Malo 37

The Malö 37 is a Swedish bluewater cruiser designed by Leif Ängermark and built by Malö Yachts on the island of Orust in Sweden, with production beginning in 2007. At just over 37 feet on deck, it was conceived as a large-feeling yacht in its class, combining a long waterline, generous beam, and a broad load-carrying stern to produce a capable offshore passage-maker. Cruising World honored the Malö 37 as Yacht of the Year in 2009, reflecting its standing in the bluewater community.

The boat is rigged as a fractional sloop with a seven-eighths foretriangle and swept-back spreaders, carrying a main and genoa totaling 69 m² (742 ft²), with an optional 102 m² spinnaker for downwind work. A Yanmar diesel and a removable inner forestay for setting a staysail round out a versatile offshore package aimed squarely at northern-latitude passage making and world voyaging.

The hull and deck are molded separately in fiberglass, the main structural bulkhead is glassed in place, and the two shells are then joined and glassed together — a method consistent with Malö's reputation for thick, robust lay-up. All interior modules except the primary structural bulkhead are brought aboard through the companionway opening after the hull-deck join is complete. Standing rigging is by Seldén, with Harken jib furling and traveler hardware, Andersen winches, and Lewmar hatches throughout. A solid fiberglass forward-raking targa arch is standard.

The keel is a fin with a lead bulb, and the rudder is carried on a partial skeg — a layout that balances the manoeuvrability of a modern fin with the directional stability and rudder protection valued for offshore use. CE certification class A confirms suitability for open-ocean sailing. Teak decking runs at 12 mm thick, and the rod-driven steering system adds to the quality-oriented finish.

Under sail the Malö 37 is a moderate-displacement yacht with a displacement-to-length ratio typical of well-found cruisers rather than performance racers. Upwind, reviewers noted that standard sails can be rather full-cut and benefit from a backstay tensioner to flatten the main; close-hauled angles of around 45° apparent are realistic. Downwind and on a reach the picture improves considerably, with the broad stern and long waterline generating purposeful passage-making speeds and a sense of easy power.

In motor trials using the 45 hp Yanmar with a folding propeller, the boat returned 6.3 knots at a comfortable 2,200 rpm cruise and around 7–8 knots at full throttle — practical figures for harbour approaches and motoring in calms.

The standard interior provides two double cabins: a forward owner's cabin with a berth measuring roughly 2.07 m and generous storage, and an aft double of approximately 2.00 m × 1.87 m. Between them the saloon offers a U-shaped dining area to port and a straight settee opposite, a port-side galley with dual sinks, a starboard navigation table, and a single shower compartment. Total berth count ranges from four to six depending on configuration.

Joinery is in mahogany veneer with white, batten-trimmed overheads, creating a warm, traditional Nordic feel. Thoughtful details for offshore use include deep fiddles around all work surfaces, extensive grabrails, forward-hinged cockpit seats giving access to stowage, and a deep well-protected cockpit with a windscreen — all hallmarks of a yacht designed for serious long-distance sailing rather than summer coastal cruising.