Wegu 701 (Finot) Information, Review, Specs

The Wegu 701 began production around 1980, part of Wegu's fleet of accessible and practical cruisers. The design is more broadly recognized as the Comet 701, built by Comar Yachts between 1979 and 1985, with the Wegu version being produced in fewer numbers. Wegu, a company with facilities in both Canada and Germany, leveraged its expertise in molded rubber and plastic components from its parent manufacturing entity to construct these fiberglass boats. This background provided the technical foundation for creating robust, yet manageable, small sailing vessels. The design philosophy behind boats like the Wegu 701 centered on maximizing versatility for various sailing conditions and trailering capabilities, aligning with the growing demand for boats that could be easily transported, launched, and stored. The vessel features a fiberglass solid hull and deck, a fin keel, and a transom-hung rudder, indicative of a design prioritizing straightforward handling and reasonable performance for its size.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just under 23 feet and a waterline length of 17.72 feet, the Wegu 701 (Comet 701) is a small cruiser. For boats of this size, traditional performance ratios like sail area to displacement or ballast to displacement are not typically applied in the same qualitative manner as for larger yachts. However, its specifications offer insights into its sailing characteristics. The boat has a displacement of 3086 lbs and a ballast of 948 lbs. It is generally described as a moderate weight sailboat, which is considered "under powered" but noted for being stable and stiff. It has a calculated hull speed of 5.64 knots. The fin keel and transom-hung rudder contribute to its directional stability and responsiveness. While it offers a stable platform, its relatively low righting capability if capsized suggests it is best suited for coastal cruising and protected waters rather than challenging offshore conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Wegu 701 was designed with practical accommodations for short cruises and weekend trips. The interior layout typically provides sleeping arrangements for four individuals, often configured as two berths with the possibility of converting seating areas into additional sleeping spaces., 8, 9] Reviews and specifications for its twin, the Comet 701, indicate a layout that includes a forward cabin and a saloon area. While maximum headroom details are not widely publicized, the design prioritizes a functional living space for its dimensions. The interior typically features a small galley area, which on some models included a two-burner gas stove, and a chemical toilet, underscoring its utility as a small cruising vessel. The overall finish and use of materials would likely reflect the era's common practices for small fiberglass cruisers, focusing on durability and ease of maintenance.