MALO 40
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 31.33 ft |
| LWL | 27.89 ft |
| Beam | 10.01 ft |
| Draft | 4.27 ft |
| Displacement | 9,920.8 lb |
| Ballast | 4,408.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.1 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 50.83 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 14.75 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 44.92 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 15.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 15.1 ft |
| Mainsail | 353 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 396 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 673.3 sq ft |
| SA total | 353 sq ft |
About the MALO 40
Available with a ketch rig. Sail area with Mizzen: 46 m² / 495 ft² Thanks to Steve Hudson for providing additional information and images.
Designed by Olsoner Batbyggen and built by Maló Yachts (SWE) from 1974–1986, the Malo 40 is a robust Swedish cruiser with 350 hulls produced. Its full keel design and heavy displacement of 9920.8 lb reflect a focus on stability and seakeeping rather than high-speed performance.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and those seeking a stable, comfortable passage maker who prioritize safety and ease of handling over speed. It is well-suited for couples or small families looking for a reliable, traditional sailing experience.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.87 and a comfort ratio of 24.65, the Malo 40 is highly capable offshore, offering excellent stability and motion comfort in heavy weather. Its full keel and substantial ballast of 4408.8 lb provide reliable tracking and safety for extended passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Hallberg-Rassy 38 and the Nauticat 38, which share similar full-keel designs, heavy displacement, and a reputation for safe, comfortable offshore cruising. These vessels appeal to buyers seeking proven Scandinavian build quality and conservative performance characteristics.
Direct variant of the MALO 40
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 31.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
8 reported issues across 6 systems for the MALO 40, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MALO 40? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 8 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your MALO 40?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Volvo-Penta, Perkins, Kubota — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the MALO 40
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…