Comet 700 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comet 700 is characterized by a high sail-area-to-displacement ratio, a hallmark of Jean-Marie Finot’s early design work. With a displacement of approximately 1,200 kg and a generous sail plan of nearly 30 square meters, the boat is remarkably responsive in light-to-moderate airs. Its hull shape features a relatively flat bottom and a wide stern section, which provides significant initial stability and allows the boat to plane under the right conditions when reaching.

On the helm, the Comet 700 is described by owners as "nervous" in a positive, dinghy-like sense; it provides immediate feedback and requires active trimming. The tracking is generally reliable due to its deep fin keel (drafting approximately 1.25m), though the wide beam can cause the boat to round up if it is allowed to heel excessively in heavy gusts. Sailors transitioning from racing dinghies often find the Comet 700's handling intuitive, while cruising families appreciate its ability to maintain momentum through a chop that would stall smaller, lighter vessels.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 23-foot vessel, the Comet 700 offers a surprisingly functional interior, though it remains firmly in the "compact cruiser" category. The layout typically features a classic "V-berth" forward, which is open to the main salon to increase the sense of space. Two additional longitudinal settees provide seating and extra berths, bringing the total sleeping capacity to four.

One notable variation in the production run involves the evolution into the Comet 701. While the hull remained largely the same, the 701 version often featured refined deck moldings and a more modern interior finish. Technical archives from the era suggest that the Comet 700 was also available with different keel options, including a shallower bulb for lake sailing, though the deep fin remains the most common on the secondhand market. The galley is rudimentary—usually a single-burner stove and a small sink located near the companionway for ventilation—and the "heads" are typically limited to a chemical toilet stowed under the forward berth.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Comet 700, prospective buyers should focus on the structural integrity of a fiberglass hull that is now several decades old. Data synthesized from Mediterranean owner circles highlights three primary areas of concern:

1. Deck Core Saturation: Like many production boats of the 1970s, Comar used balsa coring in the deck. Soft spots around the chainplates or the mast step often indicate water ingress that has compromised the core, requiring a specialized "dry out" and re-lamination.
2. Rudder Blade Delamination: The rudder is a composite structure that can trap water over time. Owners have reported instances of the rudder blade "fattening" or splitting at the seams, which necessitates a full rebuild or replacement.
3. Mast Step Compression: The load from the deck-stepped mast can occasionally cause the supporting bulkhead or the deck itself to compress if the internal "compression post" has shifted or if the fiberglass has fatigued.
4. Osmosis: While Comar used high-quality resins for the period, early fiberglass hulls are susceptible to osmotic blistering. A moisture meter test and a visual inspection of the gelcoat below the waterline are essential.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the Comet 700 is preserved through a dedicated community of Italian and European sailors. The most prominent resource is the Comet Owner Association, which provides technical support and historical documentation for the entire Comet range. While most formal documentation is in Italian, the Comar Yachts historical archive remains a high-authority reference for original build specifications and designer intent.

The Verdict

The Comet 700 is an iconic example of the "Italian Style" applied to small-scale yachting—balancing aesthetic appeal with a hull that demands to be sailed hard.

Pros:

• Exceptional Agility: High power-to-weight ratio makes it a joy to sail in light winds.
• Trailerable Design: Its beam and weight allow for road transport with a capable vehicle.
• Timeless Aesthetics: The Finot lines remain modern and attractive decades after launch.

Cons:

• Tight Living Quarters: Headroom is limited, making it better suited for weekend trips than long-term cruising.
• Maintenance Intensive: Older hulls often require significant "TLC" regarding the deck core and rudder.
• Tendency to Heel: Requires early reefing to stay manageable in winds above 15 knots.