Sailing Performance & Handling
Under sail, the Edel 2 behaves much like a high-buoyancy dinghy but benefits from the added stability of a ballasted keel (typically around 150kg). Because of its light displacement—roughly 550kg to 600kg depending on the specific layup—the boat is exceptionally responsive to light winds, making it an ideal platform for learning the nuances of sail trim. According to technical documentation maintained by the Association Edel, the boat was designed with a relatively generous sail plan for its size, which allows it to plane in specific downwind conditions under spinnaker, a rarity for a cruising-oriented boat of this vintage.
The handling is characterized by a "direct" feel through the tiller. While it tracks well for a short-waterline vessel, it can be tender when pressed; early reefing is recommended once the breeze exceeds 12-15 knots to maintain control and comfort. Its shallow draft (approximately 0.80m) and narrow beam make it highly maneuverable in tight marinas, though its light weight means it can be easily blown off-course by crosswinds when under power with a small outboard motor.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The most defining feature of the Edel 2’s interior is the patented sliding coachroof. In an era where 17-footers were usually cramped "coffin lockers," Maurice Edel designed a companionway hatch that slid forward along with a portion of the cabin top. This "Edel System" effectively opens the salon to the sky, providing standing headroom at the galley area while at anchor—a luxury unheard of in its class.
The layout is optimized for four people, though modern standards would categorize it as comfortable for two adults or a small family with two children. It features a V-berth forward and two quarter berths that extend aft under the cockpit seats. The "GTE" (Grand Tirant d'Eau) or deep-draft versions are rare, as most Edel 2s were built with a standard keel to facilitate easy trailering and ramp launching. While no true "sibling" shared the exact Edel 2 hull, its success led directly to the development of the Edel 5 (and the later 540), which refined the concept with more contemporary lines but often lacked the charming "bubble" aesthetic of the original 2.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should focus on the structural integrity of the fiberglass, as these boats were built during the early stages of mass-production composite technology.
- Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, the sandwich construction in the deck can suffer from soft spots, particularly around the mast step and the sliding hatch tracks.
- The Sliding Roof Seal: The "Edel System" sliding hatch is a common point of failure for water ingress. Check the fiberglass tracks for cracks and ensure the drainage channels are not blocked, which can lead to cabin flooding during heavy rain.
- Chainplate Anchors: The points where the shrouds meet the hull should be inspected for "crazing" or stress fractures in the gelcoat, indicating potential fatigue in the underlying laminate.
- Rudder Assembly: The pintles and gudgeons on the transom are known to develop play over decades of use. Given the boat's age, the wooden core of the rudder blade should also be checked for swelling or rot.
Community & Resources
The Edel 2 enjoys a dedicated following, particularly in France and Quebec. The Association Edel serves as the primary repository for technical drawings, original brochures, and restoration logs. This community-led resource is vital for owners seeking to replicate original parts or understand the specific rigging specifications of the various iterations produced between 1966 and the late 1970s.
The Verdict
The Edel 2 remains a premier entry-level classic for those who value clever design and ease of transport over modern luxury. It is a "pure" sailing machine that offers a tactile connection to the water.
Pros:
- Innovative Ergonomics: The sliding roof provides unmatched ventilation and headroom for its size.
- Trailerability: Light enough to be towed by a standard family car and launched without a crane.
- Lively Performance: Excels in light to moderate air and remains fun to sail for experienced mariners.
Cons:
- Age-Related Wear: Most units require significant cosmetic and structural TLC regarding seals and deck cores.
- Tender in Heavy Weather: Its light displacement and short waterline make it less suitable for choppy, open-water passages.
- Limited Storage: While it sleeps four, stowage for long-term cruising supplies is virtually non-existent.
