S2 11.0 A Sailboats for Sale

Layouts on the Used Market

The 11.0 was built in two distinct configurations — an aft cockpit version (the 11.0 A) and a center cockpit variant — produced in roughly even proportions. On the used market you will encounter both, and the choice fundamentally changes the nature of the boat. The aft cockpit model, which is the subject of this guide, follows the conventional arrangement that most sailors find immediately familiar: a sizable forward stateroom with a double berth, a full-width saloon amidships, a well-designed galley wrapped around a serve-through counter, a generous head compartment with shower, and a quarter berth aft that does double duty as seating at the chart table. The quarter berth is notably roomy, and the forward cabin measures out large enough to be genuinely comfortable for two. The interior woodwork is teak throughout, and examples that have been maintained well still show the quality of original finish that set S2 apart from more production-minded competitors of the era.

Equipment and Common Upgrades

Used examples commonly arrive with a chartplotter fitted, reflecting the near-universal adoption of GPS navigation even on older hulls. A dodger and bimini are frequently present, a practical acknowledgment that this is a boat owners have used for extended coastal and blue-water passages rather than weekend sailing. Among owner-added upgrades, heating systems appear with reasonable frequency — particularly on examples that have been based in northern waters — as do hot water systems and autopilots. The original halyard and primary winches were considered undersized by many owners even when new, and a frequently encountered upgrade is a move to larger Lewmar units capable of handling the masthead rig's considerable headsail loads more comfortably. Original refrigeration was similarly considered marginal for liveaboard use, and aftermarket systems are a common find. The cockpit locker is unusually spacious, large enough to house a generator or watermaker as well as conventional stowage, and many owners have taken advantage of this space to add systems that extend the boat's self-sufficiency.

What to Inspect

The hull is solid fiberglass, and S2's early adoption of vinylester resin — combined with a factory decision in the mid-production years to replace exterior cloth with chopped mat to address binder-related osmotic risk — means that blistering has been relatively uncommon in this model. That said, a careful inspection of the bottom is still warranted, as the boats built before the vinylester research was fully integrated are more variable. The deck is balsa-cored in the walkway areas, so pay close attention to any deck hardware penetrations, particularly around stanchion bases and cleats, where water intrusion and core degradation can develop over decades of seasonal use.

Chainplates have been a documented source of leaks on the 11.0, with some owners reporting the need for regular rebedding to maintain watertight integrity. Inspect the chainplate areas both on deck and below for any signs of staining, soft wood backing, or corrosion, and budget for rebedding if there is any doubt. The hull-deck joint is through-bolted via the aluminum toerail on close centers and has generally held up well; examine the toerail fasteners and the joint itself for any separation or sealant failure.

The mast is keel-stepped on a wooden mast step, and at least one owner raised concerns about the adequacy of structural support in this area. Inspect the step and its surrounds carefully for any compression damage, rot, or movement, particularly on older hulls that have been through many years of rig loading. The oversized cabin trunk windows that give the interior its bright feel are a known aesthetic trade-off; in a genuine offshore context they represent a vulnerability in breaking seas, and their seals and frames deserve close examination for any crazing or leakage.

The Volvo MD17C with saildrive, fitted to some examples, had a documented tendency toward overheating until a separate through-hull was added for raw water intake. Verify the engine cooling configuration on any saildrive-equipped boat and confirm the fix was carried out. Engines are otherwise generally well regarded, with Universal, Volvo, and Yanmar all represented across the production run.

The T-shaped cockpit limits the helm wheel to 36 inches, and the coamings are shallower than many offshore sailors prefer. This is a design feature, not a defect, but it is worth sailing the boat in a chop before committing. The recessed grab rail atop the cabin trunk is more decorative than functional and should not be relied upon as a true safety handhold offshore.

Availability and Buyer's Takeaway

The S2 11.0 A is primarily found in United States brokerage markets, with the Great Lakes, the East Coast, and the Gulf Coast representing the most common hunting grounds. The Midwest connection to Holland, Michigan, means a meaningful number of examples spent their early lives on the Great Lakes and subsequently made their way south or coastal. The boat never achieved the mass-market volume of some contemporaries, so inventory at any given moment tends to be modest rather than abundant, but the model's loyal following means that examples surface with reasonable regularity. Prices have held firmer than many boats of comparable age, reflecting the construction reputation.

Before making an offer, work through these points:

• Inspect bottom for blisters, paying particular attention to pre-vinylester examples
• Probe balsa deck core at all hardware penetrations for softness or delamination
• Pull chainplates or have them pulled; inspect for corrosion and rebed if in doubt
• Examine the keel-stepped mast step and surrounding structure for compression or rot
• Verify cabin trunk window frames and seals for crazing or leakage
• On saildrive-equipped boats, confirm the raw water cooling through-hull modification
• Check halyard and primary winch sizing; budget for an upgrade if still original
• Test refrigeration; aftermarket systems are common and generally an improvement
• Confirm autopilot function if fitted — a meaningful ocean-passage asset on this hull
• Sail the boat upwind in a breeze; accept her moderate pace and evaluate helm feel