S2 8.0 B Sail Drive Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The S2 8.0 B is widely regarded for its "big boat" feel on the water. With a displacement of approximately 4,600 pounds and 1,800 pounds of lead ballast, it maintains a ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 40%, making it exceptionally stiff and capable of standing up to a breeze better than many of its lightweight contemporaries. Its hull design features a moderate fin keel and a balanced spade rudder, providing a responsive helm and a tight turning radius under both sail and power.

While not a dedicated racing machine like its younger sibling, the S2 7.9, the 8.0 B offers respectable performance with a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 16.3. This suggests a vessel that is adequately powered for light-air coastal cruising but remains stable as the wind builds. According to technical specifications found on Wikipedia, the boat achieves a theoretical hull speed of 6.2 knots. Owners frequently note that the boat tracks well and handles chop with a predictable, dry motion, though the wide beam carried aft can cause some weather helm if the boat is over-canvased in heavy gusts.

Interior Comfort & Variations

S2 Yachts was known for its "Tier 1" interior finish, and the 8.0 B benefited from the company’s climate-controlled manufacturing process, which ensured high-quality fiberglass work and wood joinery. The cabin provides a surprising 5'10" of standing headroom, a rarity for a 26-foot boat of this vintage. The layout is traditional: a forward V-berth, a head located to port, and a main salon with a straight settee that can double as a berth.

The "B" model’s primary interior advantage over the earlier "A" model is its longer coach roof, which opens up the salon and galley area. The galley is typically L-shaped and located to starboard, featuring a two-burner stove and a deep icebox. A notable sibling, the S2 8.0 C, utilized the same hull but featured a center-cockpit configuration, which moved the engine more amidships and added a small aft cabin, though at the cost of a smaller main salon. The 8.0 B Sail Drive variant benefits from a more compact engine footprint, as the saildrive unit requires no traditional shaft log or stuffing box, allowing for better access to storage under the cockpit.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should prioritize the inspection of the mechanical systems and the deck core. Because this model specifically features a saildrive, the engine and its interface with the hull are critical points of failure.

• OMC Saildrive Maintenance: The OMC Zephyr 15hp two-cycle engine is a legacy system. Buyers must inspect the lower unit seals for water intrusion and the rubber mounting "iso-ring." Parts for these units are increasingly scarce, and a compromised hull seal can lead to significant water ingress.
• Deck Core Sogginess: Like many S2 models, the 8.0 B uses a balsa-cored deck. The deck-stepped mast puts significant pressure on the cabin top; check for compression or soft spots around the mast step and chainplates where water may have leaked into the core.
• Rudder Post Bushings: The spade rudder is mounted through the cockpit floor. Over time, the bushings can wear, leading to a "clunking" sensation or excessive play in the tiller.
• Window Seals: The large, one-piece Lexan windows were an S2 signature, but they are prone to crazing and leaking after decades of UV exposure. Resealing them often requires specialized adhesives rather than standard silicone.

Community & Resources

The S2 8.0 enjoys a dedicated following, particularly in the Great Lakes region where they were originally built. While there is no longer an active official manufacturer support line, technical knowledge is preserved through the S2 Sailboat Owners group and the OMC Saildrive technical archives. These communities are vital for owners seeking cross-referenced parts for the aging saildrive units or advice on retrofitting modern diesel engines or electric drives into the 8.0 hull.

The Verdict

The S2 8.0 B Sail Drive is an excellent entry-level cruiser for sailors who value build quality and stability over raw speed. Its generous headroom and robust construction make it a "pocket cruiser" that truly lives up to the name, capable of weekend trips and coastal hops that would feel cramped on other 26-footers.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality and "big boat" stability.
• Genuine standing headroom (5'10") for its size class.
• Thoughtful interior layout with good storage and joinery.
• Predictable and forgiving handling characteristics.

Cons:

• The OMC Saildrive is largely obsolete and can be difficult to service.
• Balsa-cored decks require vigilant maintenance to avoid rot.
• Weather helm can become pronounced if not reefed early.