s2 30 foot sailboat

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• By Richard Smith
• Updated: October 22, 2012

Within a wide field of well-designed and competitive racer/cruisers of the 1970s, the S2 9.2 stands out, mainly because it wears its age very well. Without a scoop transom and boarding steps or skinny portlights below the sheer, it still looks modern. The flat sheer, sloping deckhouse, almost-flush Lexan forward hatch, hinged anchor lid, and tinted deadlights are familiar features on boats built three decades later. The carefully detailed teak handrails set on molded fiberglass spacers are unobtrusive while emphasizing the hull’s refined shape and unified design. Nothing is exaggerated in the interest of the fashions of the day or to suit a rating rule.

Powerboat builder Leon R. Slikkers founded S2 Yachts in 1974 and commissioned Arthur Edmonds, designer of the Allied Princess 36 and Mistress 39, to design the S2 9.2A (for its aft cockpit) and the S2 9.2C (for its center cockpit). Over 700 A and C models were sold. Both versions have the same hull, fin keel, partially balanced skeg-hung rudder, and masthead sloop rig. The single-spreader aluminum mast, painted black (an S2 trademark) is stepped on deck over a compression post that’s built into the main bulkhead.

The hull is solid, hand-laid fiberglass. It has an inward-turning flange at the sheer to which the balsa-cored deck is bolted through an extruded aluminum toerail. There’s no molded interior liner. Bulkheads and furniture are tabbed to the hull, which contributes to its structural stiffness. Two tons of lead ballast is encapsulated in a sealed keel cavity. Well-cared-for boats show little wear and tear after three decades of hard sailing, and, owners agree, the gelcoat is generally free of stress cracks even where moldings take tight bends.

The T-shaped cockpit is comfortable and workmanlike. The starboard seat opens to general storage and access to the stuffing box and engine controls. Additional storage is located under the helmsman’s seat in twin lazarettes.

Everything on deck is carefully laid out. The mainsail is sheeted abaft the 28-inch wheel, where it’s out of the way but in reach of the helmsman. The 8-inch stern cleats are mounted on anti-chafing pads and close to hand. Engine controls are similarly convenient to the helm. Early boats had Atomic 4s, but a variety of diesel engines were fitted after 1978.

The engine box provides a wide first step down to the cabin. A small corner galley to starboard of the companionway contains a sink, icebox, and stove. Opposite is a quarter berth and navigation space with a folding seat and table. Headroom is 6 feet 3 inches aft and drops gradually to about 5 feet 10 inches toward the forward cabin.

The saloon table and settee convert to a double berth and, together with a 6-foot-6-inch settee opposite, make a comfortable eating, lounging, and sleeping area. A double berth is located forward of the wardrobe and head area. Generous use of teak, both solid and ply, contributes to a sense of quality throughout the boat, but the polypropylene carpeting used to line the hull ages unattractively.

Sailing the S2 9.2 is a treat. In 15 to 17 knots, it heels sharply under the mainsail and 150-percent genoa before settling in to make 5 or 6 knots upwind. Weather helm is noticeable in stronger gusts, but the boat is generally well balanced and always manageable, even in lumpy seas. All in all, the S2 9.2 is a well-designed, tough, and able 30-footer with good performance for racing or cruising.

Architect Richard Smith and his wife, Beth, sail their Ericson Cruising 31, Kuma, in the Pacific Northwest.

Find more Cruising World boat reviews here . Read the review of the S2 8.6 here .

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• Sailboat Reviews

A roomy, well-built middle-of-the-road cruiser with both aft and center cockpit versions.

The history of S2 Yachts is in many ways a parable for the modern fiberglass sailboat industry. Begun in 1974 by an experienced fiberglass builder, the company grew rapidly, building first some unattractive “two-story” cruisers, followed by a series of conventional cruiser-racers in the late ’70s and early ’80s, then a successful fleet of race-oriented cruisers in the mid ’80s. Finally, as sailboat sales took a nosedive in the late ’80s, the company converted its entire production to powerboats.

In late 1989, the company was approached by the class association of its popular 26′ racer, the S2 7.9. Would the company be willing to do a small run of 7.9s for those serious racers who wanted to replace their seven-to nine-year-old boats? The company thought it over and said, yes—provided they could be guaranteed 10 orders.

As we write this, the class association and S2 dealers around the country have been unable to come up with the 10 orders, and the company has cancelled the offering, perhaps the end of sailboat building by this prosperous company, and perhaps also an unfortunate commentary on the sailboat industry.

During its heyday, S2 developed a strong reputation for good quality boats. The company was founded by Leon Slikkers after he had sold his powerboat company, Slickcraft. As part of the sales agreement, he was not to make powerboats for a period of time, but there was no restraint on sailboat building. So he built a new plant which was, at the time, a model for production-line efficiency. Among other things, the hulls were laid up in an enclosed, climate-controlled room, and they remained in molds until most of the interior was installed to ensure that there was as little deformation of the basic molding as possible.

In the late 1970s, S2 did start building powerboats again, and soon established its Tiara line at the top end of the market. As evidence of Slikkers’ insight into the business (as well as a bit of luck, perhaps), when the conglomerate that owned Slickcraft began to see declining sales in the early ’80s, S2 was able to buy Slickcraft back at a fraction of its original sale price. And of course, S2 enjoyed the boom in powerboat buying which accompanied the decline in sailboat sales during the mid and late ’80s.

From the start, Slikkers also assembled an experienced crew of builders and sellers from the local area. At the time, Holland, Michigan, was the home of Chris Craft as well as Slickcraft and several other smaller powerboat builders.

The company continues today with a strong crew, managed primarily by Slikkers’ son, David, and other family members. The company personnel helped establish a reputation for good relationships with S2 owners, a reputation which continues, even though the company is no longer in the sailboat business.

In preparing this story, we talked with a number of S2 9.2 owners who reported that they are still able to get information, advice, and some parts and equipment from the company.

The Boat and Builder

As its nomenclature suggests, S2 Yachts was one of those few American companies willing to commit to the metric system when the government said it would be a good thing to do. The 9.2 stands for 9.2 meters, as with the company’s other boats (7.3, 7.9, 10.3, etc.). S2 stuck with the classification for a long time, only advertising the 9.2 as the S2 30 after it had been in production for years (not to be confused with the later S2 30 designed by Graham & Schlageter).

The boat overall is 29′ 11″, the most common length of 30-footers in those days when one of the popular racing rules—the Midget Ocean Racing Club (MORC)—required boats to be “under 30 feet.” The boat was built in two configurations, from 1977 to 1987. The 9.2C was a center-cockpit version, and the last one built was hull number 427. The 9.2A was the aft-cockpit version, and the last one built was hull number 520.

From talking to the company, it is unclear whether the hull numbers represent the actual number of boats built. In the 70s, it was not unusual for companies as part of their marketing strategy, to start a production run with hull number 10, or even hull number 100, so that a model would appear to be more popular or successful than it actually was. The people currently at S2 simply didn’t know if that had been done, but we suspect the total of 947 hull numbers is more than the actual number of S2 9.2s built. Nonetheless, the 9.2 had a successful run.

The 9.2 was designed by Arthur Edmunds, who was S2’s “in-house” designer. Beginning in 1981, S2 built a number of racing-oriented cruisers designed by the Chicago naval architects Scott Graham and Eric Schlageter, but all of the earlier cruising boats were done by Edmunds. Edmunds also contributed engineering and design detail to Graham & Schlageter’s hull designs.

We would describe the 9.2 design—and all of Edmunds’ S2s—as moderate and conventionally modern. The hull has short overhangs, a relatively flat sheer, a long fin keel, and spade rudder. The boats are reasonably attractive, and the aft-cockpit model has pleasing proportions. The center-cockpit model has a high, boxy superstructure whose profile is relieved by good contour moldings of the deckhouse, cockpit, and aft cabin.

One advantage of the conventional looks of the 9.2 is that it is not likely to go out of fashion—a plus for the boat holding its value. Though the rigs were identical on all versions, shallow-draft keels were a popular option; these reduced the draft from 4′ 11″ to 3′ 11″. The deeper keel doesn’t seem excessive for most waters and is our choice. The lead ballast is internal. S2 did a good job of embedding and sealing the lead in the keel cavity, so leaking should be minimal even in a hard grounding.

The hull is a conservative hand-laid laminate, and the deck is balsa-cored. S2 used a conventional inward-turning flange to attach the deck, with an aluminum toerail for protecting the joint. S2 is known for good glass work, particularly gelcoats, and almost all the used 9.2s that we have seen still are cosmetically good or recoverable with a good rubbing out.

Sailing Performance

‘Adequate’ would be a good way to describe the sailing performance of the 9.2. The boat came with a deck-stepped Kenyon spar and North sails as standard, later with Hall or Offshore spars. The rigging and other sailing hardware was good enough in quality that little re-rigging or upgrading is likely to be needed.

The used 9.2 we examined thoroughly, for example, had internal halyards, reef lines and outhaul, a good Harken mainsheet traveler, Lewmar #8 halyard winches, and two-speed Lewmar #30s for the jib sheets. On the down-side, every equipment list of used S2s we looked at listed the original North sails, with an occasional newer furling genoa. One disadvantage of a late model boat with good gear is that the owner is less likely to upgrade before he sells it, so the second owner probably will be facing the purchase of new sails.

When we sailed a shoal-draft 9.2, our initial reaction was surprise at its tenderness. Other owners in our survey agree that the shoal-draft model heels fairly easily, and a number thought that even the deeper draft model was tender. Several reported that you need to reduce sail fairly early to keep the boat on its feet and sailing well.

The boat sails reasonably well. The one we were on, however, would not go to weather decently—a combination of the shoal draft and a well-worn suit of sails. On other points, the boat was respectable. Close and broad reaching, it moved very well and was just a bit sluggish running.

She’s not a fast boat by contemporary standards. In most areas, the 9.2 carries a PHRF rating of 180 seconds per mile (six seconds slower for the shoalkeel), which is six seconds per mile slower than a Pearson 30 and 12 to 15 seconds slower than the popular Catalina 30 with a tall rig. In contrast, the 9.2’s racing-oriented sister, the S2 9.1, a 30-footer, rates 50 seconds per mile faster.

On the plus side, the boat is easy to sail, with a good balance between main and jib sail area. The running rigging and deck hardware is well set up. Oddly, not one equipment list for used 9.2s that we looked at had a spinnaker or spinnaker gear, an indication that the boat is rarely raced. However, if someone is interested in an occasional club race, the boat should sail up to its rating, assuming the sails are good and the boat well handled.

The deck is well laid out, though the walkways are a bit narrow for getting forward, and there’s a considerable step up into the center cockpit. Details of the deck—anchor well, bow fittings, cleats, halyard runs, and so forth—are well executed.

Performance Under Power

A few of the 1977/1978 boats were sold with an Atomic 4 gas engine. After 1979, diesels were installed. Through 1984, the engines were 12-hp or 15-hp Yanmars, or 12-hp Volvos. In 1985, a Yanmar 23 was optional.

The Atomic 4 was a good engine for the boat, as was the Yanmar 23. However, a number of owners report that the boat is underpowered with the Yanmar 12 and 15, and the Volvo 12. For a 10,000 pound boat, 12 to 15 hp would be adequate by traditional standards, but many sailors seem to want a little more these days. The Yanmar 15 in the boat we sailed had no trouble pushing the boat in calm waters, but the owner did say that the boat couldn’t buck any kind of head sea. For some, the optional Yanmar 23 will make the later models more desirable.

In the center-cockpit model, many owners complained about the inaccessibility of one side of the engine and the difficulty of getting at the dipstick, but otherwise the engine was serviceable. A few boats were apparently sold with raw-water cooling rather than a heat exchanger. We’d be cautious about one of the older boats with raw-water cooling unless it had been kept exclusively in fresh water.

The interior was undoubtedly the strong selling point of the boat. For the most part, the belowdecks finish is well done, and there’s about as much usable room below as you could get without making the hull significantly larger.

S2 was one of the first sailboat builders to use fabric as a hull liner, and it became almost a trademark of S2 interiors. The fabric is a neutral-colored polypropylene, treated to be mildew resistant. When we first saw the fabric, we were skeptical, wondering how it would hold up to saltwater soakings. But having owned a smaller S2 for five years, we finally became converts; in fact, in refitting our current boat, we used the fabric extensively, rather than replacing aged vinyl and wood veneer ceilings. The fabric is contact-cemented to the hull, and it holds up amazingly well, absorbing virtually no water. It is quite resistant to mildew and stains. The new owner of an S2 will want to find a good, compact wet/dry vacuum cleaner, which is the required maintenance equipment for the fabric.

The rest of the interior has teak veneer plywood, Formica, and solid teak trim, and the workmanship is good. Layouts changed little throughout the production of the boats. The aft-cockpit model is conventional, with a V-berth that is a bit short, a large head and hanging locker, a large dinette/settee with a settee opposite, and an L-shaped galley with a chart area/quarter berth opposite. There’s adequate stowage under the berths and decent outside stowage in the lazarettes.

The center-cockpit model moves the main cabin forward and the head aft, near to and partially underneath the center cockpit. The galley is opposite the head, running lengthwise down the port side of the cabin and partially under the cockpit. The aft-cabin is roomy, with an athwartship double berth and good locker space. The shortcoming of the center cockpit is that there is virtually no outside storage.

Choosing between the center and aft cockpit is largely a matter of personal preference. With children, or two couples cruising, the aft cabin is hard to beat for livability.

Overall, the interiors are well enough designed and executed that little major work or upgrading should be necessary on most used boats. Many people will want to replace the alcohol stoves on earlier models, perhaps add refrigeration (or replace the original Unifridge), and perform the normal long-term maintenance of re-upholstering, but otherwise the interiors should need little major attention.

Conclusions

The S2s were well-built. Whereas other production companies frequently cheapened or upgraded models from year to year to find marketing niches, S2 made boats to sell near the high end of the production boat market, and kept the quality at a consistent level.

The 9.2s have maintained their value about as well as any 30-footer in the current market. Because the only significant advantage of the 1986 model is the larger Yanmar engine and newer equipment, we would gladly take one of the older 9.2s at a lower price, since the necessary upgrades could easily be done (sails, cushions, electronics) and the final cost would still be much lower than the newer boat.

It’s easy to pay too much money for a used boat these days, but S2 owners generally think they have a good product, and they’ll probably be harder to dicker with than many sellers.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Somehow this article is almost an exact copy of an earlier article here: http://www.sailingbreezes.com/sailing_breezes_current/articles/july99/s2review.htm by Thom Burns. Some sentences are exactly identical…

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Used Boat Review: The S-2 9.2A/C Well-built cruiser with aft and center cockpit versions

By Thom Burns

During the eighties, S2 earned a strong reputation for good quality boats. The company was founded by Leon Slikkers after he had sold his powerboat company, Slickcraft. As part of the sales agreement, he was precluded from the powerboat market for a number of years. There were no restrictions on sailboat building. So he built a new plant which was, at the time, a model for production-line efficiency. Among other things, the hulls were laid up in an enclosed, climate-controlled room, and they remained in molds until most of the interior was installed. This ensured that there was as little deformation of the basic hull molding as possible.

In the late 1970s, S2 did start building powerboats again, and soon established its Tiara line at the top end of the market. Slikkers’ business acumen, insight and bit of luck allowed him to buy his old powerboat line, Slickercraft, back from the conglomerate that owned it at a time of declining sales in the early 80s, at a fraction of its original sale price. Shortly thereafter S2 enjoyed the boom in powerboat buying which accompanied the decline in sailboat sales during the mid and late 80s.

From the start, Slikkers assembled an experienced crew of builders and sellers from the local area. At the time, Holland, Michigan, was the home of Chris Craft as well as Slickcraft and several other smaller powerboat builders.

The company continues today with a strong crew, according to former dealers. Company personnel and a strong dealer network established a reputation for good relationships with S2 owners, a reputation which continues, even though the company is no longer in the sailboat business.

Former area dealers, such as Gary DeSantis at Sailor’s World on Lake Minnetonka swear by the product and love to deal in used S2 boats.

The Boat and Builder

The boat was built in two configurations, from 1977 to 1987. The 9.2C was a center-cockpit version, and the last one built was hull number 427. The 9.2A was the aft-cockpit version, and the last one built was hull number 520.

The 9.2 was designed by Arthur Edmunds, who was S2’s "in-house" designer. Beginning in 1981, S2 built a number of racing-oriented cruisers designed by the Chicago naval architects Scott Graham and Eric Schageter, but all of the earlier cruising boats were done by Edmunds. Edmunds also contributed engineering and design detail to Graham & Schlageter’s hull designs.

The 9.2 design has short overhangs, a relatively flat sheer, a long fin keel, and spade rudder. The boats are attractive, and the aft-cockpit model has pleasing proportions. The center-cockpit model is a little boxy looking because of the relatively short overall length for the center cockpit aft cabin design. It is better looking than some other smaller center cockpit boats because it has three levels of deck and cockpit.

The conventional looks of the 9.2 keep it in style which along with the builders reputation seem to keep the boats holding their value pretty well. Shallow-draft keels were a popular option, reducing the draft from 4’11’ to 3’11’. According to DeSantis, most models sold in the midwest were the deeper keel which he personally prefers. The deeper keel doesn’t seem excessive for most waters.

The rigs were identical on all versions, The lead ballast is internal. S2 did a good job of embedding and sealing the lead in the keel cavity which can be a source of leaks on older externally mounted keels. According to DeSantis, this was a major difference between builders of that era.

Sailing Performance

This boat is the cruising, small, bluewater model and shouldn’t be confused with the 9.1 which swept the MORC nationals with a first, second and third finish when it was introduced. Another well sailed 9.1 won its division in the Trans-Superior. This boat has a much longer fin keel which is not as deep. It also makes it more seakindly for cruising. The 9.2 came with a deck-stepped Kenyon spar and North sails as standard, later with Hall or Offshore spars. The rigging and other sailing hardware was good enough in quality that little re-rigging or upgrading is likely to be needed.

The 9.2 typically came with internal halyards, reef lines and outhaul, a good Harken mainsheet traveler, Lewmar #8 halyard winches, and two-speed Lewmar #30s for the jib sheets. A boat this well equipped needs very little in upgrades. The bad news is that 1999 buyers are unlikely to find extensive upgrades to sails, furlers, winches, etc. done by previous owners. As this equipment approaches the middle to end of its second decade some of it will have to be replaced. It won’t last forever.

The boat I sailed performed very well on close, beam and broad reaches. It was a cruising boat close-hauled and it feels a little tender sometimes. Reef early when the wind builds.

She’s not a fast boat by contemporary standards but when compared to some other cruisers she’s quick. The 9.2 carries a PHRF rating around 180 seconds per mile (six seconds slower for the shoal-keel), which is six seconds per mile slower than a Pearson 30 and 12 to 15 seconds per mile slower than the Catalina 30 with a tall rig. In contrast, the 9.2s racing-oriented sister, the S2 9.1, a 30-footer, rates 50 seconds per mile faste at 140. The important thing is that both boats will sail to their numbers.

The boat is easy to sail, with a balanced sail plan. The running rigging, deck hardware and overall deck layout are convenient and functional. The deck is easy to move around. Attention to detail in the deck, anchor well, bow fittings, cleats, and halyards runs are well done.

Performance Under Power

A few of the 1977/1978 boats were sold with an Atomic 4 gas engine. After 1979, diesels were installed. Through 1984, the engines were 12 hp or 15 hp Yanmars, or 12 hp Volvos. In 1985, a Yanmar 23 was optional.

The Atomic 4 was a good engine for the boat, as was the Yanmar 23. For a 10,000 pound boat, 12 to 15 hp should be adequate by traditional standards, but many sailors seem to want a little more. The Yanmar 23 in the boat I sailed seemed like alot of engine. In calm water it would hit hull speed at 1800 or 1900 RPM’s. For some, the optional Yanmar 23 will make the later models more desirable.

The interior was undoubtedly the strong selling point of the boat. The below decks finish is attractive. There’s about as much usable room below as you could get without making the hull significantly larger.

S2 was one of the first sailboat builders to use fabric as a hull liner, and it became almost a trademark of S2 interiors. The fabric is a neutral-colored polypropylene, treated to be mildew resistant. Having looked at several used S2 models, I believe the fabric works well. Many of the 90’s builders have copied the approach. It is contact-cemented to the hull, and it holds up amazingly well, absorbing virtually no water. It is quite resistant to mildew and stains. It is maintained with a good, compact wet/dry vacuum cleaner.

The rest of the interior has teak veneer plywood, Formica, and solid teak trim. The workmanship is good. Layouts changed little throughout the production of the boats. The aft-cockpit model is conventional, with a V-berth, a large head and hanging locker, a large dinette/settee with a settee opposite, and an L-shaped galley with a chart area/quarter berth opposite. There’s adequate stowage under the berths and decent outside stowage in the lazarettes.

The center-cockpit model moves the main cabin forward and the head aft, near to and partially underneath the center cockpit. The galley is opposite the head, running lengthwise down the port side of the cabin and partially under the cockpit. The aft-cabin is roomy, with an athwartship double berth and good locker space. The shortcoming of the center cockpit is that there is virtually no outside storage.

Choosing between the center and aft cockpit is largely a matter of personal preference. With children, or two couples cruising, the aft cabin is hard to beat for livability.

The interiors are well designed and executed. Little major work or upgrading should be necessary on most used boats. Many people will want to replace the alcohol stoves on earlier models, perhaps add refrigeration and perform the normal long-term maintenance or re-upholstering. The interiors should need little major attention.

Conclusions

The S2s were well-built. Whereas other production companies frequently cheapened or upgraded models from year to year to find a marketing niches, S2 made boats to sell near the high end of the production boat market, and kept the quality at a consistent level. I would avoid the shallow draft version on both performance and likely tenderness grounds unless I was going to sail a great deal in shallow areas such as Florida Sound, the Bahamas or Belize.

The 9.2s have maintained their value about as well as any 30 footer according to local brokers. S2 owners generally believe they have a good product, and they’ll probably be harder to dicker with than many eager sellers of other boats in the used market.

Thom publishes Northern Breezes and SailingBreezes.com. Thanks to Gary DeSantis, Sailor’s World, Lake Minnetonka, S-2 Company and Practical Sailor for information for this article.

Sailor’s World: 612-475-3443

Practical Sailor: 800-829-9087

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• Sailboat Guide

1981 S2 9.2A 1981, 30 ft.

• Description

Seller's Description

S2 9.2A 1981, 30 ft., 1981 Aft Cockpit/Shoal Draft 2004 3GM30F Yanmar Diesel Only 740 Hours Bimini and Dodger, Roller Furling, Solar Panel, Refrigeration New Bottom Paint 2019

ALSO AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE Custom 2014 Triple Axle Trailer with Adjustable Pads, Electric Brakes on All Tires & 15,000 Lb. Capacity

ACCOMMODATIONS:

6’3” Headroom Main Salon w/Port & Starboard Settee Dinette/Settee Port Side Converts to Double Berth V Berth Forward Large Head & Hanging Locker Forward Composting Head L Shaped Galley w/Chart Area & Quarter Berth Opposite New Interior Upholstery 2015 Refrigeration Compressor/Cold Plate New in 2015

DECK/RIGGING/SAILS:

Aft T-Shaped Cockpit 9.2A Deck Stepped Masthead Rig w/Shoal Draft Extruded Aluminum Toe Rail Double Lifelines w/Gates SS Bow Pulpit & SS Stern Rail w/Boarding Ladder Wheel Steering Main, Jib & Genoa w/Roller Furling; Genoa Like New Front Hatch New in 2014 2 Solar Vents New in 2014 Canvas Protection on Exposed Teak

ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS:

Lowrance Chart Plotter Depth & Knot Meter Raymarine New in 2014 Raymarine Autohelm New 2015 VHF On Board Battery Charger, New 2014 Echo Charger New in 2017 Victron Battery Monitor 2017 2 Group 27 House Batteries New in 2017 1 Group 24 Starting Battery 2015 Solar Panels 2018 w/Controller 12 Volt/110 Volt Systems 30 Amp Shore Power Cable 110 Outlets

SAFETY/GROUND TACKLE:

Life Sling Horse Shoe Buoy Flares and Flare Gun Radar Reflector Emergency Strobe Delta Anchor & 300 Ft. Nylon Line

2004 3GM30F Yanmar Diesel w/740 Hours Spare Parts: Raw Water Impeller, Alternator & Engine Belts Water Pump Replaced in December 2015 Exhaust Mixing Elbow New in 2015

ADDITIONAL:

Cockpit BBQ Grill Portable AC Fits Over Front Hatch Cockpit Cushions Sun Screen for Cockpit Bimini & Dodger Folding Cockpit Table Bosun’s Chair, Docklines, Fenders & Chafing Gear Bilge Pump Electric & Manual in Cockpit (Rebuilt in 2018) or phone 770-540-9796

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Designed to the MORC rule. Shallow draft version: 4.5’/1.37m.

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• S2 Sailboats

S2 Sailboats Boats for sale

1-15 of 210

1979 S2 Yachts 11.0 A Sloop

Vallejo, California

Make S2 Yachts

Model 11.0 A Sloop

Category Sloop

Posted 2 Weeks Ago

This S2 11.0 Sloop has not been used much over the last few years. It's mainly dirty and the seller suggests it needs to be painted, have the through hulls changed, and the toilet plumbing repaired. He'd intended to restore the wood doors and drawers and switch out the wall covering. He's purchased new wall material. The Trojan Deep Cycle batteries are fairly new, he'll include the Mast Climber and a small compressor for diving, etc. The owner indicates the original engine onboard needs a head gasket replaced. Since the engine is non-functional, there will need to be an in-water survey. The owner will include a replacement Volvo Penta 17c engine that he purchased for $3800. He suggests the original engine can also be repaired. He'll also include a new Triton 2 Wireless wind station, valued at $2,200. Stock #367982 This S2 comes with a spare engine and Triton2 Wireless Wind Station. It's priced to sell! The S2 36' 11.0A aft cockpit is a sloop-rigged, fin keel, spade rudder sailboat with a keel-stepped mast. S2 Yachts sailboats are renowned for their build quality, and sailing ability. Built in Holland, MI by the same family that builds the Tiara powerboats. Beautiful woodwork and high-quality materials are used throughout the boat. This aft cockpit S2 sloop is well suited for crossing oceans, and yet she is fast and easy to handle with all lines leading aft to the cockpit and she is comfortable to live aboard. Her mainsail was recently replaced and the jib on a rolling furler is in great shape. As you enter the companionway, the galley is to port with a gas stove: 2 burner and oven, a large refrigeration box, deep double sink and lots of storage. The seller will also include a new 11 gallon water heater that will need to be installed. To starboard, there is a single berth and a dedicated nav station. In the salon area, the convertible U-shaped lounge becomes a double bed and there's a single settee to starboard. In the bow is a V-berth and the head is to the port with a toilet, a shower, and a sink. This sailboat is priced to sell! Please see the "Condition of Unit" section below for more information and call us today.

1980 C&C 34 Swing Keel - Shoal Draft

Chesapeake City, Maryland

Make C&C

Model 34 Swing Keel - Shoal Draft

Category Sloop Sailboats

Posted Over 1 Month

We have owned "Surprise" since 2011. We have campaigned the boat successfully on the Bohemia River and upper Chesapeake Bay. The swing keel draws only 4’ when up and 6’10” when the board is down, making it prefect for the upper Chesapeake. Last season she won the ERYC Bohemia Bay Wednesday Night Racing series and the Gene McCord Memorial Race. “Surprise” continues to be a fast and competitive racer. The 150 genoa is on its second season. Sail inventory includes a main, #1 genoa, 1 spinnaker, 1 asymmetric drifter, … In addition, she has proved a comfortable cruiser for those times when we weren't racing. This 1980 C&C 34 Sloop offers a great deal of comfortable cruising for a very reasonable price. She has beautiful lines and is a great all-round boat with a good turn of speed. She is roomy below decks with over 6 feet of headroom and accommodations for six. Side decks are large permitting easy movement around the boat, and forward is a large anchor locker. Her bottom was painted in spring of 2022. The boat is in very good shape with a large V-Berth, Convertible Settee that sleeps 2 and a Port Aft Bunk that sleeps 1. Galley has a 3-burner stove/oven, sink and top loading ice chest. A single head to port and large hanging locker before the V-Berth. She has a Yanmar 2QM20 20 HP Diesel, 2 - 12V batteries + Inverter, Keel stepped mast, Furling Jib, two Danforth Anchors + 50 feet chain and 200 foot of rope, Maroon Sail Cover that matches Bimini, Dodger and wench covers. All lines led into the cockpit, sailing instruments in cockpit, 3 bumpers, and 50-foot Shore power cable. She has a custom cover for the winter. The new owner gets all this plus the equipment and accessories listed below. The 34 is considered one of C&C's better designs, equipped for racing and cruising. Call for a showing today. Contact Information: Paul Fruehauf 302-690-1929 (cell) - [email protected] Dave Schnelle 302-562-9318 (cell) - [email protected] Deck & Rigging: Four Large 2 speed (jib or spin sheet) winches in cockpit One Large 2 speed self-tailing winches on cabin top (main sheet) 2 Additional winches on cabin top 1 small winch on boom for outhaul Harken roller furling headstay All spinnaker gear (Spinnaker pole, launce bag, blocks and sheets) 4 to1 boom vang Pedestal steering with large SS Destroyer wheel Teak Cockpit table Teak drink holder on pedestal Traveler in cockpit at bridge deck Two Large Danforth Anchors with Rode Lifelines, gates P&S double rail bow and stern pulpits Track on mast for mainsail luff White painted mast & boom, double spreader, SS rod standing rigging Cockpit cushions Opening Transom gate with SS Swim Ladder Interior: Teak woodwork V berth with filler Settees P&S in salon Center dropleaf table Custom interior cushions, white plush fabric Teak & holly floorboards Galley aft to starboard with 3 burner propane stove and oven Pressure water Quarter berth aft to port Enclosed head/shower forward to port Marine toilet with holding tank Engine: Yanmar 2QM20 Diesel with service manual 16x10 folding propeller installed, spare 3 blade fixed prop Electrical & Electronics: 110-volt shore power with cord Two 12v batteries VHF radio Stereo with speakers Navman Electronics Knotmeter Depthsounder Windspeed & direction Compass GPS Sails & Canvas: Matching Mainsail cover, Bimini, Dodger and Wench Covers Mainsail #1 Genoa Furling Full size spinnaker Asymmetric drifter Winter Cover Other Equipment: Life sling Horseshoe Life Ring Dock lines Fenders Fire extinguishers Misc. Safety Gear Bolt cutters Radar reflector Wind scoop Screens Emergency tiller Binoculars Solar heated showers

1978 S 2 model B

Denison, Texas

Model Model B

Category Sailboats

1978 S 2 model B, Nice Sail Boat with an 8000 lb. lift. 15 horse sail drive motor mounted inboard. Sails includeMain, 100 jib, 130 jib , 150 genoa and a cruising genneker. All in good condition. A carry onAC unit included. Motor runs good. All clean inside. A big dock box also included $6000.00

1979 S2 8.0

Muskegon, Michigan

1979 S2 8.0 This vessel is a well built pocket cruiser with an aft cockpit, wheel and OMC sail drive. S2 quality of build. Get excited about her - go for Endorfin today!

1982 S 2 7.3

Indianapolis, Indiana

1982 S 2 7.3 Recently restored.  Bottom blasted, epoxy barrier coat & anti-fouling paint (never launched).  Hull and deck wet sanded, buffed, polished & waxed.  New 6hp Tohatsu 4 Stroke Motor with remote control added to new motor mount on stern.  Interior Cushions Recovered.  Turn-Key Boat!

1982 S 2 7.9

Fairhope, Alabama

1982 S 2 7.9,Very solid boat and hard to beat on the racecourse.Equipment List:Sails: 2008 North Nordac Race Mainsail (in very good condition), 2013 North 3DL 155% genoa, 2012 North 3DR 140% genoa (both rarely used and stored indoors) 2009 North spinnaker, older spinnaker, older mylar main and dacron 110% and 155% genoas for cruising.2005 5 HP Mercury 2-stroke w/internal and external tanks. Double axle trailer with good tires (replaced in 2010)Misc. - Lifting keel, Tick-Tack Compass, swim ladder, rudder replaced in 2007, forward hatch replaced in 2007, 2013 custom-made full deck cover(mast up or down), new running rigging 2014, new Harken mainsheet system, new Baltoplate bottom paint summer 2014 $13500, 9046139246

1984 S2 11.0

1984 S2 11.0 The S2 36' 11.0A, aft cockpit is sloop rigged, fin keel, skeg hung rudder and keel stepped mast. Her standard engine was a Volvo diesel but Far Niente has the Yanmar upgrade. Her hull is solid fiberglass and her deck is end grain balsa core construction for the insulating qualities and additional strength. Her inviting interior offers solid teak trim and bulkheads and teak and holly sole, exuding the quality construction that S2s are known for. With seven under berth storage lockers and several hanging lockers, there is plenty of room for the family's gear. Teak dinette table with double pedestal legs lowers to make a double berth with a straight settee opposite to starboard. Complete navigators desk. Berths for seven including a double quarter berth and forward owner's V-berth. The large U-shaped galley aft and separate head compartment with vanity and shower forward complete the interior. Far Niente has been extremely well kept under this owner for the past six years and has been professionally maintained by North Shore Marina in Spring Lake, MI. There were many upgrades in 2009 including a new North main, sail cover, binnacle cover, winch covers, winter cover, nine jack stands, Garmin GPS 541 chart plotter, Adler-Barbour refrigeration, inverter, a new hot water heater, head system rebuilt with all new hoses and pump service kit, and tack tic wireless wind instrumentation. Three new batteries were installed in 2013. The head sail was professionally serviced in 2014, including a new cover for it. Go with Far Niente for the 2015 sailing season now!

1984 S2 9.1 Liberty Cup Model

Dunedin, Florida

Model 9.1 Liberty Cup Model

1984 S2 9.1 Liberty Cup Model Well prepared and updated S2 9.1, Inboard Yanmar 2GM, Great PHRF Club Racer/Weekend Cruiser, good sail inventory, Raymarine ST 60 Sailing Instruments, Garmin GPS Plotter

1985 S 2 9.1

Tampa, Florida

1985 S 2 9.1, Excellent S2 9.1 racer/cruiser in very good condition, well maintained. New bottom job 8/2015. New sail cover, tiller cover, Bimini top cover and compass covers. Has two roller furling Cruising Genoas (150 and 110), 2 racing 155 genoas, (2) Main sails, 2 spinnakers and additional sails, like new custom cabin cushions and covers as well as original cabin cushions, tiller autopilot. Fixed Keel draws 5.5 feet. Has a Yanmar 2GM diesel inboard engine well maintained in great condition. $16500.00, 8135053493

Croydon, Pennsylvania

1980 S2 30 This well maintained center cockpit design gives a lot of interior space for a 30 footer with 6'2" headroom, shoal draft and excellent sailing ability.

1984 S2 24 (7.3)

Barnegat, New Jersey

Model 24 (7.3)

1984 S2 24 (7.3) This boat is clean, well-loved, in good condition with a dry cabin. She is shoal draft at 2'10". Great for shallow bays and gunk-holeing. The hull was soda blasted and then epoxy barrier coated in 2009. If you are looking for your first sailboat or just looking for an inexpensive easy to handle, easy to sail, easy to maintain boat, this is it.

1982 S 2 8.5

Buffalo, New York

1982 S 2 8.5 Brokers Comment:"Dolce Vita" is an excellent example of a quality built sloop. Whether you want some fun going around the buoys or day-sailing and weekend cruising you’ll appreciate the 8.5’s comfort and performance in an easy to handle package. Rich teak woodwork and trim enhance her good looks. A new Furlex roller furler makes sail handling easy as it is led aft to the cockpit. . She features good walk-around deck space to make moving forward safe and easy. One look and you’ll appreciate this solid vessel. Summer dockage is paid in full. A new custom winter cover is also included. Lake Erie PHRF 192

SAILBOAT 30' S2 9.2A

Pocasset, Massachusetts

Length 30.0

I have been living and solo navigating Vagabundo for 5 years with no prior experience in the Caribbean. I am currently in Barlows Boat Yard 18 Wings Neck Rd, Pocasset, MA 02559 (CAPE COD). She is loaded with everything needed to live aboard. Please see the video and contact me if interested. I will be happy to remain with new owner until they are comfortable and confident with Vagabundo. Live your dreams, no excuses, MAKE LIFE HAPPEN. Equipment-Harken Roller Furling System, Dutchman Sail Flaking System, new dodger & bimini, 3 anchors, Edson wheel steering w/break. Ritchie Compass, whisker pole. Water catcher. Hydrovane-mechanical self steering auto pilot, w/2 vanes, 2 rudders. 2-dive tanks. Electronics-GPS 521 at helm, Raymarine ST6000 auto pilot and ST60 depth gauge, Furuno Radar, GPS 162. Self tailing winches (installed aft), traveller (on stern), all at helm location, all lines led to cockpit, easy single hander, single line reefing. 12 volt refrigeration with freezer, 130 watt solar panel, 4-deep cycle batt new Oct. 2012, Honda 2000 generator, Inverter, Zantrex 40 amp smart charger. All safety equip.VHF, lifesling, flares. 9' Caribe dingy w/8hp Yamaha 2 stroke motor 2009. Engine 2QM15 Yanmar 1800 hrs with new stuffing box, Racor filters. Fishing equipment. Propeller and shaft were balanced at New England Propeller, with new coupler.I AM THE 3RD OWNER.I WILL SAIL THE BOAT WITH OWNER TO THEIR DESTINATION. PAYMENT IN FULL

1981 S2 11A 36 ft sloop

Cape Canaveral, Florida

Model 11A 36 Ft Sloop

1981 S2 11A 36 ft sloop Great price for a 36' Sloop! Good condition Author Edmunds design that is waiting for it's next adventure. This layout has the aft cockpit with a convential v-berth, saloon and quarter berth with the galley flanking the companionway. Nav station and table folds down for another berth. Solid fiberglass hull that includes a moded keel cavity for internal ballast with a balsa cored deck. (Work completed mid-2016) new navigation installed new dinghy wind vane auto pilot installed, needs attached arm Volvo Penta MD17C engine had some minor service done, cooling system checked, belt replaced, fuel and oil filters changed 50 hrs ago Stern drive was replaced a few years ago per the previous owner.   Minor plumbing adjustments, cleaning and new bilge pump and back up bilge pump installed 500 and 2000. Manual pump was serviced and works like new. Sails are in good condition and were serviced about 6 months ago, all new lines Propane system serviced Two new batteries that need to be installed with boxes properly. Exterior has been refinished white top, blue/black bottom paint, blue lines. -Critical deck penetrations re-sealed. Minor window leaks that need addressing Original teak interior in great shape, all fabric in great condition. Audio system with hd radio receiver works fine.  Depth sounder works fine (ray marine) Water heater works fine. - Refrigerator is functioning great. Engine has been cleaned and partially refinished with rust-reformer and matching paint. Some minor ite

Category Daysailer Sailboats

1982 S 2 8.5 Brokers Comment:"Dolce Vita" is an excellent example of a quality built sloop. Whether you want some fun going around the buoys or day-sailing and weekend cruising youll appreciate the 8.5s comfort and performance in an easy to handle package. Rich teak woodwork and trim enhance her good looks. A new Furlex roller furler makes sail handling easy as it is led aft to the cockpit. . She features good walk-around deck space to make moving forward safe and easy. One look and youll appreciate this solid vessel. A new custom winter cover is also included. Lake Erie PHRF 192

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