The Compis 97 is a Swedish-designed sailboat known for its blend of practical cruising capabilities and robust construction. Conceived by naval architect Bernt Andersson and initially built by Compisbåtar AB, this fractional sloop emerged in the late 1970s as a thoughtful option for sailors seeking a reliable and stable vessel for coastal and possibly offshore adventures. Drawing on the reputation of Swedish yacht building for quality and seaworthiness, the Compis 97 embodies a design philosophy that prioritizes balanced performance with a comfortable motion.
Compis 97 Information, Review, Specs
- Make
- Model
- Number Built
- Production Year(s)
- 1979 - 1985
The story of the Compis 97 begins with its presentation in 1978, with the first finished boats entering production in 1979. The designer, Bernt Andersson, established his own yard, Compisbåtar, to construct the vessel. During this period, the broader Swedish boat-building industry, including Comfortbåtar AB (known for its commitment to quality and thoughtful design), embraced fiberglass as the primary construction material. The Compis 97 aligns with this era's emphasis on durable, well-engineered yachts. Approximately 50 units of the Compis 97 were built by Compisbåtar before the company faced bankruptcy in 1982. Following this, the molds were acquired by Norrland Plastics, which continued the production run until 1985. Notably, some Compis 97 hulls and decks were also assembled by Bernt Andersson in Karlstad for self-building projects, indicating a flexible approach to production.
Sailing Performance and Handling
The Compis 97, with a length overall of just under 32 feet (31.69 ft / 9.66 m) and a waterline length of 22.97 feet (7.00 m), is characterized by a moderate design that balances performance with stability. Its calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.79 suggests a boat that is neither overly powerful nor severely under-canvassed. This indicates decent performance in moderate to fresh breezes, offering a good balance for cruising without demanding extreme light-air conditions.
A Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.3888 (38.9%) is a commendable figure, approaching the 40% often associated with good initial stability and stiffness. This suggests the Compis 97 can stand up to a significant amount of wind, providing a secure and comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 292.81 positions the Compis 97 as a heavier, more traditional cruiser. This weight class contributes to a more comfortable ride in choppy conditions, emphasizing seakindliness over outright speed. Overall, the Compis 97 is described as a stable and stiff sailboat, best suited for coastal cruising.
Accommodations and Layout
While specific detailed interior layouts for the Compis 97 are not extensively documented in available public records, the typical arrangement for a sailboat of its size and era (early 1980s) would feature a functional interior designed for comfortable cruising. Common elements would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that often convert into berths, a galley, and a head compartment. References to "Nya dynor i salong och förpik år 2003" (new cushions in salon and V-berth in 2003) from Swedish listings indicate the presence of these conventional sleeping and living areas onboard. Given the builder's Swedish heritage and the general standards of the time, interiors would likely feature a practical, possibly Scandinavian-influenced design with robust, if not luxurious, finishes. Storage would typically be integrated into cabinetry and under berths, aiming for efficient use of space essential for cruising.
Measurements
Construction & Hull
- Construction Material
- Fiberglass (Solid)
- Hull Type
- Monohull Sailboat
- Keel Type
- Fin
- Rudder
- 1x Skeg-Hung
- Ballast
- 3086 lbs (Lead)
- Displacement
- 7937 lbs
- Water Capacity
- -
- Fuel Capacity
- -
Engine
- Engine Make
- Volvo Penta
- Engine Model
- MD7A
- Engine Type
- —
- Engine HP
- 13
- Engine Count
- 1
- Drive Type
- —
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
Rig & Sails
- Rig Type
- Fractional Sloop
- P (Main Luff)
- 36.09 ft
- E (Main Foot)
- 11.48 ft
- I (Foretriangle Height)
- 32.15 ft
- J (Foretriangle Base)
- 11.48 ft
- Forestay Length (est)
- 34.14 ft
- Main Sail Area
- 207.16 sqft
- Foretriangle Sail Area
- 184.54 sqft
- Total Sail Area (Reported)
- 392 sqft
- Total Sail Area (Calc)
- 391.7 sqft
Dimensions
- LOA
- 31.69 ft
- LWL
- 22.97 ft
- Beam
- 10.14 ft
- Draft
- 5.41 ft
- Max Headroom
- -
- Air Draft
- -
Calculations
- Hull Speed
- 6.42 kn
- Pounds per Inch Immersion
- 832.23