Compass 750 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Compass 750's production run, spanning from 1977 to 1981, places it within a pivotal era for Compass Yachts Ltd. The company, co-founded by Don Lees and Gunther Heuchmer, was known for embracing fiberglass as a revolutionary material, making yachting more attainable for a wider audience. Their ethos focused on producing practical, robust, and affordable cruising yachts, a philosophy clearly reflected in the 750's design. The builder carved a niche for reliable GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) vessels that offered good value and solid performance, rather than high-end luxury or extreme racing capabilities.

A defining characteristic of the Compass 750 is its swing keel, a pivoting lifting keel that significantly enhances its versatility. This design feature allows the boat to navigate both coastal and inland waters, and crucially, enables access to shallow marinas and anchorages by reducing its draft. This adaptability would have been a considerable advantage for sailors exploring diverse waterways in Australia and New Zealand.

Sailing Performance and Handling

At just under 25 feet in length overall with a 20-foot waterline, the Compass 750 is characterized as a light sailboat and a good performer. Owners and reviewers generally describe it as reasonably stable and stiff, capable of handling various conditions with confidence. Its fractional sloop rig, with a reported sail area of 260 square feet, contributes to its lively handling characteristics. However, it is noted to have a low righting capability if capsized, a consideration typical for lighter displacement vessels of its type. The incorporation of a swing keel means that while it offers excellent shallow-water access, its performance profile might differ slightly from a fixed-keel counterpart, especially in heavy weather, though specific anecdotal reports are scarce.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and accommodations of the Compass 750 is limited in available public records. While details such as maximum headroom, number of cabins, and berths are not widely published, boats of this size from the late 1970s typically feature a functional, albeit compact, interior. Such layouts would traditionally include a V-berth forward for sleeping, a small main salon area that might convert into additional berths, a basic galley area for food preparation, and potentially a compact marine head. Given Compass Yachts' reputation for practical and affordable boats, the interior finish would likely have been robust and straightforward, focusing on durability and utility over luxury.