S2 8.0 B Sail Drive TM Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The S2 8.0 B is generally regarded as a stiff, stable pocket cruiser that "sails like a much larger boat," a sentiment echoed in technical reviews by Listings Port. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 16.36, the standard model offers moderate performance. However, the Tall Mast (TM) variant adds approximately 1.65 feet to the rig height, providing the extra canvas necessary to overcome the drag of the boat's relatively high freeboard in light winds.

The hull features a fin keel and a spade rudder, a combination that provides a tight turning radius and responsive handling under power. While its high-volume hull and "wall-sided" design—meant to maximize interior headroom—can make the boat prone to windage when docking, once under sail, the 1,800 lbs of lead ballast ensures a predictable motion in a chop. Owners frequently note that the boat tracks well and feels secure in 15–20 knots of breeze, though the lack of inboard jib sheeting tracks on earlier hulls can limit upwind pointing ability unless modified by the owner.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The S2 8.0 B was widely praised for providing 5'10" (70 inches) of standing headroom in a 26-foot package, a feat achieved through its prominent "bubble" coachroof. The interior layout is a classic cruiser arrangement: a double V-berth forward, followed by a head to port and a hanging locker to starboard. The main salon features a straight settee to port and an L-shaped galley to starboard, equipped with a two-burner stove and a deep icebox.

The 8.0 B shares its hull with two primary siblings: the original S2 8.0 A, which featured a shorter, more bulbous cabin house and lower production numbers, and the S2 8.0 C, a center-cockpit version that utilized the same hull to create a distinct two-cabin layout. According to Wikipedia, the 8.0 B was the most popular of the three, offering a more traditional and spacious aft-cockpit experience that appealed to coastal cruisers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of the S2 8.0 B Sail Drive TM should prioritize the following technical inspections:

• OMC Zephyr Sail Drive: Many original 8.0 B models were fitted with the OMC Zephyr two-stroke sail drive. These engines are increasingly difficult to service due to the scarcity of parts. Common points of failure include the "ISO ring" (a rubber mounting seal) which can perish and cause water leaks, and the cooling system gaskets. Many owners have successfully repowered with Beta Marine or Yanmar diesel sail drives or converted the boat to outboard power.
• Rudder Post oscillation: There are documented instances of the rudder post tube exhibiting movement or "oscillating" in heavy seas. Buyers should inspect the fiberglass reinforcement around the cockpit sole where the rudder post emerges for stress cracks or delamination.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era with deck-stepped masts, the area around the mast step and the chainplates should be checked with a moisture meter. S2 used high-quality construction, but 40-year-old sealant can fail, leading to core rot.
• Lexan Window Crazing: The large, wrap-around Lexan windows are a signature S2 design element but are prone to crazing and leaking over time. Replacing these requires specific heat-forming or the use of specialized sealants to accommodate the curve of the cabin house.

Community & Resources

The S2 8.0 series benefits from a dedicated following, primarily centered around the S2 Yachts Owner's Association and technical archives maintained by long-term enthusiasts. While the builder now operates as Tiara Yachts, focusing exclusively on powerboats, they have historically been helpful in providing original hull data to owners. Technical manuals for the OMC Zephyr sail drive are frequently shared within these owner circles to keep the original propulsion systems operational.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional Headroom: Rare to find a true 5'10" standing headroom in a 26-foot trailerable sailboat.
• High Build Quality: Constructed in climate-controlled environments with superior gelcoat and fiberglass work.
• Predictable Handling: Stiff and forgiving, making it an excellent choice for new sailors or small families.
• Tall Rig Performance: The TM variant provides a necessary boost for light-air sailing.

Cons:

• Propulsion Obsolescence: The original OMC sail drives are a significant maintenance liability.
• Windage: The high freeboard makes the boat difficult to handle in tight slips during high crosswinds.
• Aesthetic Polarity: The "bubble" cabin design is functional but may not appeal to those seeking traditional lines.