Compromis 909 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Compromis 909 emerged from the drawing board of Frans Maas, a prolific Dutch designer known for his innovative approach, including being an early proponent of fiberglass construction. Maas's design philosophy, which had previously shaped models like the Compromis 777 for Zaadnoordijk, emphasized practical layouts and robust performance for comfortable cruising. Zaadnoordijk Yachtbuilders, with roots dating back to 1947, was dedicated to craftsmanship and transitioned to durable fiberglass construction, ensuring their yachts were both strong and efficient to build. The Compromis 909 embodies this manufacturing ethos, designed to be a solidly built cabin sailing yacht. 5, 7, Builder Article While specific design goals for the 909 are not widely detailed, the general aim for Compromis yachts was to deliver comfortable, capable, and seaworthy vessels. There is no widely documented evidence of significant variations or "Marks" (e.g., MkI, MkII) during the Compromis 909's production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Compromis 909 is configured as a masthead sloop, a rig known for its simplicity and the ability to carry a substantial sail area efficiently. With a length overall of 31.0 feet and a waterline length of 26.0 feet, she boasts a moderate displacement of 9,900 pounds. Her design features a fin keel with a spade rudder, a combination that typically offers a good balance of directional stability and maneuverability.

Translating the raw specifications into qualitative performance, the Compromis 909's Ballast to Displacement ratio stands at approximately 38% (3,740 lbs ballast / 9,900 lbs displacement). This figure suggests a moderately stiff boat, capable of standing up to a decent amount of wind without excessive heeling, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at 251.46, firmly places the Compromis 909 in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser. This indicates a robust and forgiving hull, designed for stability and comfort over outright speed, capable of handling a variety of sea conditions. While specific reported sail area data is scarce, the design's overall characteristics suggest a boat that is "easy to handle" and performs "very respectably" for a cruising yacht of its type, providing an enjoyable experience at the helm. Her theoretical hull speed is calculated at 6.83 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Compromis 909 is noted for offering a "great amount of interior space for the size of boat," making it suitable for comfortable cruising. The interior layout typically accommodates up to seven berths, maximizing sleeping capacity. Owners praise the spaciousness, with a generous maximum headroom of 1.90 meters (approximately 6.23 feet), which significantly enhances comfort below deck. While detailed descriptions of finish quality and specific materials are not extensively documented, Dutch-built yachts from this era, particularly from reputable yards like Zaadnoordijk, are generally known for their quality construction and practical use of materials. The boat carries a substantial water capacity of 66 gallons and a fuel capacity of 18 gallons, providing ample reserves for extended trips.