S2 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The G&S influence is immediately apparent in the S2 27's sailing characteristics. Unlike its heavier Edmunds-designed predecessors, the 27 was conceived as a nimble, masthead-rigged sloop with a high-performance profile. It features a moderately light displacement of 5,000 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 42%, resulting in a remarkably stiff boat that points well to windward. With a standard draft of 4.75 feet and a well-balanced transom-hung rudder, the vessel is known for its tight turning radius and responsiveness at the tiller.

Owner reports from the era suggest the boat feels particularly "locked in" when beating, though it can be less forgiving downwind without a spinnaker due to its masthead configuration and moderate wetted surface area. Its typical PHRF rating sits around 186, placing it squarely between the aggressively fast S2 7.9 and the more sedate S2 8.0. For the coastal cruiser, this translates to a boat that can handle a afternoon chop with minimal heeling while still providing enough tactical feedback to satisfy those interested in club racing.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the S2 27 was marketed as a more livable alternative to the "Grand Slam" racing series. It offers genuine standing headroom—a feature often lacking in the 7.9—and a layout that maximizes its 9.25-foot beam. The accommodations include a traditional V-berth forward, an L-shaped settee to port, and a straight settee to starboard. A key design choice was the placement of the U-shaped galley forward of the companionway ladder, which allows the cook to remain integrated with the social space of the main salon.

Unlike many production boats of the 1980s that relied heavily on fiberglass liners, S2 maintained a reputation for high-quality joinery, utilizing teak trim and thoughtful fabric choices. Sibling models built on different philosophies during this era include the S2 8.0 (an Edmunds design with a more traditional hull form) and the S2 7.9 (a lifting-keel racer/cruiser). The S2 27 effectively acts as the bridge between these two worlds, offering the standing headroom and enclosed head of a cruiser with the hull lines and pedigree of a G&S racer.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the core materials and the aging propulsion systems common to mid-80s S2s.

• Balsa Core Integrity: S2 utilized balsa coring in both the decks and, in some cases, the hull above the waterline. While the company used high-quality AME 4000 resin in later models to combat osmotic blistering, any hardware that was not properly bedded can lead to localized delamination. A moisture meter and "tap test" with a phenolic hammer are essential during survey.
• Engine Power: Many S2 27s were equipped with the 9-horsepower Yanmar 1GM diesel engine. While reliable, this unit is often considered underpowered for the boat’s 5,000-pound displacement when fighting strong currents or heavy head seas.
• Shallow Bilge Design: The boat features a very shallow bilge, which means even a small amount of water from a leaky packing gland or companionway can quickly find its way onto the cabin sole and into the storage lockers.
• Liner Cracking: Some owners have noted cosmetic "spider cracking" in the interior liner near the keel floors. While often just a surface issue in the gelcoat, it should be checked for underlying structural movement where the liner meets the hull.

Community & Resources

The S2 27 is frequently discussed within the broader S2 Yachts community, which remains active due to the cross-over appeal of Tiara powerboat owners. The S2 7.9 Class Association, while technically specific to the smaller model, often serves as a primary repository for G&S-era technical data and sail plans that are applicable to the 27.

The Verdict

The S2 27 is a "sailor's cruiser," offering a level of build quality and performance that was superior to many of its high-volume contemporaries from the mid-1980s.

Pros:

• High-quality S2 Yachts construction standards and high-end resin systems.
• Excellent windward performance and stiffness.
• Standing headroom and a functional, well-finished interior for its size.

Cons:

• Limited production run (85 hulls) makes replacement parts or model-specific advice harder to find.
• Standard 9hp engine can feel sluggish in challenging conditions.
• Balsa-cored construction requires vigilant maintenance of deck hardware seals.