S2 7.0 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design Brief & Intent

The primary mission of the S2 7.0 was to provide a safe, comfortable, and highly capable platform for family pocket-cruising and gunkholing, rather than chasing silverware in club racing. Edmunds drew a hull that prioritized interior volume and structural stiffness, setting it apart from lighter, more performance-oriented contemporaries like the Catalina 22 or the O'Day 23. While those popular mass-production designs focused on maximizing ease of trailering through light displacement, S2 targeted the cruising couple or small family who wanted a boat that felt and handled like a much larger yacht.

This "big boat" philosophy is most visible once you step below deck. S2 made extensive use of a full, near-structural interior fiberglass liner, which was then trimmed with genuine teak. This dual-hull construction not only insulated the cabin against condensation and noise but also provided a clean, finished appearance that was rare for a 23-footer of the mid-1970s. The interior layout comfortably sleeps four, utilizing a traditional double V-berth forward and two straight settee berths in the main saloon. S2 managed to incorporate a compact galley with a sink and stove recess, alongside a dedicated, enclosed head compartment—a rare luxury in a boat of this length that dramatically improved the practicality of multi-day cruising.

Variations & Configurations

Unlike some of S2’s later, more race-focused models which featured various keel shapes, the S2 7.0 was primarily built in a single, highly versatile hull configuration: a fixed fiberglass stub keel housing a retractable centerboard. This design represents a pragmatic middle ground for trailerable cruisers. With the centerboard fully retracted, the boat draws just over two feet, enabling easy ramp launching, recovery, and effortless trailering, as well as the ability to slip into shallow, protected anchorages that are off-limits to fixed-keel vessels. With the centerboard fully lowered, the draft increases to over four and a half feet, providing the lateral resistance necessary for effective upwind tracking.

The sail plan is a conservative, masthead sloop rig. The mast is deck-stepped, supported by a robust tabernacle that facilitates raising and lowering the rig on a trailer. While a few rare variations or semi-custom modifications may exist, the vast majority of the approximately 140 hulls completed during the brief 1975 to 1977 production run adhered closely to this stub-keel-and-centerboard configuration, which was later utilized by other builders to spawn successor designs like the Sovereign 23.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The physical behavior of the S2 7.0 on the water is a direct consequence of its substantial build. Boasting a displacement of 3,800 pounds, the boat is relatively heavy for its length, which is reflected in a displacement-to-length ratio of 275.45. This places the S2 7.0 firmly in the moderately heavy cruising category. On the water, this translates into a highly reassuring, "big-boat" feel. While lighter trailer-sailers are easily tossed by chop and suffer from rapid, fatiguing motions, the S2 7.0 exhibits an impressive comfort ratio of 18.65. This high rating for a 23-footer confirms that she possesses a kindlier, more dampened motion in a seaway, resisting the tendency to hobby-horse when punching into a headwind.

With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 34.21%, the S2 7.0 carries 1,300 pounds of ballast low in its stub keel, providing excellent initial and secondary stability. This high level of stiffness means the boat carries its canvas well into moderate and heavy air before requiring a reef. However, with a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 16.03, the masthead rig is conservatively sized. In light air, the S2 7.0 can feel somewhat sluggish, requiring a patient hand on the tiller or the use of a large genoa to build momentum. Once the breeze builds into the double digits, however, the boat wakes up, tracking straight and handling confidently. Its capsize screening formula of 2.05 indicates a very stable hull form that is highly suited for coastal cruising, bays, and large lakes, though it remains just on the margin of what is traditionally recommended for serious offshore passagemaking.

Known Issues & Triage

For a boat that is now entering its fifth decade, the S2 7.0 is remarkably robust, but buyers must be vigilant regarding several known age-related weaknesses. The most common structural threat is water intrusion into the balsa-cored deck 5. S2 utilized end-grain balsa to stiffen the deck laminate, and decades of poorly bedded stanchions, cleat bolts, and chainplates can allow moisture to rot the core. Triage begins with a plastic hammer sounding the deck for dull thuds, followed by moisture meter testing. If the soft spots are isolated, owners often drill a grid of holes, dry the core, and inject epoxy; however, extensive rot demands cutting away the outer fiberglass skin, scraping out the degraded balsa, laminating in marine-grade plywood or closed-cell foam, and fairing the repaired area.

Another critical area of inspection is the centerboard trunk and pivot mechanism. Because the centerboard retracts into a narrow slot within the stub keel, mud, sand, and marine growth can cause the board to jam. Furthermore, the pivot pin and the lifting cable are prone to wear and galvanic corrosion. If the cable snaps or the pivot pin fails, retrieving the board can be a significant headache. Owners should expect to periodically raise the boat off its trailer or use a dedicated yard crane to drop the board, inspect the pivot hole for wear, replace the lifting wire, and paint the inside of the trunk with antifouling paint. Additionally, the transom-hung rudder is subject to continuous high loads, and the metal gudgeons and pintles can develop play over time, which can be remedied by machining new custom bushings from Delrin.

Market Snapshot & Economics

Given that only about 140 units of the S2 7.0 were built before production ended, the model is relatively scarce on the used market. However, when they do appear, they command a modest premium over more common, lighter-built pocket cruisers of the same vintage due to S2's legendary fiberglass construction and superior interior finish. They represent an excellent value for buyers who want a structurally sound, low-cost cruiser that does not require a slip and can be stored in a driveway.

When calculating the economics of a refit, prospective owners should bear in mind that investing in new sails, trailer maintenance, or an outboard motor can quickly exceed the nominal market value of the vessel. However, because S2 utilized standard, off-the-shelf marine hardware from major suppliers of the era, sourcing replacement parts like blocks, track, and rigging wire remains relatively straightforward. As a result, the S2 7.0 is a highly economical project boat for a DIY-minded sailor who values build quality over modern, high-speed performance.

The Verdict

The S2 7.0 remains a standout option among vintage pocket cruisers, offering a rare combination of trailerability, robust construction, and civilized cabin accommodations. It is an ideal step-up boat for those transitioning from open day-sailers or a sensible downsize for sailors looking to escape slip fees without sacrificing the comforting, sea-kindly motion of a ballasted keelboat.

Pros:

Exceptionally solid fiberglass layup and enduring gelcoat quality.
High comfort ratio provides a stable, gentle ride in choppy conditions.
Stub keel and centerboard configuration allows shallow draft versatility and easy trailering.
Well-appointed interior featuring a finished fiberglass liner and a dedicated head compartment.
Robust, deck-stepped mast tabernacle makes rigging manageable for two people.

Cons: