S2 6.7 FK Information, Review, Specs

Make
S2
Model
6.7 FK
Builder
S2 Yachts
Designer
Don Wennersten
Number Built
18
Production Year(s)
1980 - 1983

The S2 6.7 FK (Fixed Keel) represents the performance-oriented "Grand Slam" lineage of the late 1970s and early 1980s, a period when S2 Yachts was at the zenith of its sailboat production. Designed by Don Wennersten and the S2 Design Group, the 6.7 was envisioned as a "midget ocean racer" that could balance club-level competition with basic weekend cruising. While the majority of the approximately 160 units produced between 1980 and 1983 featured a retractable lifting keel for trailering, the rare Fixed Keel variant—of which only 18 were reportedly built—targeted sailors seeking a stiffer, more permanent racing platform with a deeper, fixed center of gravity. As noted in early evaluations such as those found in Wikipedia, the 6.7 serves as the direct predecessor to the later Graham & Schlageter-designed S2 6.9, sharing the same 22-foot hull but preceding the "7.9 little sister" aesthetic.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The S2 6.7 FK is defined by its light displacement of 2,200 pounds and a generous fractional sloop rig. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 21.4, the boat is decidedly "over-rigged" by traditional cruising standards, making it exceptionally responsive in light air. In the Fixed Keel configuration, the boat carries 770 pounds of lead ballast at a 4.5-foot draft, providing a significantly higher righting moment than the lifting-keel version. This allows the FK model to carry its sail longer into freshening breezes before needing a reef.

Handling is described as "sporty" and "nimble," with the hull showing a tendency to plane in heavy air under spinnaker—a hallmark of the Grand Slam series. Because it uses a fractional rig, the headsails are smaller and easier to manage during short-tacking, though a spinnaker is essential for competitive downwind performance. Sailors often compare the 6.7's feel to a J/22 or an Olson 25, though with a slightly more forgiving motion due to its beamier 8-foot hull. Its PHRF rating typically settles around 205, reflecting its speed relative to other 22-foot pocket cruisers of its era.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the S2 6.7 is spartan, reflecting its primary mission as a racer-cruiser. Headroom is limited to roughly 48 inches, necessitating a "crawl-around" lifestyle below deck. The layout is optimized for four people on overnight trips, featuring a V-berth in the bow and two straight settees in the main cabin. Unlike many 22-footers of the era that used cheap veneers, S2 maintained a high standard of craftsmanship, often utilizing teak-and-holly soles and quality fiberglass moldings that have aged better than its contemporaries.

The Fixed Keel version offers a distinct advantage in interior volume over the standard model: the absence of a centerboard trunk (which on the LK model bisects the cabin) creates a more open, airy feel in the salon. Storage is found beneath the berths, and a porta-potty is typically tucked under the V-berth. While it lacks a full galley, many owners have fitted small, portable stoves and basins for weekend use. This model was eventually superseded by the S2 6.9 and the S2 22, which introduced more refined "Euro-style" interiors and wing keel options to appeal to a broader cruising demographic.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

The S2 6.7 was built using high-quality materials for its time, but several age-related factors require attention:

  • Deck Core Saturation: Like many S2 models, the 6.7 features a balsa-cored deck. Buyers should inspect for "soft spots" particularly around the mast step, chainplates, and stanchion bases. Leaks at the mast collar are common and can lead to delamination if not addressed with epoxy injection or re-coring.
  • Hull Blistering: Early models used polyester resins which are more prone to osmotic blistering if kept in the water year-round. While S2 eventually moved toward more blister-resistant resins, a haul-out inspection is mandatory for any boat that hasn't been dry-sailed.
  • Chainplate Leaks: The stainless steel chainplates pass through the deck and are known to leak. If left unsealed, water can migrate into the structural bulkheads, compromising the rig’s tension.
  • Rudder Bearings: The transom-mounted rudder is subject to wear at the pintles and gudgeons. Any "slop" in the tiller feeling usually indicates the need for new bushings or structural reinforcement of the transom mounts.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 6.7 often find support within the broader S2 community, which remains active due to the enduring popularity of the S2 7.9 and 9.1 models. The S2 7.9 Class Association frequently acts as a hub for technical advice that is applicable to the 6.7, given the shared manufacturing techniques and hardware.

The Verdict

The S2 6.7 FK is a rare, high-performance "sleeper" in the used boat market, offering a build quality and sailing experience that punches well above its 22-foot length.

Pros:

  • High build quality typical of Leon Slikkers' S2 Yachts.
  • Exceptional light-air performance due to the tall fractional rig.
  • More interior floor space than the lifting-keel version.
  • Stiffer and more seaworthy for coastal hops compared to the centerboard variant.

Cons:

  • Very limited headroom (48") makes extended cruising difficult.
  • Rare FK model is harder to find and cannot be ramp-launched like the LK model.
  • Vulnerable to balsa core rot if deck hardware has not been re-bedded.

Measurements

Construction & Hull

Construction Material
Fiberglass
Hull Type
Monohull Sailboat
Keel Type
Fin
Rudder
1x Transom-Hung
Ballast
770 lbs (Lead)
Displacement
2200 lbs
Water Capacity
-
Fuel Capacity
-

Dimensions

Length Overall (LOA)
22 ft
Waterline Length (LWL)
18.75 ft
Beam
8 ft
Draft
4.5 ft
Max Headroom
-
Air Draft
-
Hover over a measurement
IJPE FS LOALWL

Rig & Sails

Rig Type
Fractional Sloop
P (Main Luff)
26 ft
E (Main Foot)
10.33 ft
I (Foretriangle Height)
24.5 ft
J (Foretriangle Base)
7.5 ft
Forestay Length (est)
25.62 ft
Sail Area
226 sqft

Calculations

Sail Area / Displacement (SA/D) Ratio
21.37
Ballast / Displacement Ratio
35
Displacement / Length Ratio (D/L) Ratio
148.99
Comfort Ratio
10.8
Capsize Screening Formula
2.46
Hull Speed
5.8 kn