Comar Comet 13 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Comet 13 is categorized as a light-to-medium displacement performance cruiser, characterized by a hull that prioritizes stability and a "stiff" sailing attitude. Technical data indicates a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 175, placing it firmly in the category of boats that can perform well in light air while remaining manageable when the wind freshens. Its Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of roughly 16.8 suggests a respectable power-to-weight profile, though it is not an ultra-light racing machine.

The boat utilizes a masthead sloop rig, which provides a lower center of effort and reduces heeling moment compared to more aggressive fractional rigs. Handling is aided by a fin keel and a rudder mounted on a partial skeg—a configuration praised for providing a good balance between maneuverability and protection against underwater impacts. Owners often report that the boat tracks well and feels balanced on most points of sail, though the high-aspect rudder requires a focused hand or a high-quality autopilot in heavy following seas. According to historical technical summaries from Comet285, these boats were designed to be both fast and comfortable, with many units successfully participating in Mediterranean club racing.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Comet 13 is perhaps its most distinctive feature, noted for "unprecedented solutions" according to the manufacturer's own historical archives. Unlike the traditional layout of the era, which typically placed the salon amidships, the Comet 13 often featured a salon moved to the extreme stern. This configuration wraps the seating around the aft quarters, creating a social "sunken" lounge effect that utilizes the widest part of the hull. This design choice was also seen in its sibling, the Comet 11, and was considered highly avant-garde at the time.

The vessel typically offers an eight-berth configuration across three dedicated cabins and additional berths in the salon. The headroom is generous for a 1980s design, measuring approximately 1.95 meters (6.4 feet) in the main living areas. High-quality materials such as teak or African rosewood were used for the joinery, providing a "warm, rich interior" that stands in contrast to modern, more minimalist designs. A notable variation in the lineup includes the Comet 111, which shared the same hull as the Comet 11 but returned to a more traditional central salon layout; however, the Comet 13 largely maintained its unique aft-salon identity throughout its production run.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Comet 13 with the scrutiny required for any high-performance fiberglass boat of this age.

• Plexiglas Ports: The large deckhouse windows are a signature design element but are prone to crazing and leaks over forty years. Replacing these custom-shaped ports can be a significant undertaking.
• Engine Accessibility: The engine is often located beneath the central dining table in the aft salon. While this centralizes weight, it can make routine maintenance "Italian-style"—requiring the removal of furniture components to reach critical components like the sail drive or raw water pump.
• Deck Core: While Comar utilized advanced lamination for the time, the teak-over-fiberglass decks found on many units are reaching the end of their lifespan. Checking for soft spots in the balsa or Termanto core where teak screws have compromised the laminate is essential.
• Rudder Bearings: Given the age and the use of a skeg-supported rudder, buyers should inspect the lower pintle and upper bearings for play, which can lead to vibration under power or sluggish steering response.

Community & Resources

Owners of Comar vessels benefit from a strong cultural following, particularly in Italy and the Mediterranean. Technical support and historical documentation can often be found through the Comar Yachts corporate heritage pages, which maintain a timeline of their most influential models. While no singular international "Comet 13 Association" exists, the broader Comet community is active through regional groups such as the Comet 285 association, which often serves as a repository for general Comet-era technical advice.

The Verdict

The Comar Comet 13 is a sophisticated European cruiser that offers a level of style and interior innovation rarely seen in modern production boats. It is best suited for an experienced sailor who appreciates the "classic-modern" aesthetic and is willing to maintain the complex systems of an older, high-quality yacht.

Pros:

• Excellent interior volume with a unique, social aft-salon layout.
• Strong performance characteristics in light-to-moderate Mediterranean conditions.
• High-quality wood joinery and robust hull construction.
• Aesthetic appeal that has aged better than many of its 1980s contemporaries.

Cons:

• Maintenance-heavy teak decks and large acrylic windows.
• Engine access can be cumbersome due to the unconventional salon layout.
• Limited production numbers mean specific replacement parts may require custom fabrication.