S2 6.7 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The S2 6.7 is frequently described as a "momentum boat" that punches well above its weight class in light to moderate air. With a displacement of approximately 2,250 pounds and a generous sail plan, the vessel boasts a Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio in the low 20s, placing it firmly in the performance-cruiser category. The Graham & Schlageter hull form is characterized by a relatively flat bottom and a fine entry, allowing it to plane under the right conditions while maintaining excellent tracking upwind.

Handling is precise, often compared to a large dinghy due to its responsiveness to helm corrections and sail trim. The lifting daggerboard is a critical component of its performance; because it retracts vertically into a trunk rather than swinging on a pivot, the weight remains centered, and the foil shape is more efficient than a typical swing keel. This configuration provides a draft of nearly 5 feet when fully deployed, offering significant leverage and reducing leeway during close-hauled beats. Owners often note that the boat feels remarkably "stiff" for a 22-footer, a result of the high ballast-to-displacement ratio. According to the design philosophy outlined by the S2 7.9 Class Association, which shares the Graham & Schlageter pedigree, these hulls were engineered to maintain a competitive edge in PHRF racing while remaining manageable for a short-handed crew.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a boat with such a focused performance profile, the S2 6.7 offers a surprisingly functional, albeit compact, interior. The cabin follows a standard layout for a 22-foot racer-cruiser, featuring a V-berth forward, a small area for a chemical head, and two settees that double as berths in the main salon. Due to the performance-oriented hull, headroom is limited, and the presence of the daggerboard trunk in the center of the cabin is a necessary trade-off for the boat's sailing capabilities.

S2 Yachts utilized high-grade materials even in their smaller models, including teak trim and quality moldings that have aged better than many of their contemporaries. The boat was produced alongside two notable siblings: the S2 6.8 and the S2 6.9. The S2 6.8 is essentially the fixed-keel version of the 6.7, offering similar performance for those who do not require trailerability. The S2 6.9, however, was a departure toward pure cruising; it featured a different deck mold with a higher "pop-top" or trunk cabin to increase interior volume and headroom, sacrificing the sleek racing lines of the 6.7 in favor of family comfort.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the S2 6.7 with a focus on its unique mechanical systems and the typical aging points of 1980s fiberglass.

• Daggerboard System: The 700-pound daggerboard is raised and lowered via a winch and cable system. It is vital to inspect the cable for fraying and the winch for corrosion. Furthermore, the daggerboard trunk itself can be prone to "clunking" if the internal shims have worn down, which can affect pointing ability and create rhythmic noise at anchor.
• Compression Post: Like many boats of this era, the loads from the deck-masted rig are transferred to the keel via a compression post. If the boat was raced hard, or if water has intruded into the deck core around the mast step, the post can begin to sink or distort the cabin sole.
• Deck Core: S2 used balsa-cored decks for weight savings and stiffness. Buyers should use a moisture meter or perform a "tap test" around the chainplates, stanchions, and the daggerboard trunk opening to check for delamination or rot.
• Rudder Gudgeons: The transom-hung rudder is subject to significant stress. Check for play in the gudgeons and pintles, and inspect the rudder blade itself for any signs of water ingress or "wicking" in the fiberglass.

Community & Resources

While the 6.7 does not have a dedicated one-design class association as active as the S2 7.9, it is warmly embraced by the broader S2 community. Technical information and historical context are often preserved through the Tiara Yachts historical archives, as the Slikkers family continues to operate the parent company. Owners also frequently collaborate through general S2 forums and Facebook groups, sharing technical drawings for the daggerboard assembly and rigging specifications.

The Verdict

The S2 6.7 is an exceptional choice for the sailor who wants a "driver’s boat"—one that rewards technical skill and offers a high degree of performance in a package that can still be parked in a driveway.

Pros:

• Excellent light-air performance and windward tracking.
• High-quality S2 construction and attractive, sleek aesthetics.
• True trailerability with a performance-oriented lifting daggerboard.
• Stiffer and more stable than most 22-foot swing-keel boats.

Cons:

• Interior volume is cramped due to the low profile and daggerboard trunk.
• The daggerboard winch system requires regular maintenance and inspection.
• Small production numbers make finding well-maintained examples difficult.