Comet 11 Plus Information, Review, Specs

The Comet 11 Plus was introduced in 1985, building upon Comar's legacy of successful collaborations with Groupe Finot. During the 1980s, Comar Yachts experienced significant growth, moving to a larger facility and pioneering advanced production techniques such as balsa and Termanto cored sandwich construction and vacuum lamination, which enhanced the strength and lightness of their vessels. This era saw Comar expanding its design repertoire, including collaborations with Finot, Doug Peterson, and Andrea Vallicelli, to create boats that were both comfortable and fast. The Comet 11 Plus embodies this design philosophy, featuring a fin keel for maneuverability and a skeg-hung rudder for robust steering and control. While the standard draft is 6.56 feet, a shallow draft version was also available at 5.25 feet, offering versatility for different cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a reported sail area of 585 square feet, the Comet 11 Plus is designed for a balanced sailing experience rather than extreme light-air performance or heavy-weather racing. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 15.88 suggests moderate performance, indicating that it will perform competently across a range of wind conditions without being overly sensitive in lighter breezes or excessively powerful in heavy air.

The Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.354 (35.4%) indicates a reasonable level of stability, suggesting the boat will stand up to a decent amount of wind without excessive heeling, offering a comfortable motion for cruisers. This moderate ballast ratio, combined with its fiberglass solid hull, contributes to a solid and secure feel offshore. The Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 248.78 categorizes the Comet 11 Plus as a moderate displacement cruiser. This translates to a boat that offers a good compromise between carrying capacity and performance, capable of covering distances comfortably while still being responsive at the helm. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Comet 11 Plus is known for its good manners and comfortable motion at sea, making it a reliable choice for family cruising. Some versions were even equipped with a double steering position, featuring both an outside tiller and an inside steering wheel, offering flexibility in different weather conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Comet 11 Plus is designed to maximize comfort and livability, typical of a cruising yacht of its era. With a beam of nearly 12 feet, the boat provides generous interior volume. Descriptions often highlight a spacious saloon, which serves as the heart of the living area. The typical layout includes a forward V-berth cabin, a saloon with settees that can convert into additional berths, and usually one or two aft cabins, often configured as double berths. Some sources mention an eight-berth capacity, which would likely include convertible saloon berths. The head and galley are generally well-appointed for comfortable cruising, offering necessary amenities for extended stays onboard. While specific details on finish quality require closer inspection of individual boats, Comar's reputation during this period was for producing quality sailing yachts, often incorporating wood trim to create a warm and inviting interior ambiance.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Comet 11 Plus often praise its robust construction and comfortable ride, highlighting its suitability for family cruising and longer voyages. The solid fiberglass hull and fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder contribute to a sense of security and predictable handling in varying sea states. The spacious interior, with its comfortable saloon and multiple berths, is frequently appreciated for accommodating crews or families on extended trips. While specific common problems were not extensively detailed in general reviews, owners typically value the boat's overall reliability and the quality of construction inherent in Comar Yachts from this era. Some discussions may touch upon routine maintenance expected of boats from the late 1980s, such as checking original deck fittings or updating older systems, but the core design and build are generally well-regarded.