Comet 375 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Comet 375 in the late 1980s arrived during a period of significant expansion and innovation for Comar Yachts. Founded in Italy, Comar had already established a strong reputation through models like the Comet 910, known for their success in racing and commercial longevity. The collaboration with internationally recognized designers like Jean Marie Finot and Doug Peterson for the Comet 375 further solidified Comar's commitment to producing high-quality, fast, and comfortable boats. During this era, Comar pioneered advanced production techniques, including balsa and Termanto cored sandwich construction and vacuum lamination, which enhanced the strength and lightness of their vessels.

The design philosophy behind the Comet 375 aimed to produce a performance cruiser that did not compromise on comfort. The designers, Finot and Peterson, were known for creating boats with efficient hulls and well-balanced rigs, a trend that was prevalent in the late 80s, leading to lines and design similar to other successful boats of the time. The Comet 375 was indeed offered in two primary versions: the PL (cruising) and the ST (sport/racing). The ST version featured a taller rig, indicating its sharper focus on performance and competitive sailing, while both versions offered differing interiors to cater to specific owner preferences. A total of 112 units of the Comet 375 were built during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Comet 375 is characterized by a design that prioritizes performance without sacrificing stability, making it an engaging boat to sail. Its sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.92 indicates strong light-air performance, suggesting the boat can move efficiently even in lighter breezes. This ratio is typically indicative of a more performance-oriented cruiser.

With a ballast to displacement ratio of about 33.6% and featuring a bulb keel, the Comet 375 demonstrates a moderate degree of stiffness, allowing it to stand up to a fair amount of wind while maintaining a comfortable motion. The spade rudder contributes to responsive steering and maneuverability. Furthermore, its displacement to waterline length ratio of approximately 166.46 positions the Comet 375 as a relatively lighter, more performance-focused vessel for its size, rather than a heavy, traditional cruiser. Owners have described the boat as "very beautiful" and "fast enough to forget the engine," praising its good navigation characteristics. Anecdotal evidence from owners suggests that while generally fast and well-built, some found the ST version to "beat a lot" when sailing upwind in choppy seas and light winds.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details are not extensively provided in standard specifications, the Comet 375 is known for its well-appointed interiors, characteristic of Comar's emphasis on Italian classical style and comfort. Online reviews and owner discussions indicate that the Comet 375's interior layout is characterized by "prestigious cabinet making and some luxury touches". Typically, boats of this size and era from reputable European builders would feature a conventional layout including a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, a navigation station, and a head compartment, often with one or two quarter berths aft. The quality of finish and use of materials, such as wood trim, were generally high, aligning with Comar's reputation for luxury and attention to detail.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Comet 375 generally express strong satisfaction with their vessels, often highlighting the boat's solid construction and impressive sailing capabilities. The active owner community, including dedicated online groups, points to a passionate following for this model. Many appreciate its combination of speed and comfortable cruising potential, making it a versatile choice. While largely positive, some owners have noted that the boat might pound in certain conditions, particularly upwind in a chop with light wind. There isn't significant recurring information about widespread common problems, suggesting a generally robust build quality for the era. However, as with any boat of its age, potential buyers might consider common maintenance items such as the re-bedding of original deck fittings or monitoring engine components, which are typical considerations for boats from the late 1980s.