Comet 850 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comet 850 was engineered for the light-to-medium airs typical of the Mediterranean, yet its Finot heritage ensures a level of stiffness that handles heavier gusts with composure. The hull features a relatively wide beam (2.90m) for its 8.50m length, carried well aft to provide high initial stability and a spacious cockpit. This design choice, according to technical retrospectives by Groupe Finot, allows the boat to plane earlier than its heavier displacement contemporaries when sailing off-wind.

With a displacement of approximately 2,500kg and a ballast of 1,100kg, the boat maintains a healthy ballast ratio of nearly 44%, contributing to a secure "big boat" feel in a chop. Owners often report that the boat tracks exceptionally well for a fin-keel vessel of its size, though the balanced spade rudder requires a light touch to avoid over-steering in a following sea. While not a pure racing machine by modern standards, its Sail Area/Displacement ratio remains competitive for club racing, particularly in light air where the 850’s generous genoa overlap provides significant drive.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel under 30 feet, the Comet 850 offers an remarkably ergonomic interior that prioritized volume without the "bloated" topsides seen in later 1990s designs. The layout is traditional: a forward V-berth, a central salon with two settee berths, and a dedicated galley to port. A notable feature for its era is the navigation station to starboard, which leads into a quarter berth tucked under the cockpit sole.

The interior was primarily finished in teak veneers and molded fiberglass liners, which have proven durable over decades of use. Headroom is generous for a 28-footer, hovering around 1.80m (5'11") in the main salon. Throughout its production, the model saw several sibling variations built on similar Finot principles. The Comet 801 served as the slightly smaller, more entry-level sibling, while the Comet 910 provided a larger offshore alternative with nearly identical design DNA. There was also a "Sport" variation of the 850 that occasionally featured a taller rig and deeper keel, though the vast majority of units were built to the standard cruising specification.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Comet 850 with the scrutiny required for a 40-year-old fiberglass vessel. While the hulls were robustly built, specific areas require technical inspection:

• Osmotic Blistering: Early Comar hulls used orthophthalic resins. While not more prone to osmosis than other boats of the 1970s, many 850s have undergone or currently require a bottom peel and epoxy treatment.
• Deck Core Integrity: The deck utilizes a balsa-core sandwich construction. Inspection should focus on the areas around the mast step and the stanchion bases, where water ingress can lead to delamination and "soft spots."
• Chainplate Attachment: On the 850, the chainplates are bolted through the hull-deck joint area. Over time, the sealant can fail, leading to leaks that may go unnoticed until they affect the interior cabinetry or the structural bulkheads.
• Engine Maintenance: Many original units were fitted with Farymann or small Bukh diesel engines. While reliable, parts for older Farymann models are becoming increasingly scarce, and many owners have opted for repowering with modern Yanmar or Volvo Penta units.
• Rudder Bearing Wear: The spade rudder is known to develop "slop" or play in the bearings. While a straightforward fix on the hard, it is a common point for negotiation during a survey.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the Comet 850 is preserved largely through the Comar Yachts owner network and Italian sailing associations. While the manufacturer, Comar Yachts, has transitioned into luxury performance cruisers and catamarans, they maintain a historical archive of their "Comet" lineage. Technical support is frequently found through the Italian Comet Owners groups, which remain active in organizing regattas and sharing refit documentation for these classic Finot designs.

The Verdict

The Comet 850 remains a highly regarded choice for coastal cruisers seeking Italian style and Finot-designed performance on a modest budget.

Pros:

• Excellent stability and light-air performance for its class.
• Deceptively spacious interior with five functional berths.
• Timeless aesthetic that has aged better than many of its contemporaries.
• Robust construction and high ballast ratio provide a sense of security.

Cons:

• Older models are susceptible to osmosis and deck saturation issues.
• The original engines are often at the end of their service life.
• Spade rudder design is vulnerable to debris and requires regular bearing checks.
• Limited storage for long-term blue water cruising compared to modern high-volume hulls.