Limbo 9.9 Information, Review, Specs

The Limbo 9.9 emerged in 1984, marking a significant offering from Zygal Boats during their operational tenure, which concluded in the mid-1980s. Founded in 1970 with Arthur Edmunds at the helm, Zygal Boats embraced Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction, valuing its benefits in durability, reduced maintenance, and efficient production compared to traditional wooden methods. This ethos of crafting viable sailing yachts for the leisure market, balancing performance with practicality, is evident in the Limbo series.

The design of the Limbo 9.9 is attributed to Andrew Stewart, a naval architect described as "a bit of a local legend on the UK east coast". Stewart's philosophy often leaned towards creating fast and responsive yachts, a trait that the Limbo 9.9 embodies. While specific design briefs for the 9.9 are not extensively documented, its heritage suggests a focus on competitive sailing characteristics, a hallmark of Zygal's production, including their earlier successful racing dinghies. There is no widely documented evidence of significant variations or mark changes during the Limbo 9.9's production run, which was relatively short before Zygal Boats ceased operations.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 32.25 feet and a waterline length of 27.92 feet, the Limbo 9.9 possesses dimensions that contribute to a lively sailing experience. Its displacement of 10,900 pounds, when assessed against its waterline length, yields a Displacement-to-Length ratio of approximately 224. This ratio indicates a moderately light displacement vessel, suggesting a design oriented towards performance rather than heavy-weather offshore cruising.

A defining feature of the Limbo 9.9 is its lifting keel, which allows for a variable draft ranging from a shallow 2.33 feet to a deeper 6.0 feet. This adaptability enhances its versatility, enabling access to shallow anchorages and inland waterways while providing improved upwind performance and stability when the keel is fully deployed. The Limbo 9.9 is rigged as a fractional sloop, a configuration often chosen for its ease of sail handling and efficiency. Anecdotal accounts from owners frequently praise the boat for being "fast – like a laser dinghy with a cabin," highlighting its responsive and exhilarating performance on the water. It is often perceived as "light on the water," further reinforcing its agile characteristics. While specific sail area and ballast weight figures are not consistently available in public records, preventing a direct calculation of Sail Area to Displacement and Ballast to Displacement ratios, the qualitative descriptions strongly suggest a boat designed to be nimble and exciting to sail.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Limbo 9.9, while providing essential comforts for cruising, reflects its performance-oriented design. Owners have noted that "accommodations were adequate but given the design reason of the boat, racer, was less headroom etc. than others of similar size". This suggests that while functional, the interior prioritizes efficient use of space over opulent living.

A typical layout for a 32-foot sailboat of this era would generally include a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that may convert into berths, a galley area, and a head compartment. Given the emphasis on sailing performance, the finish quality likely leans towards practical and durable fiberglass surfaces, possibly complemented by some wood trim. Storage solutions would be integrated where possible to maximize usable space. The limited water capacity of 5 gallons (19 liters) indicates that the Limbo 9.9 was likely intended for coastal cruising and weekend trips rather than extended offshore voyages requiring significant self-sufficiency.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Limbo 9.9 generally appreciate its spirited performance and the unique advantages offered by its lifting keel. The boat is often seen as a "fine boat for whizzing round on," capable of delivering an engaging sailing experience. Its ability to navigate shallow waters due to its variable draft is a frequently cited strength, opening up cruising grounds inaccessible to many other keelboats.

However, some owner feedback suggests that the construction, while adequate, may not be as robust as some heavier cruising boats, with one comment noting, "Not the most robust construction, and a bit short of home comforts". This highlights a trade-off often made in performance-oriented designs, where weight savings can sometimes come at the expense of heavy-duty construction or elaborate interior finishes. Despite these points, the existence of an "owners association" indicates a dedicated community of enthusiasts who actively support and maintain these unique yachts.