T For Two Micro-Tonner Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The For Two is defined by its planing hull and high power-to-weight ratio. With a displacement of approximately 540 kg and a sail area of roughly 18.5 square meters, the boat possesses a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio in the high 20s, placing it firmly in the performance sportboat category. Unlike traditional keelboats of its era, the For Two was designed to break the hull speed barrier, utilizing its exceptionally wide 2.45-meter beam and flat aft sections to plane in moderate breezes.

Handling is characterized by extreme responsiveness, often described as "dinghy-like" by owners. The boat tracks well upwind due to its deep lifting keel, but it requires active weight management. Because the beam is so wide relative to its length, the hull develops significant form stability when upright, but can become unruly if allowed to heel excessively, as the asymmetrical underwater shape can lead to "rounding up" in gusts. Anecdotal evidence from early Micro Cup regattas suggests that the For Two excels in light-to-medium air where its low wetted surface area allows it to outpace heavier competitors. Downwind, under a large symmetrical spinnaker, the boat is a stable and exhilarating platform, capable of double-digit speeds.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its diminutive 18-foot length, the For Two was required by class rules to provide sleeping accommodations for four adults. The interior is a marvel of "compact minimalism," featuring a double V-berth forward and two narrow quarter berths that extend aft under the cockpit seats. Headroom is extremely limited, and the living space is best described as "sea camping" rather than true cruising.

The cabin is mostly an open-plan arrangement to save weight and maximize the feeling of space. Variations between the early Taylor builds and subsequent iterations often involved the keel trunk; most models featured a manual winch-operated lifting keel that partially intruded into the cabin space. While the Beneteau First 18 sibling offered more refined wood trim and a small galley module, the original Taylor For Two remained focused on weight savings for racing, often featuring bare fiberglass liners and simple fabric cushions.

Popular Mentions & Media

The For Two’s cultural footprint is inextricably linked to the Micro Cup, the international regatta circuit that popularized the 18-foot tonner concept. As the first production boat to prove that a 5.5-meter vessel could be both a competitive racer and a weekend cruiser, it was featured extensively in French sailing periodicals like Bateaux Magazine during the late 70s. The design's legacy is preserved by the International Micro Cupper Class Association, which still recognizes the For Two as a "Production" division boat for championship racing.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the unique mechanical and structural requirements of a high-performance vintage boat:

• Keel Pivot and Trunk: The lifting keel mechanism is a high-wear area. Inspect the pivot bolt for play and the lifting cable/winch for corrosion. A vibrating keel at speed often indicates worn-out sacrificial shims inside the trunk.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the For Two used a sandwich construction (often balsa or foam) for the deck to maintain stiffness while saving weight. Soft spots around the chainplates or the mast step are common indicators of water intrusion.
• Rudder Transom Brackets: The high loads generated by the wide beam and high-speed planing can stress the transom-mounted rudder gudgeons. Check for hairline cracks in the gelcoat around these fittings.
• Rigging Loads: Being a fractional rig with swept-back spreaders, the mast relies heavily on shroud tension. Inspect the mast step for "sinking" or compression, which can happen if the boat has been raced hard with high rig tension over decades.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and racing history is the International Micro Cupper Class Association (IMCCA), which maintains the class rules and archival records for the For Two. In France and Spain, where the boat was most popular, various "Micro Class" owner groups provide peer-to-peer support for restoration projects. Technical drawings and original design specifications remain available through the archives of Groupe Finot.

The Verdict

The For Two Micro-Tonner is a "giant-killer" of a small boat, offering a level of performance that belies its age and size.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and planing potential.
• Easily trailered and launched by a small crew.
• Historical pedigree as the precursor to the First 18.
• Strong international class support for racing enthusiasts.

Cons:

• Extremely cramped interior unsuitable for extended stays.
• Demanding to sail at the limit; requires active crew weight management.
• Aging lifting keel mechanisms require frequent maintenance.