Comar Comet 51 DH Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comet 51 DH defies the stereotype that deck house yachts must be sluggish or overly heavy. Utilizing a hull design from Vallicelli & C. Yacht Design, the vessel maintains a relatively high ballast ratio and a sophisticated underwater profile that includes a deep fin keel and a balanced spade rudder. This combination ensures that the boat tracks well upwind, a trait often compromised in cruisers with high windage profiles. According to technical assessments by the Italian publication Solo Vela, the Comet 51 series is noted for its stiffness under press of sail, allowing it to maintain an upright posture longer than many of its contemporaries.

The handling is characterized by a "sporty" feel at the helm, which is unusual for a 51-foot yacht intended for cruising. This is largely due to the boat’s moderate displacement and generous sail area. On the DH model, the lead of the lines is typically optimized for shorthanded sailing, often featuring primary winches within easy reach of the twin-steering stations. While the raised coachroof does increase the center of gravity slightly compared to the standard Comet 51, the impact is mitigated by the hull’s generous beam and the strategic placement of heavy tanks and the engine lower in the bilge.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Comet 51 DH is defined by its split-level arrangement, which maximizes the "Deck House" architecture. The primary feature is the raised salon, which offers 360-degree views through wrap-around tempered glass windows, a luxury rarely found in traditional Mediterranean cruisers of this era. This layout allows for an internal steering station or a navigational hub where the skipper can monitor the horizon while remaining sheltered from the elements.

Material choices typically reflect the high-end Italian craftsmanship expected of Comar, often featuring cherry or teak joinery with rounded edges and high-gloss finishes. The boat was primarily offered in a three-cabin configuration: a sprawling master suite forward with a private head and two symmetrical double cabins aft. A four-cabin variant was also produced to satisfy the charter market, though it is less common. The DH configuration also allows for a larger engine room located directly beneath the salon floor, providing excellent service access that is often superior to the standard 51 model. The sibling Comet 51 "Sport" or "Standard" models lack this raised living area, instead opting for a traditional deep-set salon and a much lower coachroof, which prioritizes aesthetic sleekness over internal volume and visibility.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on technical areas unique to the Deck House design and Comar’s construction methods during this period.

• Window Seals and Glazing: The large expanse of the deck house windows is a primary area for inspection. Over time, UV exposure can degrade the sealant, leading to leaks that may damage the cabinetry below. Check for salt streaks on the interior liners.
• Chainplate Inspection: As with many performance cruisers of this size, the chainplates are subjected to high loads. Verification of the tie-rods and the surrounding laminate for any signs of stress cracking or movement is essential.
• Rudder Bearing Wear: Owner reports in Mediterranean cruising circles have occasionally noted play in the rudder bearings. Given the boat’s performance orientation, even slight wear can dampen the helm’s feedback.
• Sandwich Core Integrity: Comar used vacuum-bagged sandwich construction for the decks to save weight. It is critical to have a surveyor perform a moisture test and percussion soundings around high-load deck hardware (cleats, tracks, and windlass) to ensure no water ingress has compromised the core.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Comet 51 DH often find technical support and social connection through the Comar Yacht Owners Association, which, while primarily based in Italy, serves as a hub for technical drawings and historical data for the Vallicelli-designed era. Technical documentation and hull-specific insights are also frequently archived via the designer's own portfolio at Vallicelli & C. Yacht Design.

The Verdict

The Comar Comet 51 DH is an exceptional choice for the sailor who refuses to choose between a "driver's boat" and a comfortable liveaboard. It stands out for its ability to provide a panoramic living experience without the sailing compromises found in many heavy-displacement deck saloon models.

Pros:

• Excellent visibility from the raised salon, ideal for foul-weather navigation.
• Strong upwind performance and responsiveness for a yacht of its volume.
• High-quality Italian interior finish with a modern, airy feel.
• Engine access is superior to many aft-cabin yachts in this size range.

Cons:

• Increased windage due to the higher coachroof can make docking in crosswinds challenging.
• Large window surfaces require diligent maintenance of seals and gaskets.
• Finding models outside of the Mediterranean market can be difficult.