The S2 8.5 represents a pivotal moment in the late 1970s when S2 Yachts sought to perfect the "pocket cruiser" formula. Designed by naval architect Arthur Edmunds, this 28-foot masthead sloop was engineered to offer the stability and interior volume of a 30-footer while remaining manageable for a single-handed sailor or a young family. Unlike the more performance-oriented Grand Slam series that followed, the 8.5 was unapologetically a coastal cruiser, prioritizing structural integrity and a high level of interior finish that mirrored the builder’s burgeoning Tiara powerboat line. Produced primarily between 1978 and 1983, the boat was built in the same climate-controlled Michigan facility that set industry standards for fiberglass curing and quality control, ensuring that many of these hulls remain structurally sound decades after their launch.
S2 8.5 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

- Make
- S2
- Model
- 8.5
- Builder
- S2 Yachts
- Designer
- Arthur Edmunds
- Number Built
- 103
- Production Year(s)
- 1980 - 1983
Below are the most recent S2 8.5 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2025 | 1 | $19,500 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | $5,000 |
| Sep 2025 | 3 | $15,000 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | $15,000 |
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter 28.5 | 28.42' | $12,750 | 22 | 7 |
| Com-Pac 27/2 | 29.58' | $23,500 | 22 | 5 |
| Moody 27 | 27.67' | $16,223 | 13 | 3 |
| S2 11.0 A | 36' | $32,800 | 11 | 0 |
| Sabre 28-2 | 28.42' | $15,000 | 11 | 1 |
| Moody 33 S | 33' | $24,267 | 9 | 3 |
| S2 9.2 A | 29.92' | $9,999 | 8 | 3 |
| Morgan 32 | 31.92' | $24,950 | 8 | 3 |
| S2 9.2 C | 29.92' | $15,000 | 7 | 0 |
| S2 8.5 | $15,000 | 6 | 0 | |
| Columbia 8.7 | 28.58' | $11,450 | 2 | 0 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $15,000 | 6 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used S2 8.5 cost?
- The median asking price for a used S2 8.5 over the past 12 months is $15,000. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many S2 8.5 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 6 S2 8.5 listings over the past 12 months, with 0 listed within the last 90 days.
- What are similar sailboats to the S2 8.5?
- Comparable models include the Hunter 28.5, Com-Pac 27/2, Moody 27. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.