Comar Comet 910 Plus Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comet 910 Plus is defined by its IOR (International Offshore Rule) heritage, characterized by a generous beam and a relatively short waterline that expands as the boat heels. Under sail, the boat is remarkably stiff, a trait attributed to its high ballast ratio and a deep fin keel that provides excellent lift when beating upwind. Finot’s design philosophy focused on creating a hull that remained balanced across a wide range of wind speeds; consequently, the 910 Plus is known for its predictable tracking and ability to carry full sail longer than many of its contemporaries.

In light air, the boat benefits from a large sail area-to-displacement ratio, particularly when paired with the overlapping genoas common to the era. According to historical technical reviews from Italian nautical publications like Bolina, the boat excels in close-hauled maneuvers, though like many IOR designs, it can exhibit a tendency toward weather helm if the mainsail is not reefed early in heavy gusts. The rudder is semi-balanced and hung on a small skeg, providing a firm, communicative feel at the helm that rewards active trimming.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of approximately 9.15 meters (30 feet), the Comet 910 Plus offers a surprisingly voluminous interior, a feat achieved through the boat's 3.05-meter beam. The layout is a classic Mediterranean arrangement: a forward V-berth followed by a full-width head compartment. The main saloon features a center-line folding table flanked by two longitudinal settees that double as sea berths. The Plus version specifically upgraded the cabinetry, utilizing more teak and mahogany veneers compared to the more utilitarian finishes of the original 1970s 910.

A key distinction of the Plus variant is the refined galley and navigation station. The galley, located to port, is compact but functional, while the starboard-side chart table is large enough for full-sized paper charts—a necessity during its production run. The hull was also utilized for the original Comet 910 and shared many design DNA markers with the larger Comet 11 and the smaller Comet 701, which collectively formed the backbone of the Comar fleet. While the hull remained consistent, some 910 Plus units were delivered with varying draft depths to accommodate different Mediterranean cruising grounds.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Comet 910 series earned its place in sailing history primarily through its dominance in Mediterranean club racing. It became a staple of the Middle Sea Race and various Italian IOR championships during the 1970s. The model is frequently discussed in historical retrospectives by Vela e Motore, where it is cited as a benchmark for the transition from pure racing machines to comfortable performance cruisers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Comet 910 Plus, potential owners should focus on the following high-signal areas identified through long-term owner feedback:

1. Deck Delamination: Like many boats from the early 1980s, the 910 Plus used a balsa-cored deck. Areas around stanchion bases and the mast step are prone to moisture ingress if not properly re-bedded, potentially leading to soft spots.
2. Mast Step Compression: The load-bearing structure beneath the mast step should be examined for signs of sagging or hairline fractures in the fiberglass, which can occur after decades of high rig tension.
3. Osmosis: While Comar hulls were generally robust, older hulls that have not been treated with an epoxy barrier coat may show signs of osmotic blistering. A moisture meter test on the hull below the waterline is highly recommended.
4. Engine Longevity: Many original units were fitted with Farymann or Bukh diesel engines. While reliable, parts for older Farymann models are becoming increasingly scarce; many owners have since repowered with modern Yanmar or Volvo Penta units.
5. Rudder Bearings: Check for excessive play in the rudder stock. The skeg-supported rudder is a sturdy design, but the internal bushings can wear down, leading to vibration under power or a "clunking" feel at the helm.

Community & Resources

The Comar brand maintains a dedicated following, particularly in Southern Europe. The Comar Yacht Owners group and various Mediterranean-based sailing forums serve as the primary repositories for technical manuals and historical brochures. Owners also frequently collaborate through regional associations such as the Associazione Velica Comet to share restoration tips and organize "Old Comet" regattas.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Performance: Exceptional upwind ability and stiffness for its size.
• Build Quality: Solid fiberglass hull construction that has stood the test of time.
• Interior Volume: Feels larger than 30 feet, making it a viable coastal family cruiser.
• Aesthetic: Iconic Finot lines that remain attractive in modern marinas.

Cons:

• Age: Most units require significant updates to electrical and plumbing systems.
• IOR Characteristics: Can be "twitchy" when sailing deep downwind in heavy seas.
• Engine Access: The engine compartment is somewhat cramped for major maintenance tasks.