Maas began his long design partnership with the builder around 1981 with the Compromis 777. He remained its principal naval architect through the center-cockpit lines, and the 909 belongs to this Maas-era output. It’s a moderate-displacement, solid-fiberglass masthead sloop intended as a straightforward family cruiser.
Design and Construction
The 909 has a solid-fiberglass hull, a lead-ballasted fin keel, and a spade rudder. Loaded draft is roughly 4.1 feet, shallow enough for modest marinas and some gunkholing.
Displacement is 9,900 pounds, including 3,740 pounds of lead ballast, for a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 37.8 percent. Those figures point to a moderately stiff coastal cruiser rather than a lightweight racer.
A capsize screening value of 2.12 and a comfort ratio of 22.36 place the boat firmly in the family-cruiser band. Its 2.75 length-to-beam ratio and wetted surface of about 301 square feet describe a beamy, volume-oriented hull. Correspondingly, immersion is high at about 1,192 pounds per inch.
Rig and Handling
The Compromis 909 carries a masthead sloop rig. Its sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 14.45 suggests a comparatively modest rig for the boat’s weight. It should provide enough power to drive the hull comfortably in a breeze, but the 909 isn’t likely to be a lively performer in light air. With a hull speed of 6.83 knots, it’s designed for steady coastal passages rather than surfboard acceleration.
The sheet specifications are useful for owners planning replacements or upgrades. Jib and genoa sheets are about 30.7 feet long and half an inch in diameter. The mainsheet is a much longer 76.7-foot line of the same diameter—a mainsheet length of 23.4 m—while the spinnaker sheets measure 67.5 feet.
Accommodations and Systems
Belowdecks, the 909 provides seven berths, reflecting a layout intended for families or guest crews rather than minimalist, shorthanded sailing.
Fresh-water capacity is 66 gallons, while the fuel tank holds 18 gallons. That water supply supports weekend and extended coastal use without frequent replenishment, though fuel capacity is comparatively modest.
Auxiliary power comes from a Yanmar 27D rated at 18 horsepower or an optional 24-horsepower diesel, turning a saildrive. The saildrive is a period choice that simplifies the drivetrain, but its seal calls for the usual inspection.
Verdict
The Compromis 909 is a straightforward Maas-designed cruiser: solidly built, beamy, and rich in berths. Its shallow fin keel suits gunkholing, while its modest rig favors stability over sparkle. It should appeal to a couple or family looking for a simple, proven 31-footer rather than a performance platform.
Pros
- Solid-fiberglass hull with a lead-ballasted fin keel and shallow draft of roughly 4 feet
- Seven berths for family or guest cruising
- Frans Maas design lineage within the established Compromis marque
Cons
- Sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 14.45 limits light-air pace
- Saildrive auxiliary requires vigilance over the seal
- Modest 18-gallon fuel capacity
