The Comet 1050, launched in 1983 by the renowned Italian shipyard Comar Yachts, represents a significant chapter in the builder's history of producing elegant, high-performance cruising sailboats. Designed by the celebrated French naval architecture firm Groupe Finot, this monohull quickly established itself as a well-regarded vessel, praised for its modern characteristics for the era, particularly its spacious interior and a design philosophy that prioritized both stability and sailing performance. With a length overall of just over 33 feet and a waterline length approaching 28.5 feet, the Comet 1050 strikes a balance between manageable size and comfortable accommodations, making it an appealing option for coastal cruising and extended voyages alike.
Comet 1050 Information, Review, Specs
- Make
- Comet
- Model
- 1050
- Number Built
- Production Year(s)
- 1983 - ??
Comar Yachts, a company that evolved from its origins in wooden dinghies to a prominent fiberglass yacht manufacturer, consistently sought to combine elegant design with robust performance. The Comet 1050 is a testament to this ethos, building on the shipyard's successful partnership with Groupe Finot that began with the iconic Comet 910.
History and Design
The Comet 1050's introduction in 1983 marked its place during a period of expansion and innovation for Comar Yachts. The shipyard was actively diversifying its offerings and collaborating with distinguished naval architects like Groupe Finot, who were known for designing perfectly balanced and admirably seaworthy boats. The design goals for the Comet 1050 specifically aimed for a slightly more spacious hull compared to some contemporaries, while maintaining a focus on stability and performance. This approach aligned with Comar's broader manufacturing ethos of the 1980s, which saw the company adopt advanced production techniques such as balsa and Termanto cored sandwich construction and vacuum lamination, enhancing the strength and lightness of their vessels.
The Comet 1050 was developed from the earlier Comet 1000, signifying a continuous evolution in Comar's product line. While the standard rigging for the Comet 1050 is a masthead sloop, the model also featured a "short rig" option, providing versatility for different sailing preferences or conditions. [2, 4, The hull itself is constructed of solid fiberglass, offering a robust foundation for the vessel.
Sailing Performance and Handling
Interpreting the Comet 1050's specifications reveals a sailboat designed for capable cruising. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.85, the Comet 1050 suggests moderate performance in lighter winds, meaning it should be able to move reasonably well without being a dedicated light-air specialist. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.36 indicates a moderately stiff boat, capable of standing up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling, contributing to a comfortable motion underway.
The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 216.76, places the Comet 1050 in the medium-light cruiser category. This suggests a vessel that balances solid construction with a hull form capable of respectable speeds for its size. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration further enhance its responsiveness and maneuverability. Owners and reviewers frequently note that the Comet 1050's design successfully "favors stability and performance," resulting in a boat that is balanced and seaworthy in various conditions. The theoretical hull speed for the Comet 1050 is calculated at 7.13 knots.
Accommodations and Layout
The interior of the Comet 1050 is a key selling point, particularly for its time. It was considered "modern for the era" and notably featured a "spacious aft cabin." The typical layout offers accommodations for six people, arranged across two cabins and including one head. It is equipped with four berths, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements for a crew or family.
While specific details on materials and finish quality require more in-depth exploration of individual boats, Comar's general reputation for "well-made construction with structural counter-molds" likely extended to the interior, suggesting a solid and durable finish. The boat features a generous water capacity of 106 gallons, indicating suitability for extended trips, and is equipped with a water pressure pump and warm water system for added comfort. [6,
Owner's Perspectives
Owners of the Comet 1050 often praise its robust build quality and thoughtful design. The "well-made construction with structural counter-molds" is a frequently highlighted strength, contributing to the vessel's longevity and structural integrity. A significant advantage consistently noted by owners is the boat's "livability," particularly the spaciousness of its interior for a boat of its size, which includes a notably comfortable aft cabin. This makes the Comet 1050 a highly regarded choice for those prioritizing comfort and extended stays aboard. In a rental context, aspects like "onboard comfort" and "quality/price ratio" have also been positively acknowledged, hinting at overall owner satisfaction. While common recurring issues are not extensively documented in available public forums specific to the Comet 1050, the general consensus points to a solid, well-performing cruiser that offers good value and comfortable living spaces.
Measurements
Construction & Hull
- Construction Material
- Fiberglass (Solid)
- Hull Type
- Monohull Sailboat
- Keel Type
- Fin
- Rudder
- 1x Spade
- Ballast
- 3968 lbs (Iron)
- Displacement
- 11023 lbs
- Water Capacity
- 106 gal
- Fuel Capacity
- 24 gal
Engine
- Engine Make
- Volvo Penta
- Engine Model
- MD2003
- Engine Type
- —
- Engine HP
- 25
- Engine Count
- 1
- Drive Type
- —
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
Rig & Sails
- Rig Type
- Masthead Sloop
- P (Main Luff)
- 39.1 ft
- E (Main Foot)
- 11 ft
- I (Foretriangle Height)
- 48.33 ft
- J (Foretriangle Base)
- 12.7 ft
- Forestay Length (est)
- 49.97 ft
- Main Sail Area
- 215.05 sqft
- Foretriangle Sail Area
- 306.9 sqft
- Total Sail Area (Reported)
- 522 sqft
- Total Sail Area (Calc)
- 521.95 sqft
Dimensions
- LOA
- 33.33 ft
- LWL
- 28.3 ft
- Beam
- 11 ft
- Draft
- 5.9 ft
- Max Headroom
- -
- Air Draft
- -
Calculations
- Hull Speed
- 7.13 kn
- Pounds per Inch Immersion
- 1