Comet 33 S Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design Brief & Intent

The Comet 33 S was drawn specifically for sailors who prioritize light-air performance and helming feedback without sacrificing the elegance of a finished cruising yacht. While contemporary mass-production models from Bavaria, Jeanneau, or Beneteau of the mid-2000s leaned heavily toward voluminous interiors and simplified handling, the Comet 33 S favored custom-level build quality and refined sailing dynamics. Comar blended modern fiberglass construction with traditional semi-custom craftsmanship, yielding a structure that is both light and rigid.

The interior of the Comet 33 S is a testament to classic Italian joinery, utilizing warm American cherry wood and contrasting light-striped laminate floorboards. Despite the boat's racing pedigree, the cabin is surprisingly welcoming and airy. The layout features a classic two-cabin configuration with a forward V-berth and an enclosed double cabin aft. The saloon accommodates a central folding table flanked by comfortable settees, providing sleeping arrangements for up to six people in total. On the port side, the L-shaped galley is equipped with a Techimpex two-burner gas stove and oven, a top-loading Isotherm refrigerator, and a double stainless steel sink. Directly opposite sits a dedicated, front-facing chart table that serves as a functional navigation hub—a feature increasingly omitted in modern boats of this size. A spacious heads compartment is positioned aft on the starboard side, complete with a marine toilet, washbasin, and shower.

Variations & Configurations

To understand the Comet 33 S, it is necessary to contrast it with the standard Comet 33 cruising version. The standard model was built with a heavier laminate schedule, yielding a displacement of approximately 9,039 pounds (4,100 kg), paired with a more conservative sail plan. The Comet 33 S (Sport) is a stripped-down, lightweight iteration weighing just 7,275 pounds (3,300 kg).

The sail plan on the S model relies on a tall, fractional sloop rig with swept-back spreaders. While some cruising hulls left the factory with standard alloy spars and Dacron sails, the performance-tuned versions featured high-performance Dyneema running rigging, a hydraulic or rigid mechanical backstay adjuster, and an optional carbon fiber bowsprit to fly asymmetric spinnakers or Code Zero sails.

The underwater profile of the 33 S features a high-aspect spade rudder and a deep bulb keel. Draft configurations typically range between 1.90 and 1.95 meters. The keel structure uses a high-tensile steel or cast-iron fin terminating in a heavy lead-antimony bulb, keeping the center of gravity as low as physically possible.

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the performance metrics of the Comet 33 S translate directly into an exceptionally responsive, agile helming experience. With a dramatic Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of 32.1, the boat is an absolute weapon in light-to-moderate breezes. It is capable of generating its own apparent wind and will easily slip away from heavier cruisers in under five knots of true wind. However, this high power-to-weight ratio requires an active crew; the boat must be depowered early, and the mainsheet traveler requires constant adjustment to avoid excessive heeling when the breeze builds.

The Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL) ratio of 92.21 places the Comet 33 S squarely in the ultralight displacement category. This slippery, easily-driven hull accelerates with the slightest puff and exhibits a genuine willingness to plane off the wind under asymmetrical spinnakers. To control this energetic hull, Lupoli engineered a massive Ballast to Displacement ratio of 40.91%. Because nearly 41 percent of the boat’s weight is concentrated in the low-slung lead bulb, the 33 S is remarkably stiff, standing up to its powerful rig and carrying its canvas far longer than a typical lightweight racer.

The trade-off for this athletic performance is reflected in the boat’s Comfort Ratio of 14.0. In a choppy seaway, the motion is quick and highly active. It is not a boat that will self-steer through heavy seas while the crew sleeps; it demands concentration and active helming. Additionally, the Capsize Screening ratio of 2.27 indicates a wide beam relative to its low displacement. Because this exceeds the traditional blue-water limit of 2.0, the Comet 33 S is optimized as a coastal and offshore racer-cruiser rather than a heavy-weather ocean passagemaker. It excels on closed-course regattas, channel crossings, and rapid coastal hops.

Known Issues & Triage

Due to the dual-purpose nature of the Comet 33 S, prospective buyers should focus their inspections on structural stress areas typical of lightweight racers.

Keel-to-Hull Joint: The high ballast-to-displacement ratio means a heavy lead bulb is suspended from a lightweight fiberglass hull grid. If the vessel has experienced a grounding while racing, the trailing edge of the keel joint can exert immense upward pressure on the hull laminate. Buyers must inspect the keel bolts, the surrounding washboards, and the transverse floor grid for hairline cracks, structural "smile" lines, or signs of laminate flexing.
Saildrive Diaphragm: Most units are equipped with a 20 HP Lombardini engine (the LDW 702M) paired with a saildrive. The rubber saildrive diaphragm seal must be replaced every 7 to 10 years. This is a labor-intensive job requiring the engine to be unbolted and slid forward, making it a critical checklist item for hulls of this vintage.
Rudder Bearings: The deep, high-aspect-ratio spade rudder is highly effective but subjects the steering system to massive leverage. Over time, the rudder stock bearings can wear down, leading to noticeable play or a distinct vibration when holding the wheel at speed.
Deck Hardware and Chainplates: Because these boats are driven hard, the high-load areas around the genoa tracks, deck organizers, and chainplates are prone to minor flexing. Gelcoat stress cracks around these fittings should be thoroughly checked to ensure no moisture has penetrated the balsa or foam deck coring.

Modernization & Upgrades

Many current owners are investing in strategic modernization projects to unlock the hull's full potential and improve cruising comfort.

Sail Plan and Rigging: Replacing old wire standing rigging with modern rod rigging or high-modulus synthetic shrouds is a common performance upgrade. Owners frequently upgrade their sail lockers to modern cruising laminates or composite sails, and add retrofitted carbon fiber bowsprits to fly top-down furling Code Zero sails.
Electrical System: To support the lightweight philosophy of the 33 S, veteran owners are replacing heavy, traditional lead-acid battery banks with LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) systems. This provides double the usable capacity at a fraction of the weight, typically paired with high-efficiency Victron chargers, smart battery monitors, and lightweight, flexible solar panels mounted on the coachroof.
Drivetrain Renewals: While the standard Lombardini engine is reliable if maintained, parts availability can be tight outside of Southern Europe. Some owners have repowered with modern lightweight Yanmar or Volvo Penta diesels, while others are exploring electric conversions, which are highly viable given the easily-driven, low-drag nature of the hull.

The Verdict

The Comar Comet 33 S is a rare breed—an authentic, beautifully finished Italian cruiser-racer that delivers sports-car-like performance on the water while maintaining a highly livable, wood-finished interior. It is an ideal yacht for the sailor who wants to compete in weekend regattas, cruise comfortably with a small family, and enjoy a highly responsive helm that rewards proper trim. While it requires active management in heavy weather and diligent structural maintenance, it stands out as one of the most elegant and rewarding 33-foot designs of its era.