Second-hand boat of the week: Compromis 999 – a small long-distance cruiser

Anyone looking for a compact second-hand boat for holiday cruises with a small crew will find a rare but interesting class amongst the centre-cockpit yachts. The forward-positioned helm creates space aft for a separate sleeping cabin, whilst also offering good protection from the wind and spray. The Compromis 999 is a typical example of this design and is the focus of our used boat review this week.

Space for long sailing trips

The Compromis 999 offers plenty of space within a length of just over nine and a half metres. With a beam of 3.40 metres and a displacement of just under five tonnes, it is designed with living comfort as its primary focus. Below deck, the layout comprises a large seating area, the galley, a navigation station, the wet room, an aft cabin accessible from the saloon, and a second cabin in the foredeck.

There is approximately 1.90 metres of headroom in the saloon. However, the side passageway leading aft is only about 1.56 metres high in places. The double bed in the aft berth measures approximately 2.15 by 1.40 metres and can be used permanently as the owner’s berth. However, the rudder stock protrudes into the foot area, so taller sailors in particular should try out the access and the sleeping area. The five to six berths originally specified by the shipyard should be understood as the maximum capacity. The Compromis really comes into its own as a cruising boat for two to four sailors.

The deep cockpit is set forward and protects the crew from wind and spray with high coamings and fixed windows. The sprayhood and canopy create an additional, weatherproof lounge area. However, the cockpit remains smaller than on a comparable yacht with a stern cockpit, and the tall silhouette is noticeable when manoeuvring in light winds.

Comfort over speed

Under sail, she is easy-going but lacks a bit of spirit. A ballast ratio of around 42 per cent and a moderate sail area ensure she is easy to control. In light winds, her weight, wetted surface area and payload are clearly noticeable. A heavily rigged Test boat With wind speeds of around twelve knots, it remained close to the wind, travelling at less than five knots.

When the wind picks up, the Compromis 999 performs better within its optimal range and sails smoothly and predictably. The options for sail trim are limited. At the time, buyers could choose between draughts of 1.25 and 1.50 metres, as well as masts measuring 10.60 and 12 metres in length. The shallower keel is designed for open coastal waters, whilst the longer rig promises greater performance.

A flat keel, on the other hand, extends the boat’s range of use to inland and shallow-water areas, whilst the short rig reduces heel and loads and makes the boat easier for small crews to handle. A folding or swivel propeller is advisable, as a fixed-pitch propeller would further hinder the boat’s already modest performance in light winds.

Propulsion is usually provided by a 27 PS Yanmar diesel engine with Saildrive. Around 150 litres of fresh water and 70 litres of diesel are sufficient for typical holiday cruises.

Potential problem areas

There are no known significant production defects. For boats built before 1997, the moisture content of the laminate and the condition of the hull are important factors, as the more water-resistant vinyl ester resin was only introduced after that date. Early Plexiglas windows, which were bolted directly into the hull, are more prone to leaks than the panes fitted later into aluminium frames.

In production for almost two decades

The Compromis 999, designed by Frans Maas, was built by the Dutch shipyard Zaadnoordijk between 1987 and 2005. Around 2000, the Compromis brand was renamed C-Yacht. In 2014, a single-off model was even produced from a hull that had been in storage. The long production run is testament to the popularity and timeless design of this Dutch centre-cockpit yacht. Over the years, however, various changes were made to the construction and fittings, meaning that individual boats can differ significantly depending on their year of build and the owner’s modifications. Prospective buyers would therefore be well advised to take a close look at the specific model and its history.

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Book recommendations

Buying a boat guides you step by step through the key questions to consider before purchasing a yacht – from choosing the right type and assessing its value to financing, contract negotiations, secure payment and handover. This provides a sound basis for realistically assessing offers and risks when buying a second-hand boat.

​Refitting made easy uses the example of an older GRP long-keel yacht to show how a yacht can be gradually brought back up to standard, both technically and practically. Topics covered include hull refurbishment, interior fit-out, electrical systems, propulsion, water supply and power generation. The book is particularly suitable for refit projects where owners wish to realistically assess the scope of work, the most sensible sequence of tasks and typical areas where they can carry out the work themselves.

What has been your experience of buying a second-hand wooden boat – and which parts would you examine particularly carefully if you were viewing one today?