Bongo 9.60 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Bongo 9.60 spanned a relatively short period, from 2002 to 2005. Olea Composite, established in 2001 in Brittany, France, specialized in modern monohulls constructed from composite materials, primarily polyester. This focus on composite construction underscored an emphasis on strength, rigidity, and performance—characteristics highly valued during the era in which the Bongo 9.60 was built. Pierre Rolland's hull design for the Bongo 9.60 was integral to its performance-oriented nature. While detailed design philosophies for this specific model are not extensively documented, the boat's specifications reflect a clear intent to create a lightweight, agile vessel. The Bongo 9.60 was primarily offered with a deep fin keel featuring a lead bulb (often referred to as the GTE version), optimized for performance. Interestingly, a twin-keel option was also available, offering versatility for different sailing grounds and shallower drafts. A unique selling point was its "unsinkable" construction, a testament to its robust build.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bongo 9.60 exhibits performance characteristics indicative of a lively and capable sailboat. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.6, the Bongo 9.60 suggests good performance in lighter air conditions, allowing it to move efficiently even when winds are moderate. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at around 107, places it firmly in the category of a very light and performance-oriented design. This low ratio signifies a boat built for speed, capable of planing or semi-planing in the right conditions. The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of approximately 29.4% indicates that while she prioritizes lightness, her stability is sufficient for a performance cruiser, though she may exhibit more heel than heavily ballasted traditional cruisers. Owners and reviewers often highlight the boat's excellent ergonomic deck plan and the well-distributed maneuvering fittings, contributing to its ease of handling. Anecdotal evidence, including videos of the Bongo 9.60 "surfing," further underscores its ability to achieve impressive speeds downwind, with reports of up to 16.5 knots when surfing.

Accommodations and Layout

Interior details for the Bongo 9.60, particularly regarding its original factory layout, are not extensively publicized. The relatively compact length overall of 31.5 feet suggests an interior designed to balance living space with performance considerations. Some listings for pre-owned models indicate that several Bongo 9.60s have undergone "new bespoke interior layouts for greater comfort," often completed by owners after 2014. This suggests that while the initial configuration might have been more Spartan or race-focused, owners adapted the interiors to enhance cruising amenities. While specific descriptions of standard V-berths, galleys, or salon configurations are scarce, the presence of these customized layouts points to a versatile hull capable of accommodating comfortable living arrangements.