S2 8.6 SD Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The S2 8.6 SD is characterized by its stability and predictable tracking, a result of its medium-heavy displacement and a robust ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 39.5%. With a displacement of 7,600 lbs and 3,000 lbs of encapsulated lead ballast, the boat is relatively stiff and capable of standing up to its sail plan longer than many of its lighter contemporaries. Its Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of 15.8 reflects a conservative but capable masthead sloop rig that prioritizes control over raw light-air speed.

In sea trials and owner evaluations, the boat is frequently cited for its balanced helm. Unlike the earlier 8.5 model, which utilized mid-boom sheeting, the 8.6 was updated with end-boom sheeting and a traveler mounted across the transom. This configuration provides superior leverage for mainsheet control, though it does bisect the cockpit during tacks. The high-aspect masthead rig utilizes a relatively small mainsail and larger overlapping headsails; while this requires more winch work, it provides excellent drive in a variety of conditions. As noted in a legacy review by Cruising World, the boat’s standard 20-horsepower Yanmar diesel is more than sufficient for maneuvering and punching through head seas when the wind dies.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 28-foot cruiser, the S2 8.6 SD offers a surprisingly sophisticated interior that avoids the "cave-like" feel of many 1980s designs. The layout is conventional but executed with the high-quality joinery and glasswork typical of the Slikkers family’s production standards. The main salon features opposing settees with a bulkhead-mounted drop-leaf table that, when stowed, opens up the cabin significantly. To port, the L-shaped galley includes a two-burner alcohol stove, a deep icebox, and a sink with a flip-up counter extension for increased workspace.

Accommodations include a standard double V-berth forward, separated from the salon by a hanging locker and a fully enclosed head. The head is notable for its one-piece fiberglass liner, which simplifies cleaning and includes an integrated shower arrangement. A generous single quarter-berth is located aft on the starboard side, providing sitting headroom and bringing the total sleeping capacity to five. The interior is finished with a synthetic fabric liner that provides insulation and dampens sound, though buyers should note that the 8.6 SD was built on the same hull mold as the 8.5 but featured an updated deck mold and more refined interior cabinetry.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the 8.6 SD does not have a high-profile "celebrity" history, it is a frequent subject in "Classic Plastic" retrospectives due to the longevity of S2's fiberglass hulls. The model gained technical recognition for its early adoption of sail controls led aft to the cockpit via clutches—a feature that was considered a novel luxury in 1983 but is now standard for short-handed cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of the S2 8.6 SD should focus their inspections on several high-signal areas common to this era of construction:

• Deck Core Delamination: The decks are cored with end-grain balsa. Any moisture intrusion—particularly around stanchion bases, cleats, or the mast step—can lead to localized rot and soft spots.
• Chainplate Leakage: A chronic area for water ingress is the chainplate penetrations. If left unsealed, water can migrate into the bulkheads, compromising the structural integrity of the rig's anchoring points.
• Keel Encapsulation: The lead ballast is encapsulated within the fiberglass keel stump. A hard grounding can crack the outer skin; if water enters the void between the lead and the fiberglass, it can cause "osmotic blistering" of the keel or lead to freeze-thaw damage in colder climates.
• Original Wiring: While S2’s build quality was high, the original 1980s-era electrical panels and wiring may lack modern safety features like ELCI protection and are often due for an upgrade to handle modern electronics.

Community & Resources

Owners of the S2 8.6 SD are supported by a dedicated community, most notably the S2 Sailboat Owners group and the technical archives maintained by the Tiara Yachts legacy support team. While Tiara no longer manufactures sailboats, they have historically been helpful in providing original hull information and manuals to owners who reach out with a Hull Identification Number (HIN).

The Verdict

The S2 8.6 SD remains a premiere choice for the budget-conscious coastal cruiser who values build quality over modern "flat-bottom" speed. It offers a "big boat" feel in a manageable 28-foot package.

Pros:

• Exceptional fiberglass and gelcoat quality for its era.
• Stiff, stable motion in a seaway due to high ballast ratio.
• Enclosed head with shower and surprisingly spacious galley.
• Shoal draft allows access to thin-water anchorages without sacrificing much tracking.

Cons:

• Balsa-cored decks require vigilant maintenance to prevent rot.
• The masthead rig can be labor-intensive due to large headsails.
• End-boom sheeting traveler can crowd the cockpit for some families.