Sailing Performance & Handling
The Comet 11 was designed with a philosophy that prioritized stability and "power to carry sail" over the pure rating-optimization common in IOR-era boats. With a displacement of approximately 5,000 to 5,500 kg and a generous beam of 3.60 meters, the boat exhibits high initial stability. According to technical specifications maintained by Groupe Finot, the yacht features a deep fin keel and a balanced spade rudder, which provides a responsive, fingertip-control feel at the helm that belies its cruiser status.
The sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests a boat that is lively in light airs but truly comes alive in a breeze. Owners frequently report that the Comet 11 tracks exceptionally well upwind, a result of the hull's relatively flat sections and the designer's focus on maintaining a balanced helm even when pressed. Unlike many of its contemporaries that suffered from excessive weather helm due to pinched sterns, the Comet 11’s wider aft sections allow it to remain controllable and fast when reaching. The rigging is typically a masthead sloop configuration, which provides a versatile sail plan for Mediterranean conditions, though it requires a proactive approach to reefing as the wind climbs above 18 knots to keep the boat on its lines.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Comet 11 is perhaps its most revolutionary feature and remains a talking point among enthusiasts. Jean-Marie Finot chose to centralize the heaviest components—including the engine and water tanks—under the main cabin sole and the central dining area. This was done to reduce pitching motion by concentrating weight at the center of buoyancy. The resulting layout is open and airy, featuring a large, U-shaped "square" saloon that can comfortably seat six or more people.
The galley is typically located along the port side, designed to be used safely at sea with ample bracing points. A hallmark of the Comet 11 is the clever use of space in the aft sections; while many 35-footers of the late 70s had cramped "quarter berths," the Comet 11 utilized its beam to provide substantial sleeping quarters. There are two primary versions of the hull: the standard Comet 11 and the later Comet 11 Plus. The "Plus" variant is easily identified by its integrated transom extension, which includes a dedicated swim platform—a forward-thinking feature for the early 1980s that increased the overall length to roughly 11.20 meters and improved the boat’s departure speed.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Comet 11 should focus their surveys on the specific structural characteristics of 1970s and 80s Italian fiberglass construction.
- Osmosis and Hull Moisture: Like many production boats of this era, Comar yachts from the late 70s are susceptible to osmotic blistering. A moisture meter test is essential, particularly around the waterline and the rudder blade.
- Engine Installation: Because the engine is mounted centrally under the saloon table rather than in a traditional aft engine box, the drive shaft is significantly longer than average. Buyers should inspect the shaft bearings, the alignment, and the integrity of the fiberglass "tunnel" that houses the shaft.
- Deck Core Integrity: Comar utilized sandwich construction in the decks for weight savings. Areas around stanchion bases and the mast step should be checked for "delamination" or soft spots, which indicate water ingress into the core material.
- Keel Bolts and Grid: The Comet 11 uses a robust internal floor grid to distribute keel loads. Any signs of rust weeping from keel bolts or cracks in the floor timbers (top-hat sections) require immediate professional evaluation to ensure the structural grid hasn't been compromised by a previous grounding.
Community & Resources
The Comet 11 enjoys a loyal following, particularly in Italy and the Adriatic. The most prominent technical resource for the model is the archive maintained by the original designers at Groupe Finot, which provides original line drawings, sail plans, and stability curves. Additionally, the Associazione Armatori Comet (Comet Owners Association) serves as a vital hub for technical documentation and historical context, preserving the legacy of the Comet range from the 910 to the modern RS series.
The Verdict
The Comet 11 is a "thinking person’s" cruiser that offers an extraordinary amount of interior volume and sailing performance for its price point. While its unconventional layout may not appeal to traditionalists, its technical merits and seaworthiness make it a formidable choice for those looking to cruise the Mediterranean in comfort.
Pros:
- Innovative Layout: Offers the living space of a much larger modern yacht thanks to its clever centralization of the engine and tanks.
- Performance Heritage: Designed by Finot to be stiff and fast, outperforming many pure "caravan" cruisers of the same era.
- Build Quality: Generally robust fiberglass work from Comar's peak production years.
Cons:
- Unconventional Engine Access: The central engine location makes some maintenance tasks more intrusive to the living space.
- Age-Related Maintenance: Potential for osmosis and deck delamination requires a rigorous pre-purchase survey.
- IOR Era Aesthetics: While the hull is wide, the high coachroof may look dated to those who prefer sleek, modern lines.
