Comar Comet 11 Plus Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Comet 11 Plus reveals the DNA of Jean-Marie Finot—a designer known for high-stability hulls and balanced sail plans. Despite its voluminous appearance, the boat maintains a respectable displacement-to-length ratio that allows it to perform admirably in light-to-moderate Mediterranean breezes. According to historical technical assessments from Giornale della Vela, the hull is characterized by a pronounced "tumblehome" and a relatively flat bottom for its era, which provides a stiff sailing attitude and helps the boat plane earlier than its heavy-displacement contemporaries when heading downwind.

The steering is typically managed via a wheel on a pedestal that is positioned further forward in the cockpit than on modern yachts, a design choice intended to give the helmsman better visibility over the coachroof. Owners often report that the boat tracks well due to its deep fin keel, though the high freeboard can make it susceptible to windage when maneuvering in tight marinas. The "Plus" model specifically benefitted from refinements in the rudder profile, which improved grip when the boat is heeled, reducing the tendency to round up in sudden gusts.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Comet 11 Plus is its most distinctive feature, often described as a "loft" rather than a traditional cabin layout. Comar and Finot broke the mold by moving the salon to the widest part of the boat and utilizing a semi-deck-saloon configuration that brings in an abundance of natural light through large coachroof windows. The galley is typically situated in a longitudinal arrangement, a precursor to the "open-concept" layouts seen in modern cruising yachts.

The "Plus" variant introduced more sophisticated woodwork and often featured an updated aft section. Unlike the original Comet 11, which sometimes struggled with engine access, the Plus refined the technical spaces. The boat was primarily offered in a two-cabin or three-cabin layout, with the master cabin often situated in the bow or, uniquely for its size, a functional aft cabin that utilized the beam under the cockpit. The cabinetry used a mix of teak and mahogany veneers, which, if well-maintained, gives the boat a warmer, more premium feel than the mass-produced French yachts of the same period.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Comet 11 series is frequently cited in European maritime history as the boat that helped democratize luxury cruising in Italy. It is often featured in "Classic Boat" retrospectives within Italian media as a standout example of 1970s and 80s innovation. While it does not have a singular "famous" solo-circumnavigator attached to its name, it remains a staple of the "Classic Boat" census conducted by Giornale della Vela, recognized for its longevity and the high number of units still actively cruising the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Comet 11 Plus should focus their survey on a few specific areas known to affect Comar builds of this vintage:

• Osmosis Protection: Like many hulls from the early 80s, the Comet 11 Plus is prone to osmotic blistering. A moisture meter test and a haul-out inspection are mandatory to check the hull's integrity below the waterline.
• Deck Delamination: The "sandwich" construction of the deck can develop soft spots, particularly around the chainplates and the base of the mast. Check for "sponginess" when walking on the foredeck.
• Window Seals: The large, iconic coachroof windows that give the interior its light are notorious for leaking if the original seals have not been replaced. Look for water staining on the interior woodwork directly below the ports.
• Engine Serviceability: Many units were originally fitted with Bukh or Nanni diesel engines. While reliable, sourcing specific parts for older Bukh models can be challenging outside of Europe; verify the service history and parts availability for the specific powerplant.
• Rudder Bearings: Due to the boat's age and the loads on its deep rudder, play in the steering system is a common finding. Replacing the rudder bushings is a standard mid-life maintenance task for this model.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Comet 11 Plus are supported by a dedicated community, primarily centered in Italy. The Comet Owners Association (Associazione Armatori Comet) is the primary body for technical data, though much of their documentation is in Italian. Owners often share refit projects and technical drawings through regional Italian sailing forums, which serve as the de facto technical wiki for the brand’s historical models.

The Verdict

The Comar Comet 11 Plus is a bold, "avant-garde" cruiser that offers interior volume and light that few other boats from the 1980s can match. It is an ideal choice for a sailor who prioritizes living space and Italian design flair over traditional offshore aesthetics.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and natural light for a 35-foot boat.
• Well-balanced sailing performance thanks to the Groupe Finot hull design.
• Strong build quality in the primary hull laminate.
• Distinctive "classic" Italian styling that stands out in a marina.

Cons:

• High freeboard and windage can make docking challenging in a breeze.
• Vulnerable to osmosis if not treated with an epoxy barrier.
• The unconventional interior layout may not suit traditionalists.
• Large coachroof windows require regular maintenance to remain watertight.