history

Malö Yachts is a Swedish shipyard founded by Johannes Olsson in 1939 and was originally named Olsöners Båtbyggen. During the first 30 years, the company built wooden sailing yachts. Johannes’ sons, Bo and Orvar Olsson took over the business in 1963 and built their first GRP Malö Yachts in 1969. Lars and Bengt Olsson, sons of Bo assumed responsibility of Malö Yachts in 1984 and ran the company until 2008 when Bob Erixon bought the yard. Malö Yachts is located in Kungsviken, on the historic boat building island of Orust.