Design and Construction
The 909 carries a solid fiberglass hull with a fin keel and spade rudder, drawing roughly 4.1 feet loaded — shallow enough to tuck into modest marinas. At a 37.8 percent ballast-to-displacement ratio on 3,740 pounds of lead and a 9,900-pound displacement, the boat reads as a moderately stiff coastal cruiser rather than a featherweight racer. The capsize screening value of 2.12 and a comfort ratio of 22.36 place her firmly in the family-cruiser band, while the length-to-beam ratio of 2.75 and a wetted surface near 301 square feet describe a beamy, volume-oriented hull with correspondingly high immersion of about 1,192 pounds per inch.
Rig and Handling
She is rigged as a masthead sloop, and the sheet spec helps a new owner plan upgrades: jib and genoa sheets run about 30.7 feet at a half-inch diameter, the mainsheet is a long 76.7-foot line of the same diameter, and spinnaker sheets measure 67.5 feet mainsheet length of 23.4 m. The sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 14.45 suggests a comparatively modest rig for her weight — enough to drive the hull comfortably in a breeze, but not a lively light-air performer. With a hull speed of 6.83 knots, the 909 is built for steady coastal passages rather than surfboard acceleration.
Accommodations
Below, the 909 is equipped with seven berths, a count that signals a layout oriented toward families or guest crews rather than a minimalist shorthanded setup. The 66-gallon water capacity and 18-gallon fuel tank support weekend and extended coastal use without frequent replenishment. The Yanmar 27D at 18 horsepower or an optional 24-horsepower diesel turning a saildrive provides auxiliary propulsion; the saildrive itself is a period choice that simplifies the drivetrain but warrants the usual seal inspection.
The Verdict
The Compromis 909 is a straightforward Maas-designed cruiser: solidly built, beamy, and berth-rich, with a shallow fin keel for gunkholing and a modest rig that prioritizes stability over sparkle. She suits a couple or family seeking a simple, proven 31-footer rather than a performance platform.
Pros
- Solid fiberglass hull with lead-ballasted fin keel and shallow ~4-foot draft
- Seven berths for family or guest cruising
- Frans Maas design lineage within the established Compromis marque
Cons
- Sail-area/displacement ratio of 14.45 limits light-air pace
- Saildrive auxiliary demands seal vigilance
- Modest 18-gallon fuel capacity
