Comar Comet 11 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

True to the Finot design philosophy, the Comet 11 was engineered to be an efficient all-round sailor. With a displacement of approximately 5,600 kg and a ballast ratio exceeding 40%, the hull is notably stiff and capable of standing up to its large masthead sloop rig in blustery conditions. Technical assessments from the period suggest a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of roughly 17.5, placing it firmly in the "performance cruiser" category of its day.

While modern sailors might find it less agile than contemporary Finot designs like the First series, the Comet 11 is widely regarded for its sea-kindliness and ability to track well in a seaway. The "hollow stern" was not merely a stylistic choice; it was intended to lengthen the effective waterline when heeled, improving hull speed. Owners often note that while she is not a pointedly close-hauled racer, she excels on reaching and downwind legs, maintaining a steady, sure-footed feel even in the Mediterranean chop for which she was primarily designed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The defining feature of the Comet 11 is its innovative interior layout, which famously moved the salon to the far stern—a configuration that was nearly unheard of in 11-meter boats of the late 70s. This "aft lounge" design creates a wide, social living space that benefits from the panoramic views provided by the iconic wrap-around windows.

The vessel’s layout typically includes a central corridor leading forward to an amidships owner's cabin, often accompanied by a dedicated storage room or pilot berth. The head and a second double cabin are located further forward in the bow. Materials primarily consist of high-quality teak and Italian joinery, which editorial reviews in Giornale della Vela describe as a "masterpiece" for those prioritizing cruising comfort.

The model saw several variations during its production run, most notably the Comet 11 Plus. The Plus variant often featured an extended overall length (roughly 11.7 meters compared to the original 10.8 meters), frequently incorporating a "sugar scoop" transom for easier water access and minor internal adjustments to the galley and navigation station to improve ergonomics at sea.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Comet 11 maintains a strong cultural footprint in Italy, where it is celebrated as a "Classic Boat" by major publications. It has been featured extensively in retrospects by the Sailing Newspaper (Giornale della Vela) as one of the designs that defined the 1980s Mediterranean cruising lifestyle. Its status as an "indelible landmark" is due to its role in proving that performance hulls could support highly habitable, innovative interiors without sacrificing safety.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several high-signal technical areas common to GRP vessels of this vintage:

• Deck Windows: The large U-shaped smoked windows are prone to leaking and crazing. Replacing these custom-bent plexiglass panes is a specialized and potentially expensive undertaking.
• Osmosis: Early Comar hulls were robustly built, but several 1970s and 80s examples have reported osmotic blistering. A moisture meter test and a thorough hull inspection are essential.
• Sail-Drive Seals: Many Comet 11s were equipped with Volvo Penta or Bukh engines utilizing sail-drives. The rubber diaphragm seals require replacement every 7-10 years; a history of this maintenance is critical.
• Keel Bolts & Structure: Some technical discussions among European owners have highlighted the need to inspect the internal keel-grid and bolts, particularly on shoal-draft versions, to ensure no separation or corrosion has occurred at the hull-keel joint.
• Engine Age: Original power plants like the Volvo Penta MC17 or Bukh DV37 are now reaching the end of their reliable lifespan. Verify if a repower has occurred, as parts for older units are becoming increasingly scarce.

Community & Resources

The most active technical resources for the Comet 11 are located within the Italian sailing community. The Comar Owners Group (often found under "Associazione Armatori Comet") serves as a primary hub for technical drawings and advice on restoring the unique deckhouse windows.

The Verdict

The Comar Comet 11 remains a compelling choice for the sailor who values Italian style and Finot’s performance-oriented lines over contemporary "floating condo" aesthetics.

Pros

• Revolutionary Interior: The aft-salon layout offers a social space that feels larger than many modern 40-footers.
• Robust Construction: Built during an era when fiberglass was often over-engineered for strength.
• Timeless Performance: A capable cruiser that remains rewarding to sail in various wind conditions.

Cons

• Maintenance of Specialty Parts: The wrap-around windows are difficult to repair or replace.
• Age-Related Systems: Original wiring, plumbing, and engines will likely require significant updates.
• Med-Centric Design: While seaworthy, the open layout is optimized for warm-weather cruising rather than high-latitude heavy weather.