Comet 13 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comet 13 is characterized by its significant beam and relatively flat hull sections, which provide a high degree of initial stability. Under sail, the boat is known for its "stiffness"—its ability to carry sail in a breeze without excessive heeling. According to design notes from Groupe Finot, the hull was engineered with a high righting moment, making it a predictable and sea-kindly platform for blue-water crossings.

The rudder is a semi-balanced spade design, which provides responsive steering, though it can feel heavy if the boat is over-canvassed. In light air, the Comet 13’s displacement and significant wetted surface area can make it sluggish compared to modern lightweight racers, but once the wind exceeds 10–12 knots, the hull form finds its stride. The rig is a traditional masthead sloop, often equipped with a large overlapping genoa, which serves as the primary engine in moderate conditions. Owner anecdotes from Italian sailing journals suggest that while the boat tracks well, the wide beam can lead to some slamming in a short, steep chop when sailing close-hauled.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Comet 13 was considered avant-garde at the time of its release, prioritizing communal space and natural light. The standard layout typically features three cabins and two heads, though semi-custom variations exist. The use of warm teak joinery and a wide saloon makes the boat feel significantly larger than its 43-foot length suggests. The galley is generally positioned in a longitudinal "linear" fashion or as a secure U-shape, depending on the specific production year.

Comar built several siblings on or near this hull platform to maximize market reach. The most notable is the Comet 14, which is essentially an evolution of the 13 with an extended transom and refined deck molding. There was also a "Sport" variant with a deeper keel and taller rig for owners interested in club racing. The Comet 13’s headroom is exceptional for its era, often exceeding 6’3” in the main saloon, a feature that helped it compete directly with the larger production yachts from Beneteau and Jeanneau during the mid-80s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Comet 13 with the scrutiny required for any 40-year-old performance cruiser. High-signal technical areas for inspection include:

• Grid Structure and Keel Bolts: Like many Finot designs of this era, the Comet 13 utilizes an internal fiberglass grid to distribute mast and keel loads. Buyers should check for "crazing" or separation of the floor stringers near the keel sump, which may indicate a history of groundings or structural fatigue.
• Osmosis: While Comar used high-quality resins, hulls from the early 1980s are susceptible to osmotic blistering if they have not been treated with an epoxy barrier coat. A moisture meter test on the hull is mandatory.
• Deck Core Integrity: The deck is a sandwich construction (typically balsa or foam). Areas around the chainplates, stanchions, and the windlass are prone to water ingress. Spongy sections or brown weeping around hardware indicate core rot.
• Original Engine Condition: Many units were originally fitted with Perkins or Nanni diesel engines. While reliable, sourcing specific parts for older models can be difficult; a compression test and cooling system check are essential.
• Rudder Bearings: The spade rudder can develop play in the bearings over time. If the wheel has a "clunk" or excessive vibration when sailing, the bearings likely require replacement.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Comet Amici (Friends of Comet) community, which operates largely in Italy but maintains a presence for international owners. This group provides a repository of technical drawings and advice on restoring the distinct Italian cabinetry and rigging specific to the Comet line. Additionally, the Groupe Finot archives remain an authoritative source for original sail plans and stability curves for the Comet 13.

The Verdict

The Comet 13 is a sophisticated "vintage" cruiser that offers a level of interior comfort and structural robusticity rarely found in modern entry-level yachts. It is an ideal choice for a sailor who appreciates Italian design and requires a stiff, stable hull for Mediterranean or offshore cruising.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and headroom for its age.
• Very stable and stiff under sail, providing a sense of security in heavy weather.
• High-quality Italian joinery and aesthetic appeal.
• Strong structural build from a reputable shipyard.

Cons:

• Wide beam and wetted surface can lead to mediocre light-air performance.
• Likely requires significant systems updates (electronics, plumbing, rigging) given its age.
• The semi-balanced spade rudder requires careful maintenance to avoid bearing wear.