Comet 383 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Comet 383 was in production for a brief period between 1985 and 1986, with a limited run of 28 units. Her design emerged from a productive partnership between Comar Yachts and Groupe Finot, a collaboration that defined many of Comar's successful models throughout the 1970s and 80s. Comar, a shipyard that evolved from humble beginnings in wooden dinghy production to a prominent Italian yacht manufacturer, established a reputation for vessels known for combining elegant aesthetics with strong performance.

During the era of the Comet 383's conception, Comar was expanding its design repertoire, leveraging collaborations with distinguished naval architects like Jean Marie Finot to diversify its offerings of comfortable and fast boats. The design philosophy behind the Comet 383 aimed for a blend of "comfort, class, and performance," positioning it as a capable cabin cruiser. While the hull of the Comet 383 features solid fiberglass construction, Comar was also pioneering advanced production techniques such as balsa and Termanto cored sandwich construction and vacuum lamination during this period, enhancing the strength and lightness of their broader range of vessels. The boat features a fin keel and a spade rudder, typical of performance-oriented cruisers of its time.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Comet 383, with its sleek lines and carefully considered sail plan, was engineered for robust performance on the water. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio, calculated at approximately 24.36, suggests a powerful and well-canvassed yacht for its displacement. This high ratio indicates that the Comet 383 is likely to perform well in lighter wind conditions, capable of generating good boat speed with moderate breeze.

The Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio of around 0.365 places the Comet 383 in a moderately stiff category. This indicates a design that can stand up to a decent amount of wind without excessive heeling, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway and a feeling of security for the crew.

With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio calculated to be around 489.39, the Comet 383 presents as a very heavily built yacht for its length. This substantial displacement suggests a robust and solid construction, which would translate into a steady motion through choppy waters and a feeling of substantiality underfoot. While such a high D/L ratio typically implies a more traditional, slower cruiser, the Comet 383's high SA/Disp ratio suggests it carries ample sail area to propel its robust hull efficiently, aiming to balance its sturdy build with good sailing characteristics. The boat is capable of a hull speed of approximately 7.4 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Comet 383 was designed with comfort and functionality in mind, reflecting Comar's reputation for elegant Italian styling. While specific details can vary, the Comet 383 typically offers two or three cabins, accommodating 4 to 6 berths, along with a galley and at least one head compartment. Examples include layouts featuring a spacious salon, a functional galley for meal preparation, and comfortable sleeping quarters in the form of V-berths forward and potentially quarter berths or additional cabins aft.

Comar Yachts emphasizes craftsmanship and design vision in their interiors, focusing on both elegance and practicality. While specific materials for the Comet 383's interior are not detailed in the specifications, Comar's general approach would suggest a thoughtful use of finishes and joinery to create a welcoming and comfortable living space for extended cruising. Generous water tankage, with reported capacities up to 100 gallons (380 liters), further underscores its design for extended voyaging.