S2 7.3 SD Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The S2 7.3 SD is a masthead sloop characterized by its moderate displacement of approximately 3,250 lbs and a respectable ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 34%. Because the SD variant carries its 1,100 lbs of lead ballast in a shorter, elongated keel, it exhibits a slightly higher center of gravity than the deep-keel version. According to editorial analysis from SpinSheet, the boat is noted for its "stiff" feeling and predictable handling, though the shoal keel naturally sacrifices a few degrees of upwind pointing ability and increases leeway in heavy air compared to the fin keel variant.

Under sail, the boat is remarkably balanced. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio in the mid-15s, it is not a "light air flyer" but is capable of maintaining momentum in a breeze. The 7.3 was designed with an outboard motor well located in the cockpit, which keeps the weight of the engine centered and the propeller clear of the water when heeled, though it does create more drag than a traditional transom mount. This design choice contributes to a cleaner aesthetic and better weight distribution, helping the boat track well through a chop without the "hobby-horsing" common in many 24-footers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel with an 8-foot beam—the maximum width for legal trailering without a permit in most jurisdictions—the interior of the S2 7.3 SD is surprisingly voluminous. S2 Yachts leveraged their experience in luxury powerboats to provide an interior finish that remains a benchmark for the era. The layout typically features a V-berth forward, followed by a surprisingly functional marine head (often a portable or manual pump-out unit) located behind a privacy bulkhead.

The main salon includes a settee that can double as a berth and a small galley area. One of the standout features cited in SpinSheet is the 5' 10" headroom, which is exceptional for a boat of this length. The use of teak trim and "mouse fur" (fabric) hull liners provides a warm, dry feeling below deck, a stark contrast to the bare fiberglass interiors found in many budget-oriented cruisers of the 1970s. While the S2 7.3 did not have the various cabin configurations found in larger siblings like the S2 9.2 (which offered "A" and "B" layouts), its single, efficient design maximized every inch of the 20-foot waterline.

The 7.3 SD's closest siblings include the S2 7.0, which preceded it and lacked the same interior volume, and the S2 8.0, which offered a beamier 9-foot hull. It is important to distinguish the 7.3 from the S2 7.9; while the numbers are similar, the 7.9 was part of the "Grand Slam" series and was a flat-out racing design with a lifting keel, whereas the 7.3 SD was purpose-built for comfortable family cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an S2 7.3 SD should focus on several common technical areas identified by the owner community and surveyor reports:

• Deck Core Saturation: Like many production boats of this era, S2 used balsa-coring in the decks. Inspection should focus on the areas around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step. Spongy sections or "crazing" in the gelcoat often indicate moisture ingress that may require a core replacement.
• The "S2 Smile": This refers to a hairline crack that can appear at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often cosmetic, it should be inspected to ensure the keel bolts are torqued correctly and that there is no structural movement in the lead-to-fiberglass transition.
• Outboard Well Maintenance: The seal around the outboard well can deteriorate over time, leading to water entering the bilge or exhaust fumes entering the cockpit. Buyers should also check for "growth" inside the well if the boat has been kept in the water, as this area is difficult to clean and can affect engine cooling.
• Rudder Bushings: The spade rudder on the 7.3 can develop "slop" or play. Replacing the bushings is a standard maintenance task, but a stiff or vibrating rudder during a sea trial may indicate a bent rudder post or internal delamination of the rudder blade.

Community & Resources

The S2 7.3 SD enjoys continued support from a dedicated enthusiast base. The S2 Sailboat Owners group is the primary hub for technical exchange, offering a repository of original manuals and rigging diagrams. While S2 Yachts (now Tiara Yachts) no longer produces sailboat parts, the community has archived much of the technical data originally provided by Leon Slikkers' team.

The Verdict

The S2 7.3 SD remains one of the most capable and well-built pocket cruisers on the used market. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who requires a shallow draft but refuses to sacrifice interior comfort or structural integrity.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Superior fiberglass work and interior joinery for its class.
• Shallow Water Access: The 2' 11" draft allows for cruising in areas inaccessible to most fin-keel sailboats.
• Trailerable: The 8' beam allows for easy transport between cruising grounds.
• Headroom: Nearly 6 feet of standing room is a rarity in a 24-foot boat.

Cons:

• Upwind Performance: The shoal keel version will not point as high as the standard 7.3 fin keel or the racing-oriented 7.9.
• Outboard Well Drag: The engine placement, while convenient, creates more turbulence and drag than a transom-mounted motor.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Potential for deck core issues requires a diligent pre-purchase survey.