Comar Comet 850 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comet 850 is characterized by Jean-Marie Finot’s signature approach to hull design: a relatively wide beam carried well aft and a teardrop-shaped waterline. This geometry provides the boat with high initial stability and a significant amount of interior volume for its length. Under sail, the 850 is known for its responsiveness, a trait often highlighted in historical Italian technical reviews like those in Vela e Motore.

With a fin keel and a balanced spade rudder, the boat tracks well upwind, though like many designs of its era with high-volume sterns, it can become "touchy" on the helm when over-canvassed on a reach. The sail plan is usually a masthead rig, though some variations were delivered with fractional configurations to satisfy the IOR (International Offshore Rule) handicap preferences of the time. The boat’s displacement-to-length ratio places it firmly in the "cruiser-racer" category; it is light enough to move in the Mediterranean’s notorious summer doldrums but carries enough ballast to feel secure when the Mistral or Bora begins to pipe up. Owners frequently report that the boat "punches above its weight" in light air, outperforming many modern cruisers of similar size.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel measuring just 8.5 meters, the Comet 850 offers an interior that was considered revolutionary at the time of its release. Finot’s design maximized the beam to create a salon that feels considerably larger than its 28-foot designation suggests. The standard layout features a classic V-berth forward, a central salon with a folding table, a compact galley to port, and a navigation station to starboard.

One of the more interesting aspects of the 850’s production was the introduction of the "Special" variant. While the hull remained the same, the Comet 850 Special featured upgraded interior joinery and more refined cabinetry, aimed at owners who prioritized luxury over the more utilitarian finish of the early models. The boat also makes clever use of a quarter berth tucked behind the navigation station, allowing it to technically sleep five adults, though four is the practical limit for extended cruising. Headroom is approximately 1.75 to 1.80 meters in the main salon, which is generous for an 8-meter boat from the late 1970s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Comet 850 with a focus on structural aging, common to Italian production boats of this vintage.

• Osmosis: Early Comar hulls were occasionally prone to osmotic blistering. A professional survey should include a moisture reading of the hull, particularly near the waterline and the rudder.
• Mast Step Compression: The 850 features a deck-stepped mast. Over decades, the compression post or the deck core beneath the mast step can deteriorate, leading to a "sagging" deck that affects rig tension and door alignment in the forward cabin.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Inspect the keel bolts and the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel. While the Comet 850 is robustly built, grounding incidents can lead to structural weakness in the grid assembly.
• Engine Maintenance: Many original 850s were fitted with Farymann or Bukh diesel engines. While reliable, sourcing specific replacement parts for these older units can be difficult and expensive in modern markets; many hulls have been re-powered with Yanmar or Volvo Penta units, which adds significant value.
• Rudder Bushings: The spade rudder design can develop "play" over time. Checking the bushings and the rudder stock for corrosion is essential to ensure responsive handling.

Community & Resources

The Comar legacy is supported primarily through the Associazione Comet, an Italian-based owner's group that maintains technical archives and organizes rallies. While there is no centralized international technical wiki, the Comet Owners Group on various social platforms serves as the primary hub for sharing restoration tips and rigging diagrams. Technical documentation and original hull lines are often available through the Finot design archives.

The Verdict

The Comar Comet 850 remains a classic choice for sailors seeking a stylish, performance-oriented cruiser on a budget. Its blend of Finot’s naval architecture and Comar’s craftsmanship offers a sailing experience that is both rewarding and comfortable for small families.

Pros:

• Exceptional performance in light to moderate winds.
• Surprisingly spacious interior for its length, especially in the "Special" variant.
• Strong secondary market value in Europe due to its "classic" status.
• Responsive and rewarding handling for sailors who enjoy "feeling" the boat.

Cons:

• Older GRP may require treatment for osmosis.
• Interior headroom may be tight for taller sailors.
• Original engines are likely at the end of their service life.
• The deck-stepped mast requires careful structural inspection.