Comar Comet 910 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comet 910 is characterized by its IOR-era hull shape: a pronounced "tumblehome" (where the hull narrows at the deck) and a wide beam located relatively far forward. This geometry allows the boat to perform exceptionally well in light to moderate air, as the generous sail area captures faint breezes while the hull minimizes drag. However, like many designs of its generation, the boat requires early reefing; as the wind increases, the wide beam and narrow stern can lead to a degree of weather helm if the boat is allowed to heel excessively.

The ballast-to-displacement ratio is substantial, often cited near 40%, which provides a secure, stiff feel once the lead keel takes hold. Handling is generally described as responsive, thanks to a balanced spade rudder and a fin keel. While it lacks the tracking stability of a full-keeled heavy displacement cruiser, the 910 tracks surprisingly well for a fin-keeled boat of its vintage. Owners often report that the boat "punches above its weight" in offshore conditions, a reputation earned by several 910s successfully competing in grueling Mediterranean regattas like the Middle Sea Race during the 1970s.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Comet 910 was considered cavernous upon its debut. By pushing the beam to nearly 3.05 meters, Finot created a salon that felt like a 35-footer. The standard layout features a classic V-berth forward, a head and hanging locker separating the cabin from the salon, and a main living area with a foldable table and two settee berths. A significant variation exists in the form of the Comet 910 Plus, which was introduced toward the end of the production run in 1980. The "Plus" version featured a modernized deck mold and a revised interior that improved ergonomics in the galley and navigation station.

The joinery typically consists of mahogany or teak veneers. While the early models focused on functional simplicity, later hulls showed more refined Italian cabinetry. Headroom is a notable highlight, reaching nearly 1.85 meters (6'1") in the main cabin, which was a rarity for a 9-meter boat in the early 70s. The 910 was also produced in a few limited racing iterations with stripped-out interiors to save weight, though these are rare on the secondary market today.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Comet 910 holds a legendary status in Italian sailing culture, often cited in Italian nautical publications as the boat that "taught Italy how to cruise." It frequently appears in historical retrospectives by SoloVela and other Mediterranean-focused media as a benchmark for 1970s design. While it has not been a primary subject of major English-language books, its racing pedigree in the Mediterranean circuit is well-documented in regional archives.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Comet 910 with the understanding that these are aging vessels built during the early era of mass-production fiberglass.

• Osmotic Blistering: Early Comar hulls are known to be susceptible to osmosis. A professional moisture meter test is essential, as many hulls from this era have already undergone or currently require epoxy treatments.
• Deck Core Delamination: The decks are balsa-cored. High-traffic areas around the mast step and the chainplates are prone to water ingress, leading to soft spots. If the deck feels "spongy" underfoot, it likely indicates a compromised core.
• Engine Obsolescence: Many original units were fitted with Farymann or Bukh diesel engines. While robust, finding parts for 50-year-old engines can be difficult and expensive. Many 910s have been repowered with Nanni or Yanmar units, which significantly increases the boat's value.
• Chainplate Reinforcement: On early hulls, the attachment points for the shrouds should be inspected for stress cracks in the fiberglass or signs of movement, as the IOR rigs of the era placed significant tension on the hull-to-deck joint.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for owners is the Associazione Armatori Comet (Comet Owners Association). Although based in Italy, this group maintains technical archives and provides a network for sourcing parts or advice on restorations. Technical drawings and original sail plans are also preserved by the designer at the Finot Conq archives.

The Verdict

The Comar Comet 910 is a classic "youngtimer" that offers a remarkable amount of space and a spirited sailing experience for a modest investment. It is an ideal coastal cruiser for those who appreciate 1970s aesthetics and require more interior volume than a typical 30-footer provides.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and headroom for its length.
• Strong performance in light-to-moderate Mediterranean conditions.
• Solid build quality with a high ballast-to-displacement ratio.
• Active owner community and historical significance.

Cons:

• Requires early reefing to manage weather helm in heavy air.
• Age-related concerns such as osmosis and deck core wetness are common.
• Original engines and electrical systems likely need total replacement.
• The IOR hull shape can be "rolly" when sailing downwind in a swell.