Comet 20 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comet 20 is characterized as a light-displacement, shoal-draft vessel designed for protected coastal waters, bays, and inland lakes. It utilizes a swing keel (centerboard) system that allows it to operate in extremely shallow conditions, often drawing less than a foot with the board retracted. Under sail, the boat is generally considered "tender"—a common trait for 20-foot trailer sailers of its era—requiring active crew weight management in breezes exceeding 12–15 knots.

Technical data from regional racing associations assigns the Comet 20 a Class Basic Handicap (CBH) of approximately 0.638, placing it in a performance tier comparable to the Austral 20 or the Allegro. While not a high-performance sports boat, its light hull and generous sail plan allow it to plane in favorable off-wind conditions. Handling is described by owners as responsive, though the high-profile cabin of the modified "raised deck" version can increase windage, making it slightly more challenging to maneuver at low speeds or in tight marinas compared to flush-deck variants.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The defining feature of the Comet 20's interior is the volume gained from its raised deck configuration. Unlike many 20-footers that feel cramped, the Comet 20 provides enough space for a small family to overnight. The layout typically features four berths: a V-berth in the forepeak and two long quarter berths extending aft under the cockpit seats.

A notable architectural trade-off is the centerboard case, which is situated prominently in the center of the main cabin. While it serves as a structural necessity and a convenient mounting point for a small folding table, it can obstruct movement within the saloon. Most models were equipped with a modest starboard galley area, and the "Bardo" modifications often included improved cabin ventilation through a forward hatch. Some later versions were fitted with a "pop-top" hatch, which significantly increased standing headroom while at anchor—a luxury rarely found in boats of this length.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Comet 20 with an eye toward the structural integrity typical of 1970s and 80s fiberglass construction. High-signal areas for inspection include:

• Centerboard Case Leaks: The joint where the centerboard case meets the hull is a known failure point. Over time, stress from the swing keel can cause hairline fractures or seal degradation, leading to persistent leaks.
• Keel Pivot Bolt: The pivot mechanism for the swing keel is subject to wear and galvanic corrosion. It is critical to inspect the bolt and the surrounding fiberglass for "slop" or ovaling, which can lead to keel vibration and potential failure.
• Deck Delamination: Specifically around the mast step and chainplates, the balsa or foam core may have suffered water ingress. Spongy sections of the deck indicate a need for immediate core replacement.
• Rudder Pintles and Gudgeons: On older units, the transom-mounted rudder hardware often shows signs of fatigue. Owners frequently report the need to reinforce the transom with backing plates to prevent the hardware from working loose.

Community & Resources

The Comet 20 is primarily supported by regional trailer sailer clubs and historical associations in Australia. It is frequently cited in the technical archives of the Australian Trailable Yacht Association (ATYA), which maintains handicap ratings and class-specific rules for the model. Technical discussions and restoration logs are often found within broader trailer-sailing communities such as Seabreeze or the Trailer Sailer Place forums, where the lineage between the Nomad 20 and the Comet 20 is a recurring topic of research.

The Verdict

The Comet 20 is a functional, entry-level pocket cruiser that offers a surprising amount of interior space for its 20-foot footprint. While it lacks the high-end finish and offshore capabilities of its larger Italian namesakes, it remains a capable and affordable choice for lake and bay exploration.

Pros:

• Excellent interior volume for its length due to the raised deck design.
• Extremely shallow draft with the keel up, ideal for beaching.
• Trailerable behind mid-sized vehicles, offering great coastal mobility.

Cons:

• The centerboard case significantly bisects the cabin living space.
• Tendency to be "tender" in heavy air, requiring reefing earlier than heavier keelboats.
• Aging GRP components require careful inspection of the keel mechanism.