Comet 860 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Comet 860 is characterized by its high ballast-to-displacement ratio, often cited near 40%, which provides a level of stiffness and "big boat" feel rarely found in 28-footers of its vintage. Under sail, the boat benefits from the Finot-designed hull which features a relatively flat bottom and a broad stern for the time. This geometry allows the boat to track exceptionally well when reaching, though like many IOR-era designs, it can exhibit some weather helm if over-canvassed in heavy gusts.

The rig is a traditional masthead sloop, typically paired with a large genoa that provides the primary driving force. In light Mediterranean airs, the 860 is surprisingly nimble, a trait attributed to its clean underwater profile and a well-profiled fin keel. According to historical technical archives from Groupe Finot, the boat was designed to be easily managed by a small crew, utilizing a skeg-hung rudder that offers both protection for the blade and a dampened, stable feel at the helm. Owners frequently note that while it is not a pure "downwind flyer" like modern light-displacement boats, it maintains a respectable average speed and a sense of security when the sea state builds.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of 8.60 meters, the interior of the Comet 860 was considered revolutionary for its efficient use of space. Comar utilized the boat’s 2.90-meter beam to create a layout that felt significantly larger than its competitors. The standard configuration features a classic "V" berth forward, a central salon with two longitudinal settees that double as sea berths, and a dedicated galley and navigation station flanking the companionway.

Materials typically include a heavy use of mahogany or teak veneers, reflecting the Italian craftsmanship Comar was known for in the 1970s. Headroom is generous at approximately 1.80 meters in the main cabin, which was a high-water mark for boats of this size during that period.

The 860 was part of a broader family of siblings that shared similar design DNA. These include the smaller Comet 770 and the slightly later Comet 850. While the 860 was the "pure" racer-cruiser of the mid-70s, the later 850 introduced more rounded deck lines and a slightly modernized interior. A more obscure variant, the Comet 860 Sport, featured a taller rig and lightened interior components for club racing, though these are rare on the secondary market today.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Comet 860 should focus on the structural integrity of the hull and the aging mechanical systems. While Comar’s fiberglass work was generally robust, the 860 is of an age where specific maintenance items become critical:

• Osmosis: Like many Mediterranean builds from the late 70s, the Comet 860 is susceptible to osmotic blistering if it has not undergone an epoxy treatment or professional drying cycle.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: The cast iron fin keel is secured with steel bolts. These should be inspected for "smile" cracks at the leading edge or weeping rust, which indicates the need for bolt replacement or re-bedding.
• Original Engines: Many units were originally fitted with Farymann or Nanni diesel engines. Parts for these older units can be difficult to source, and many 860s have been repowered with Yanmar or Volvo Penta units; a repowered vessel significantly increases the model's value.
• Deck Delamination: The deck is a sandwich construction. "Soft spots," particularly around the chainplates and the mast step, are common if deck hardware has not been re-bedded over the decades, leading to water ingress into the core.
• Rigging and Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates on the 860 are robust but are often original. Given the boat's age, a thorough shrouds-down inspection is mandatory before any serious offshore use.

Community & Resources

The Comet 860 enjoys a dedicated following, primarily centered in Italy. The Associazione Armatori Comet (Comet Owners Association) serves as the primary hub for technical advice, historical brochures, and social gatherings. While much of the technical documentation is in Italian, the community is known for being welcoming to international owners, often sharing DIY solutions for common issues like window seal replacements or rudder bearing upgrades.

The Verdict

The Comet 860 is a quintessential vintage cruiser-racer that offers an affordable entry point into the world of "classic" Italian yachting. It balances performance and habitability in a way that few modern 28-footers can match at its price point.

Pros:

• Excellent stability and "heavy weather" feel for its size.
• Spacious, well-crafted Italian interior with good headroom.
• Proven design pedigree from Groupe Finot.
• Active owner community and strong brand recognition in Europe.

Cons:

• Aging original engines can be a significant financial liability.
• IOR-influenced hull shape can be prone to weather helm if not reefed early.
• High likelihood of needing osmosis treatment or deck core repairs on neglected units.