Comar Comet 860 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comet 860 is characterized by its balanced hull and respectable light-air performance, a hallmark of Finot’s design philosophy during this period. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the moderate-to-light category for its era, the boat is surprisingly nimble. It utilizes a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, providing a stable tracking experience while maintaining enough responsiveness for tight maneuvers in Mediterranean marinas. According to technical archives from Groupe Finot, the yacht was designed to handle well under a variety of sail configurations, though it truly excels on a reach where its generous beam provides significant initial stability.

On the water, the boat feels "stiff" rather than "tender," allowing it to carry its sail area longer than some of its French contemporaries. The sail plan is relatively manageable for a shorthanded crew, typically featuring a masthead sloop rig. Owners often report that the boat tracks well upwind, though, like many IOR-influenced designs of the late 70s, it can become a handful when running downwind in heavy seas due to the pinched stern design that was common for the era.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For an 8.6-meter vessel, the Comet 860 offers a surprisingly voluminous interior, benefiting from a beam that remains relatively wide until moving toward the aft sections. The layout is traditional: a forward V-berth, a central saloon with a folding table, a compact galley, and a dedicated navigation station. The use of mahogany and teak veneers in early models provides a classic, warm aesthetic that distinguishes it from the more "plastic" feel of modern entry-level cruisers.

The boat was produced alongside several siblings that shared similar design DNA. The Comet 850 served as its direct predecessor, while the Comet 770 and Comet 910 catered to different size brackets within the same design language. The 860 specifically focused on improving the ergonomics of the L-shaped galley and increasing the headroom in the main cabin to approximately 1.8 meters, which was a significant selling point for a boat of this length at the time. Some later variations included different cabinetry finishes, but the fundamental two-cabin layout (including the saloon berths) remained the standard.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Comet 860 should prioritize a thorough structural inspection, as these vessels are now entering their fifth decade of service.

• Osmosis: Like many Italian-built yachts of the late 70s and early 80s, the Comet 860 is prone to osmotic blistering. Hull moisture readings are a necessity during any pre-purchase survey.
• Original Engines: Many units were originally fitted with small Farymann or Bukh diesel engines. Parts for these can be difficult to source; many hulls have been repowered with Yanmar or Volvo Penta units, which significantly adds to the boat’s resale value.
• Mast Step and Compression: Check the area around the mast step and the interior compression post. If the deck has softened due to water ingress in the balsa or foam core, the mast may have settled slightly, affecting rig tension.
• Window Seals: The elongated plexiglass side windows are known to develop leaks over time. Resealing them often requires complete removal and the use of modern marine adhesives to prevent further damage to the interior woodwork.
• Rudder Play: The skeg-hung rudder should be inspected for play in the bearings and potential delamination of the rudder blade itself.

Community & Resources

While Comar Yachts has evolved significantly since the 1970s, a dedicated community remains for the "Classic Comets." The most prominent resource is the Comet Owner Association (Associazione Armatori Comet), which is particularly active in Italy. This group provides technical support, historical documentation, and organizes regattas for vintage Comar models. Additionally, technical drawings and original sail plans are occasionally accessible through the Jean-Marie Finot architectural archives.

The Verdict

The Comar Comet 860 is a robust, well-designed classic that offers a sophisticated Mediterranean sailing experience at a fraction of the cost of a modern equivalent. While it requires a buyer who is comfortable with vintage maintenance, its sailing characteristics remain competitive for coastal cruising and club racing.

Pros:

• Excellent light-air performance and overall stability.
• High-quality interior woodwork compared to many modern mass-produced boats.
• Proven Finot design with a respectable racing pedigree in its class.
• Efficient use of space for a sub-30-foot yacht.

Cons:

• High probability of osmosis in original gelcoat.
• Older models may still house obsolete engines that are difficult to repair.
• The narrow stern design can lead to some instability in heavy following seas.
• Deck core issues are common if hardware hasn't been re-bedded.