Sailing Performance & Handling
Sailing the S2 8.0 B is characterized by a sense of stability and "big boat" feel that belies its 26-foot length. With a displacement of approximately 6,700 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio hovering near 40%, the boat is notably stiff and tracks well in a breeze. In an editorial retrospective, Practical Sailor notes that while the 8.0 is not a light-air flyer, it handles heavy weather with a composure rarely found in smaller vessels.
The masthead sloop rig is simple to manage, though the wide beam and relatively short waterline mean it will not point as high as its more performance-oriented cousin, the S2 7.9. The sail area-to-displacement ratio (SA/D) sits in the cruiser range of approximately 15.5, suggesting a boat that requires a stiff breeze to truly wake up. Under power, the 8.0 B usually features a small inboard diesel—typically a Yanmar—which provides reliable thrust, though it adds significant weight compared to the outboard-welled versions of the same hull.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the S2 8.0 B is where Slikkers’ experience in luxury powerboats is most evident. The cabin boasts nearly 6 feet of headroom, a rare feat for an 8-meter hull. The layout is traditional yet spacious, featuring a forward V-berth, a marine head with a privacy door, and a main salon with a folding table. S2 utilized high-pressure laminates and extensive teak trim that have aged considerably better than the "shag carpet" interiors of many 1970s competitors.
The 8.0 B’s sibling models offer a study in 1970s design experimentation. The S2 8.0 A was the more basic aft-cockpit version, often found with an outboard engine well. The most curious variant is the S2 8.0 C, a center-cockpit version that is one of the smallest boats ever mass-produced with that configuration. The 8.0 C attempted to squeeze a private aft cabin into a 26-foot frame, though it resulted in a "crawl-through" passage and a significantly smaller cockpit than the B model.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of an S2 8.0 B should focus their inspections on the following high-signal areas common to the "meter series":
- Deck Core Saturation: Like many balsa-cored boats of this era, the S2 8.0 B is prone to wet cores around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step. Tapping the deck with a phenolic hammer can reveal delamination or "dead" spots.
- Compression Post Support: The mast is deck-stepped and relies on a compression post. Over time, the structural block under the post (often located in the bilge) can rot or compress, leading to a sagging deck and rig tension issues.
- Rudder Moisture: The foam-filled rudders are known to absorb water over decades, potentially leading to internal corrosion of the stainless steel skeleton. Check for weeping rusty water when the boat is hauled out.
- Original Portlights: The large fixed windows are prone to leaking if the original sealant has dried out. Many owners opt to replace these with upgraded Lewmar or Newfound Metals ports to resolve persistent cabin moisture.
Community & Resources
While there is no longer a formal factory-supported association, the S2 Yachts legacy is maintained by a dedicated community of owners who value the "overbuilt" nature of the Slikkers-era boats. Technical data and historical discussions are primarily found through the S2 Sailboat Owners groups, which serve as a repository for original wiring diagrams and plumbing schematics for the 8.0 series.
The Verdict
The S2 8.0 B remains a top-tier choice for sailors seeking a "starter" cruiser that doesn't feel like a compromise in build quality.
Pros:
- Exceptional headroom and interior volume for a 26-foot boat.
- Superior fiberglass layup and joinery compared to many contemporary production boats.
- Stable, predictable handling in heavy air.
Cons:
- Sluggish performance in light winds (under 8 knots).
- Center-cockpit siblings (8.0 C) have very cramped cockpits.
- Aging inboard engines may require expensive repowers if not well-maintained.
