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- Sailboat Reviews
A roomy, well-built middle-of-the-road cruiser with both aft and center cockpit versions.
The history of S2 Yachts is in many ways a parable for the modern fiberglass sailboat industry. Begun in 1974 by an experienced fiberglass builder, the company grew rapidly, building first some unattractive “two-story” cruisers, followed by a series of conventional cruiser-racers in the late ’70s and early ’80s, then a successful fleet of race-oriented cruisers in the mid ’80s. Finally, as sailboat sales took a nosedive in the late ’80s, the company converted its entire production to powerboats.
In late 1989, the company was approached by the class association of its popular 26′ racer, the S2 7.9. Would the company be willing to do a small run of 7.9s for those serious racers who wanted to replace their seven-to nine-year-old boats? The company thought it over and said, yes—provided they could be guaranteed 10 orders.
As we write this, the class association and S2 dealers around the country have been unable to come up with the 10 orders, and the company has cancelled the offering, perhaps the end of sailboat building by this prosperous company, and perhaps also an unfortunate commentary on the sailboat industry.
During its heyday, S2 developed a strong reputation for good quality boats. The company was founded by Leon Slikkers after he had sold his powerboat company, Slickcraft. As part of the sales agreement, he was not to make powerboats for a period of time, but there was no restraint on sailboat building. So he built a new plant which was, at the time, a model for production-line efficiency. Among other things, the hulls were laid up in an enclosed, climate-controlled room, and they remained in molds until most of the interior was installed to ensure that there was as little deformation of the basic molding as possible.
In the late 1970s, S2 did start building powerboats again, and soon established its Tiara line at the top end of the market. As evidence of Slikkers’ insight into the business (as well as a bit of luck, perhaps), when the conglomerate that owned Slickcraft began to see declining sales in the early ’80s, S2 was able to buy Slickcraft back at a fraction of its original sale price. And of course, S2 enjoyed the boom in powerboat buying which accompanied the decline in sailboat sales during the mid and late ’80s.
From the start, Slikkers also assembled an experienced crew of builders and sellers from the local area. At the time, Holland, Michigan, was the home of Chris Craft as well as Slickcraft and several other smaller powerboat builders.
The company continues today with a strong crew, managed primarily by Slikkers’ son, David, and other family members. The company personnel helped establish a reputation for good relationships with S2 owners, a reputation which continues, even though the company is no longer in the sailboat business.
In preparing this story, we talked with a number of S2 9.2 owners who reported that they are still able to get information, advice, and some parts and equipment from the company.
The Boat and Builder
As its nomenclature suggests, S2 Yachts was one of those few American companies willing to commit to the metric system when the government said it would be a good thing to do. The 9.2 stands for 9.2 meters, as with the company’s other boats (7.3, 7.9, 10.3, etc.). S2 stuck with the classification for a long time, only advertising the 9.2 as the S2 30 after it had been in production for years (not to be confused with the later S2 30 designed by Graham & Schlageter).
The boat overall is 29′ 11″, the most common length of 30-footers in those days when one of the popular racing rules—the Midget Ocean Racing Club (MORC)—required boats to be “under 30 feet.” The boat was built in two configurations, from 1977 to 1987. The 9.2C was a center-cockpit version, and the last one built was hull number 427. The 9.2A was the aft-cockpit version, and the last one built was hull number 520.
From talking to the company, it is unclear whether the hull numbers represent the actual number of boats built. In the 70s, it was not unusual for companies as part of their marketing strategy, to start a production run with hull number 10, or even hull number 100, so that a model would appear to be more popular or successful than it actually was. The people currently at S2 simply didn’t know if that had been done, but we suspect the total of 947 hull numbers is more than the actual number of S2 9.2s built. Nonetheless, the 9.2 had a successful run.
The 9.2 was designed by Arthur Edmunds, who was S2’s “in-house” designer. Beginning in 1981, S2 built a number of racing-oriented cruisers designed by the Chicago naval architects Scott Graham and Eric Schlageter, but all of the earlier cruising boats were done by Edmunds. Edmunds also contributed engineering and design detail to Graham & Schlageter’s hull designs.
We would describe the 9.2 design—and all of Edmunds’ S2s—as moderate and conventionally modern. The hull has short overhangs, a relatively flat sheer, a long fin keel, and spade rudder. The boats are reasonably attractive, and the aft-cockpit model has pleasing proportions. The center-cockpit model has a high, boxy superstructure whose profile is relieved by good contour moldings of the deckhouse, cockpit, and aft cabin.
One advantage of the conventional looks of the 9.2 is that it is not likely to go out of fashion—a plus for the boat holding its value. Though the rigs were identical on all versions, shallow-draft keels were a popular option; these reduced the draft from 4′ 11″ to 3′ 11″. The deeper keel doesn’t seem excessive for most waters and is our choice. The lead ballast is internal. S2 did a good job of embedding and sealing the lead in the keel cavity, so leaking should be minimal even in a hard grounding.
The hull is a conservative hand-laid laminate, and the deck is balsa-cored. S2 used a conventional inward-turning flange to attach the deck, with an aluminum toerail for protecting the joint. S2 is known for good glass work, particularly gelcoats, and almost all the used 9.2s that we have seen still are cosmetically good or recoverable with a good rubbing out.
Sailing Performance
‘Adequate’ would be a good way to describe the sailing performance of the 9.2. The boat came with a deck-stepped Kenyon spar and North sails as standard, later with Hall or Offshore spars. The rigging and other sailing hardware was good enough in quality that little re-rigging or upgrading is likely to be needed.
The used 9.2 we examined thoroughly, for example, had internal halyards, reef lines and outhaul, a good Harken mainsheet traveler, Lewmar #8 halyard winches, and two-speed Lewmar #30s for the jib sheets. On the down-side, every equipment list of used S2s we looked at listed the original North sails, with an occasional newer furling genoa. One disadvantage of a late model boat with good gear is that the owner is less likely to upgrade before he sells it, so the second owner probably will be facing the purchase of new sails.
When we sailed a shoal-draft 9.2, our initial reaction was surprise at its tenderness. Other owners in our survey agree that the shoal-draft model heels fairly easily, and a number thought that even the deeper draft model was tender. Several reported that you need to reduce sail fairly early to keep the boat on its feet and sailing well.
The boat sails reasonably well. The one we were on, however, would not go to weather decently—a combination of the shoal draft and a well-worn suit of sails. On other points, the boat was respectable. Close and broad reaching, it moved very well and was just a bit sluggish running.
She’s not a fast boat by contemporary standards. In most areas, the 9.2 carries a PHRF rating of 180 seconds per mile (six seconds slower for the shoalkeel), which is six seconds per mile slower than a Pearson 30 and 12 to 15 seconds slower than the popular Catalina 30 with a tall rig. In contrast, the 9.2’s racing-oriented sister, the S2 9.1, a 30-footer, rates 50 seconds per mile faster.
On the plus side, the boat is easy to sail, with a good balance between main and jib sail area. The running rigging and deck hardware is well set up. Oddly, not one equipment list for used 9.2s that we looked at had a spinnaker or spinnaker gear, an indication that the boat is rarely raced. However, if someone is interested in an occasional club race, the boat should sail up to its rating, assuming the sails are good and the boat well handled.
The deck is well laid out, though the walkways are a bit narrow for getting forward, and there’s a considerable step up into the center cockpit. Details of the deck—anchor well, bow fittings, cleats, halyard runs, and so forth—are well executed.
Performance Under Power
A few of the 1977/1978 boats were sold with an Atomic 4 gas engine. After 1979, diesels were installed. Through 1984, the engines were 12-hp or 15-hp Yanmars, or 12-hp Volvos. In 1985, a Yanmar 23 was optional.
The Atomic 4 was a good engine for the boat, as was the Yanmar 23. However, a number of owners report that the boat is underpowered with the Yanmar 12 and 15, and the Volvo 12. For a 10,000 pound boat, 12 to 15 hp would be adequate by traditional standards, but many sailors seem to want a little more these days. The Yanmar 15 in the boat we sailed had no trouble pushing the boat in calm waters, but the owner did say that the boat couldn’t buck any kind of head sea. For some, the optional Yanmar 23 will make the later models more desirable.
In the center-cockpit model, many owners complained about the inaccessibility of one side of the engine and the difficulty of getting at the dipstick, but otherwise the engine was serviceable. A few boats were apparently sold with raw-water cooling rather than a heat exchanger. We’d be cautious about one of the older boats with raw-water cooling unless it had been kept exclusively in fresh water.
The interior was undoubtedly the strong selling point of the boat. For the most part, the belowdecks finish is well done, and there’s about as much usable room below as you could get without making the hull significantly larger.
S2 was one of the first sailboat builders to use fabric as a hull liner, and it became almost a trademark of S2 interiors. The fabric is a neutral-colored polypropylene, treated to be mildew resistant. When we first saw the fabric, we were skeptical, wondering how it would hold up to saltwater soakings. But having owned a smaller S2 for five years, we finally became converts; in fact, in refitting our current boat, we used the fabric extensively, rather than replacing aged vinyl and wood veneer ceilings. The fabric is contact-cemented to the hull, and it holds up amazingly well, absorbing virtually no water. It is quite resistant to mildew and stains. The new owner of an S2 will want to find a good, compact wet/dry vacuum cleaner, which is the required maintenance equipment for the fabric.
The rest of the interior has teak veneer plywood, Formica, and solid teak trim, and the workmanship is good. Layouts changed little throughout the production of the boats. The aft-cockpit model is conventional, with a V-berth that is a bit short, a large head and hanging locker, a large dinette/settee with a settee opposite, and an L-shaped galley with a chart area/quarter berth opposite. There’s adequate stowage under the berths and decent outside stowage in the lazarettes.
The center-cockpit model moves the main cabin forward and the head aft, near to and partially underneath the center cockpit. The galley is opposite the head, running lengthwise down the port side of the cabin and partially under the cockpit. The aft-cabin is roomy, with an athwartship double berth and good locker space. The shortcoming of the center cockpit is that there is virtually no outside storage.
Choosing between the center and aft cockpit is largely a matter of personal preference. With children, or two couples cruising, the aft cabin is hard to beat for livability.
Overall, the interiors are well enough designed and executed that little major work or upgrading should be necessary on most used boats. Many people will want to replace the alcohol stoves on earlier models, perhaps add refrigeration (or replace the original Unifridge), and perform the normal long-term maintenance of re-upholstering, but otherwise the interiors should need little major attention.
Conclusions
The S2s were well-built. Whereas other production companies frequently cheapened or upgraded models from year to year to find marketing niches, S2 made boats to sell near the high end of the production boat market, and kept the quality at a consistent level.
The 9.2s have maintained their value about as well as any 30-footer in the current market. Because the only significant advantage of the 1986 model is the larger Yanmar engine and newer equipment, we would gladly take one of the older 9.2s at a lower price, since the necessary upgrades could easily be done (sails, cushions, electronics) and the final cost would still be much lower than the newer boat.
It’s easy to pay too much money for a used boat these days, but S2 owners generally think they have a good product, and they’ll probably be harder to dicker with than many sellers.
RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR
Somehow this article is almost an exact copy of an earlier article here: http://www.sailingbreezes.com/sailing_breezes_current/articles/july99/s2review.htm by Thom Burns. Some sentences are exactly identical…
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- By Richard Smith
- Updated: October 22, 2012
Within a wide field of well-designed and competitive racer/cruisers of the 1970s, the S2 9.2 stands out, mainly because it wears its age very well. Without a scoop transom and boarding steps or skinny portlights below the sheer, it still looks modern. The flat sheer, sloping deckhouse, almost-flush Lexan forward hatch, hinged anchor lid, and tinted deadlights are familiar features on boats built three decades later. The carefully detailed teak handrails set on molded fiberglass spacers are unobtrusive while emphasizing the hull’s refined shape and unified design. Nothing is exaggerated in the interest of the fashions of the day or to suit a rating rule.
Powerboat builder Leon R. Slikkers founded S2 Yachts in 1974 and commissioned Arthur Edmonds, designer of the Allied Princess 36 and Mistress 39, to design the S2 9.2A (for its aft cockpit) and the S2 9.2C (for its center cockpit). Over 700 A and C models were sold. Both versions have the same hull, fin keel, partially balanced skeg-hung rudder, and masthead sloop rig. The single-spreader aluminum mast, painted black (an S2 trademark) is stepped on deck over a compression post that’s built into the main bulkhead.
The hull is solid, hand-laid fiberglass. It has an inward-turning flange at the sheer to which the balsa-cored deck is bolted through an extruded aluminum toerail. There’s no molded interior liner. Bulkheads and furniture are tabbed to the hull, which contributes to its structural stiffness. Two tons of lead ballast is encapsulated in a sealed keel cavity. Well-cared-for boats show little wear and tear after three decades of hard sailing, and, owners agree, the gelcoat is generally free of stress cracks even where moldings take tight bends.
The T-shaped cockpit is comfortable and workmanlike. The starboard seat opens to general storage and access to the stuffing box and engine controls. Additional storage is located under the helmsman’s seat in twin lazarettes.
Everything on deck is carefully laid out. The mainsail is sheeted abaft the 28-inch wheel, where it’s out of the way but in reach of the helmsman. The 8-inch stern cleats are mounted on anti-chafing pads and close to hand. Engine controls are similarly convenient to the helm. Early boats had Atomic 4s, but a variety of diesel engines were fitted after 1978.
The engine box provides a wide first step down to the cabin. A small corner galley to starboard of the companionway contains a sink, icebox, and stove. Opposite is a quarter berth and navigation space with a folding seat and table. Headroom is 6 feet 3 inches aft and drops gradually to about 5 feet 10 inches toward the forward cabin.
The saloon table and settee convert to a double berth and, together with a 6-foot-6-inch settee opposite, make a comfortable eating, lounging, and sleeping area. A double berth is located forward of the wardrobe and head area. Generous use of teak, both solid and ply, contributes to a sense of quality throughout the boat, but the polypropylene carpeting used to line the hull ages unattractively.
Sailing the S2 9.2 is a treat. In 15 to 17 knots, it heels sharply under the mainsail and 150-percent genoa before settling in to make 5 or 6 knots upwind. Weather helm is noticeable in stronger gusts, but the boat is generally well balanced and always manageable, even in lumpy seas. All in all, the S2 9.2 is a well-designed, tough, and able 30-footer with good performance for racing or cruising.
Architect Richard Smith and his wife, Beth, sail their Ericson Cruising 31, Kuma, in the Pacific Northwest.
Find more Cruising World boat reviews here . Read the review of the S2 8.6 here .
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Used Boat Review: The S-2 9.2A/C Well-built cruiser with aft and center cockpit versions
By Thom Burns
During the eighties, S2 earned a strong reputation for good quality boats. The company was founded by Leon Slikkers after he had sold his powerboat company, Slickcraft. As part of the sales agreement, he was precluded from the powerboat market for a number of years. There were no restrictions on sailboat building. So he built a new plant which was, at the time, a model for production-line efficiency. Among other things, the hulls were laid up in an enclosed, climate-controlled room, and they remained in molds until most of the interior was installed. This ensured that there was as little deformation of the basic hull molding as possible.
In the late 1970s, S2 did start building powerboats again, and soon established its Tiara line at the top end of the market. Slikkers’ business acumen, insight and bit of luck allowed him to buy his old powerboat line, Slickercraft, back from the conglomerate that owned it at a time of declining sales in the early 80s, at a fraction of its original sale price. Shortly thereafter S2 enjoyed the boom in powerboat buying which accompanied the decline in sailboat sales during the mid and late 80s.
From the start, Slikkers assembled an experienced crew of builders and sellers from the local area. At the time, Holland, Michigan, was the home of Chris Craft as well as Slickcraft and several other smaller powerboat builders.
The company continues today with a strong crew, according to former dealers. Company personnel and a strong dealer network established a reputation for good relationships with S2 owners, a reputation which continues, even though the company is no longer in the sailboat business.
Former area dealers, such as Gary DeSantis at Sailor’s World on Lake Minnetonka swear by the product and love to deal in used S2 boats.
The Boat and Builder
The boat was built in two configurations, from 1977 to 1987. The 9.2C was a center-cockpit version, and the last one built was hull number 427. The 9.2A was the aft-cockpit version, and the last one built was hull number 520.
The 9.2 was designed by Arthur Edmunds, who was S2’s "in-house" designer. Beginning in 1981, S2 built a number of racing-oriented cruisers designed by the Chicago naval architects Scott Graham and Eric Schageter, but all of the earlier cruising boats were done by Edmunds. Edmunds also contributed engineering and design detail to Graham & Schlageter’s hull designs.
The 9.2 design has short overhangs, a relatively flat sheer, a long fin keel, and spade rudder. The boats are attractive, and the aft-cockpit model has pleasing proportions. The center-cockpit model is a little boxy looking because of the relatively short overall length for the center cockpit aft cabin design. It is better looking than some other smaller center cockpit boats because it has three levels of deck and cockpit.
The conventional looks of the 9.2 keep it in style which along with the builders reputation seem to keep the boats holding their value pretty well. Shallow-draft keels were a popular option, reducing the draft from 4’11’ to 3’11’. According to DeSantis, most models sold in the midwest were the deeper keel which he personally prefers. The deeper keel doesn’t seem excessive for most waters.
The rigs were identical on all versions, The lead ballast is internal. S2 did a good job of embedding and sealing the lead in the keel cavity which can be a source of leaks on older externally mounted keels. According to DeSantis, this was a major difference between builders of that era.
Sailing Performance
This boat is the cruising, small, bluewater model and shouldn’t be confused with the 9.1 which swept the MORC nationals with a first, second and third finish when it was introduced. Another well sailed 9.1 won its division in the Trans-Superior. This boat has a much longer fin keel which is not as deep. It also makes it more seakindly for cruising. The 9.2 came with a deck-stepped Kenyon spar and North sails as standard, later with Hall or Offshore spars. The rigging and other sailing hardware was good enough in quality that little re-rigging or upgrading is likely to be needed.
The 9.2 typically came with internal halyards, reef lines and outhaul, a good Harken mainsheet traveler, Lewmar #8 halyard winches, and two-speed Lewmar #30s for the jib sheets. A boat this well equipped needs very little in upgrades. The bad news is that 1999 buyers are unlikely to find extensive upgrades to sails, furlers, winches, etc. done by previous owners. As this equipment approaches the middle to end of its second decade some of it will have to be replaced. It won’t last forever.
The boat I sailed performed very well on close, beam and broad reaches. It was a cruising boat close-hauled and it feels a little tender sometimes. Reef early when the wind builds.
She’s not a fast boat by contemporary standards but when compared to some other cruisers she’s quick. The 9.2 carries a PHRF rating around 180 seconds per mile (six seconds slower for the shoal-keel), which is six seconds per mile slower than a Pearson 30 and 12 to 15 seconds per mile slower than the Catalina 30 with a tall rig. In contrast, the 9.2s racing-oriented sister, the S2 9.1, a 30-footer, rates 50 seconds per mile faste at 140. The important thing is that both boats will sail to their numbers.
The boat is easy to sail, with a balanced sail plan. The running rigging, deck hardware and overall deck layout are convenient and functional. The deck is easy to move around. Attention to detail in the deck, anchor well, bow fittings, cleats, and halyards runs are well done.
Performance Under Power
A few of the 1977/1978 boats were sold with an Atomic 4 gas engine. After 1979, diesels were installed. Through 1984, the engines were 12 hp or 15 hp Yanmars, or 12 hp Volvos. In 1985, a Yanmar 23 was optional.
The Atomic 4 was a good engine for the boat, as was the Yanmar 23. For a 10,000 pound boat, 12 to 15 hp should be adequate by traditional standards, but many sailors seem to want a little more. The Yanmar 23 in the boat I sailed seemed like alot of engine. In calm water it would hit hull speed at 1800 or 1900 RPM’s. For some, the optional Yanmar 23 will make the later models more desirable.
The interior was undoubtedly the strong selling point of the boat. The below decks finish is attractive. There’s about as much usable room below as you could get without making the hull significantly larger.
S2 was one of the first sailboat builders to use fabric as a hull liner, and it became almost a trademark of S2 interiors. The fabric is a neutral-colored polypropylene, treated to be mildew resistant. Having looked at several used S2 models, I believe the fabric works well. Many of the 90’s builders have copied the approach. It is contact-cemented to the hull, and it holds up amazingly well, absorbing virtually no water. It is quite resistant to mildew and stains. It is maintained with a good, compact wet/dry vacuum cleaner.
The rest of the interior has teak veneer plywood, Formica, and solid teak trim. The workmanship is good. Layouts changed little throughout the production of the boats. The aft-cockpit model is conventional, with a V-berth, a large head and hanging locker, a large dinette/settee with a settee opposite, and an L-shaped galley with a chart area/quarter berth opposite. There’s adequate stowage under the berths and decent outside stowage in the lazarettes.
The center-cockpit model moves the main cabin forward and the head aft, near to and partially underneath the center cockpit. The galley is opposite the head, running lengthwise down the port side of the cabin and partially under the cockpit. The aft-cabin is roomy, with an athwartship double berth and good locker space. The shortcoming of the center cockpit is that there is virtually no outside storage.
Choosing between the center and aft cockpit is largely a matter of personal preference. With children, or two couples cruising, the aft cabin is hard to beat for livability.
The interiors are well designed and executed. Little major work or upgrading should be necessary on most used boats. Many people will want to replace the alcohol stoves on earlier models, perhaps add refrigeration and perform the normal long-term maintenance or re-upholstering. The interiors should need little major attention.
Conclusions
The S2s were well-built. Whereas other production companies frequently cheapened or upgraded models from year to year to find a marketing niches, S2 made boats to sell near the high end of the production boat market, and kept the quality at a consistent level. I would avoid the shallow draft version on both performance and likely tenderness grounds unless I was going to sail a great deal in shallow areas such as Florida Sound, the Bahamas or Belize.
The 9.2s have maintained their value about as well as any 30 footer according to local brokers. S2 owners generally believe they have a good product, and they’ll probably be harder to dicker with than many eager sellers of other boats in the used market.
Thom publishes Northern Breezes and SailingBreezes.com. Thanks to Gary DeSantis, Sailor’s World, Lake Minnetonka, S-2 Company and Practical Sailor for information for this article.
Sailor’s World: 612-475-3443
Practical Sailor: 800-829-9087
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- Sailboat Guide
1979 S2 9.2 C
- Description
Seller's Description
This is a cruise-ready boat with ample room for use as a liveaboard. She has included a 250 watt solar panel system that will power everything offshore without interruption, excluding the air conditioning.
There is a bimini top and full canvas enclosure for the center cockpit that is in great shape and keeps the cockpit warm in cold weather.
Her engine has been maintained and starts quickly. The head is a Lectra San electronic marine sanitation system that eliminates the need for a holding tank.
Rig and Sails
Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.
The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.
Classic hull speed formula:
Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL
Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL
Sail Area / Displacement Ratio
A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.
SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3
- SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
- D : Displacement in pounds.
Ballast / Displacement Ratio
A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.
Ballast / Displacement * 100
Displacement / Length Ratio
A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.
D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³
- D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
- LWL: Waterline length in feet
Comfort Ratio
This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.
Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )
- D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
- LOA: Length overall in feet
- Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet
Capsize Screening Formula
This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.
CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)
The suffix ‘C’ is for center cockpit. Shoal draft: 3.92’/1.19m.
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S2 9.2C Thoughts
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I am making plans in the next couple of years to make a big life change and give the liveaboard life a shot. I live in Idaho so my exposure to blue water sailboats is very limited. In the mean time I have been absorbing all the reading about sailboats I can, especially in regards to liveaboard considerations. In reviewing the vast array of different sailboats, the S2 9.2C or 11C has caught my attention, primarily because of the cabin layout. The 9.2C (30') has probably the most liveable space of any 30' boat I have researched. Question I have is what are the general thoughts concerning S2 boats, and also center cocikpits in general. Thanks! Chris
It's definitely a unique model, has a bit of a cult following, and would make a decent liveaboard for a single person. We just sold a 9.2C a few months ago. They fit a lot of stuff into the 30 feet, so there are some compromises. On the plus side, the head is pretty good size, and the aft cabin has a nice size berth. The passageway to get back there is low and narrow, requiring you to stoop. Engine access is somewhat limited. On deck, the tradeoff for the space below is a relatively small, shallow cockpit. You sit up high, so it feels different if you're used to aft cockpits. Best advice is to get aboard one, poke around, and see how you think you would do with that as your living space.
Thanks for the feedback. Like I said, this one caught my attention so I thought I would get any feedback I could. I have read that they S2 is not the best sailing vessel, little sluggish. And yes, it is just going to be myself living on the boat. I do like the idea of separate berths on the 9.2C when I do have a visitor/family. But as I mentioned, I am a couple years out from pulling the trigger on the move so I have time to research different boats. I am going to be down in the Keys in a few weeks and plan on checking out the boats that are for sale in the area.
I am a fan of S2 because they generally seemed to do things right without overdoing them. On my 8.5M S2, the rigging is just a bit bigger than most other comparable sized boats. There are a few things they did wrong (tiny engine, no access to below cabin sole, no grab rails on cabin top INSIDE) but the basic boat is well done. I have never really liked the center cockpit 30 S2 cuz I like aft cockpits but that is a matter of preference. Many people including myself like the way the S2 cabins are designed and fitted out, it seems to be a matter of aesthetics and them using lighter wood. The use of the carpeting to line the cabin draws criticism but ti seems to work. I do wonder if that carpeting holds mold and odors though.
I know a few people that just do not like S2s for one reason or another. We have a S2 11.0A, not a C. I am not familiar with the sailing characteristics of the center cockpit model but our aft sails nicely and is a solid sailboat. Our aft is not sluggish, especially with a feathering prop, full batten sail and a nice 130% & 150% genoa. In 12 kt winds, sails on a reach from 6.5 to near 7 knots, pending waves, etc... and have been out in 25 kts plus winds (without children, of course), while reefed, well balance for the conditions and most importantly, I was able to maintain good control during the worse conditions. But it is not designed to win regattas. Ours has a displacement of 15,000 and that is dry and new, so I would expect it is more like 16,000 now plus gear and people. I looked at Bristol 35.5 but felt that for my needs and family, the S2 was a better fit. And also received excellent feedback from current and previous owners. The interior is roomy and I would believe that the center cockpit would provide even more space. The interior is teak throughout with solid teak drawers and doors. Teak and holly wood floors, large fuel tank and fresh water tank for a 36', and has a 11'-11" beam. In reference to the engine, access to the engine, shaft, stuffing box, etc... Engine is a Yamnar 27hp with a heat exchanger - plenty of engine to move the sailboat at hull speed without full throttle. Great engine access by pulling the stairs out and / or pulling the long access board out on the starboard side. You are able to reach and work on everything including the stuffing box, shaft, change the oil, battery banks, etc... We had a Pearson 35 before this sailboat and one night a line got wrapped around her shaft (people leaving their lines in the water at the their docks...), and started to leak quit a bit at the stuffing box. Tried until 1:00am in the morning in reaching the stuffing box, non-the-less trying to tighten up the nut on the stuffing box. I still have scars on my body from that night... Overall, we are happy with the Aft model, build and designed.
I had a 1979 model 9.2C on Long Island Sound for 10 years. Solid boat, underpowered with the original Volvo MD7A, replaced with a 16 hp Vitus that provided plenty of push. With good sails it would hold its own with most anything.
I was just on BOTH a 9.2A and a 9.2C earlier this month--each was for sale. Their hulls are exactly the same. The rigging might be a little different due to cockpit location, but nothing significant that I recall. So, I guess they'd perform quite similar. Now, some specifics: The 9.2C has a LARGE head (for a 30' boat) with an actual, separate shower/tub. Most other 30 footers I've been on the entire head compartment becomes the shower. I don't know if I'd actually shower on any 30 footers (usually a damp washcloth and soap does the trick for me for 3-5 daylong trips). But, I could see the shower location being an excellent out of the way spot for wet foul weather gear, etc. The aft cabin has a true double berth. It's a very private cabin--the cockpit really separates it from the main cabin. You access it via a short "hallway" to port of the cockpit. In this hallway is also the nav station. I really like the uniqueness of this aft cabin. HOWEVER, although large, the aft cabin really seems stuffy to me. I'm not prone to motion sickness, but I feel like with ANY motion whatsoever, this cabin might be unusable by even folks not prone to motion "issues". Also, because the center cockpit thrusts the main cabin forward, the v-berth suffers. Most 30 footers have an actual door (folding style or not) separating the v-berth from the main cabin (as does the 9.2A). The 9.2C, however, has just a curtain separating the v-berth from the main cabin. The v-berth didn't seem much smaller than a normal 30' v-berth. Rather, it seemed "less substantial" with the curtain. So, in the 9.2C, you gain the big and private aft cabin, but at the expense of the v-berth. Both boats that I visited were on cradles, so I cannot speak much to actual sailing characteristics. Both boats were in the mid $20k range. I could live with either of these, but it's not yet time for me. I could see a couple living aboard. It would absolutely require creativity, but it could be done. I think most couples would prefer something larger. If anything else comes to mind, then I'll post again.
I looked at one when buying my Pearson 28-2. People have mentioned the highlights, so I'm just going to list my concerns with the design: The center cockpit is really high on this boat, and the boat has a ton of freeboard. That will make docking harder in a strong wind as you'll get blown around. My Pearson also has a lot of freeboard, but it is nowhere near as much as the 9.2C, and I consider this to be the biggest downside of the Pearson. There are no cockpit lockers on the 9.2C, so I don't know where you are supposed to store fenders, dinghy oars, docking lines, cleaning supplies, and all of the other stuff that ends up in your average lazarette. Engine access is pretty tight since it is stuffed in between the high cockpit and the shower. In comparison on my Pearson 28-2 I get full access to the top, front, and back of the engine. On my friend's Yankee 30 you get full access to all sides of the engine. Those designs are a lot easier to work on. There are other aft cabin boats in the 30' range out there. The Pearson 28-2 is one of them, but similar designs can be found in a wide variety of boats like the Beneteau First 285 or 305, J/97, and some Hunter models.
There was one loose roming the anchorage this evening. Could of claimed salvage...lol
We took a good hard look at a 9.2C a couple of years ago. You will probably love it or hate it. The boom seemed entirely too low for my taste. The Admiral loved the head w/shower, and she also liked the aft cabin. But that was about it on the positive end. The v-berth looked entirely too small. We also don't like carpet lined walls. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
FirstCandC said: The v-berth looked entirely too small. We also don't like carpet lined walls. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. Click to expand...
It's a great boat. I owned one for several years (in fact it might have been the one you've looked at if you are in Idaho). Interestingly, I've also owned a Pearson 28-2 as mentioned by one of the previous responders. That's also a great boat, but for different reasons. Of the 7 sailboats I've owned I can honestly say the one I truly regretted selling the most was the S2. It was our first big boat and we learned a lot sailing it. I can give you a lot more info if you email me directly. Mike
G'day! I'm a proud owner of an S2 9.2 CC Love it. I used to sail a Hunter 35.5 Legend with an almost identical layout only 6 feet longer! I'm also new to sailnet so... Hi everyone!
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Considering "Butt ugly" S2 9.2C
- Thread starter Muttondressedaslamb
- Start date Dec 5, 2014
- Brand-Specific Forums
Muttondressedaslamb
At the present time, I am looking for a retirement boat to replace my Pearson 27. Big enough to cruise for a couple of weeks with my wife, but small enough to take out myself for an afternoon sail. Saw a picture of an S2 9.2C for sale in Huntington. One of the ugliest sailboats I have seen in a long time, but seems to have great accomodations for its size, and all lines and winches are in easy reach for single handed sailing. From what I understand, the quality of S2 sailboats is about equal to Pearson; somewhere between "Hunterbenelina" and Saber/Tartan. Any thoughts/recommentations from S2 owners? I don't mind ugly if she has a great personality.
We have a 9.2 aft cockpit and love her. She's new to us, but 30 years old and still going strong. The 9.2C and A should have similar sail characteristics - we really like how ours handles. If you can get past the looks of the center cockpit I am guessing you will like what she offers on the water and below decks for living space. S2 certainly seemed to get the most out of the space on these boats.
Hey, I don't really know where S2 got the rep for being better than catalina, beneteau, etc. A number of years ago I was looking for a 30' boat and saw a bunch of the 9.2A models. ALL of them had bad leaks around the ports, with associated mold, rot, etc. below. I have never been aboard the 9.2C model, but I don't think they would be any better. If you like center cockpit boats you should also look for the O'day 32. Personally, I think center cockpit boats need to be at least 40' before they start to look decent. I would much rather have a 34-36 aft cockpit boat than a similar sizes center cockpit. Barry
BarryL 1986 Oday 35 said: Hey, I don't really know where S2 got the rep for being better than catalina, beneteau, etc. A number of years ago I was looking for a 30' boat and saw a bunch of the 9.2A models. ALL of them had bad leaks around the ports, with associated mold, rot, etc. below. Click to expand
centerline said: if you are comparing or looking for one boat that is better than or equal to another boat, you can only compare same brands and models... every brand of boat is so much differnt than another brand, with the few exceptions that the same boat was produced by two different companies, for marketing, buyout, or whatever other reasons it happens. so when you start trying to compare, you will get more negative responses than you will positive ones.... because everyone thinks the boat they own right now is the best boat ever.... and the one you are trying to compare isnt like theirs and wont ever be like theirs. we all love our boat and there is nothing that compares to it ugly isnt all bad.... as far as the prettiness of a boat goes, it wont keep you afloat any better, create any less boat maintenance, be any cheaper to maintain, sail any better or be any more fun... it being pretty may stroke your ego a bit better, but a pretty boat, like a woman is almost always going to cost more than an ugly one.... both in purchase and maintenance... buy a well maintained, and "butt ugly" boat and you will be much happier than you will with a very pretty boat that needs a lot of TLC.... Click to expand
Muttondressedaslamb said: Looks aren't everything, but I do draw the line at Bayliner/Buccaneer sailboats. They sail even worse than they look Click to expand
Muttondressedaslamb said: One of the ugliest sailboats I have seen in a long time, but seems to have great accomodations for its size, and all lines and winches are in easy reach for single handed sailing. Click to expand
klemsaba said: You haven't seen ugly until you've seen my boat... the S2 8.0c! We look ridiculous sailing on it. Like giants in a small bathtub. But it's my ugly boat and I love it! Ha! I love the lines of the 9.2c. The aft cabin is great! Good luck! Click to expand
Muttondressedaslamb said: If looks could kill, that boat would be brought up on Capital Murder Charges. Click to expand
Jackdaw said: Klemsaba, That made me smile. I did a post about the 8.0CC on crusing anarchy awhile back.... I'll repost it below..... ------------------------------------------------------ Although I'm sure we all like to say 'All sailboats at beautiful', like the rest of you I could easily name the one I thought was ugliest. A special combination of gracelessness, unsoundness, and lack of pace. Click to expand
Mark Maulden
OK....Quit picking on S2!! Even though the 8.0C looks like it was cut in half.....and for some reason, the smaller ones do tend to get neglected. Hell, my 11.0A was neglected when I bought it it but no issues down below except cracked windows....and I still beat Cat 36s (beer can races)..Ha!
Oh ya... S2 did not own/use a chopper gun...
Mark Maulden said: Oh ya... S2 did not own/use a chopper gun... Click to expand
Muttondressedaslamb said: And Bill Clinton didn't have a "little black book" Click to expand
woodster said: actually they were hand laid and rolled in the lay up ...i know this for fact as i removed the gel coat on my hull and you can /could see the layups and if you look close on the topsides you can see the laps in the layup....no evidence of any chopper gun what so ever and the hull is minimum of 1/2 inch thick...very well built Click to expand
I did a lot of reserch before I bought my S2 8.5. One of the main things I was looking for was "Good Bones." I grew up around power boats and have learned how revered Slick Craft were. There is an old Slick Craft sitting in our boat yard that people have offered to buy just because it is a Slick Craft. This boat just happens to be in the slip next to mine. So as the story goes "Slick Craft" signed a non compete that they wound not produce power boats, so they started making sailboats. My Point is this is the same company, same qualty of work, same employees. Laying glass is truely an art. S2 always had experianced people that knew how to make qualty boats! It doesn't make any diference if it is a powerboat or sailboat mold laying glass is laying glass. By chance I had a very interesting S2 conversation with some here in Milwaukee. I told him that I just bought a sailboat. He asked what boat. I told him an S2 8.5. To my suprise he told my that he worked for S2. He went on and on about he quality of S2s. Yes they were absolutly hand layed. This man had true pride in his voice for the company he worked for. Not someone who used a chop gun to cheeply piece boats together. He also said that S2 outsourced some parts to Harken.
I toured the factory in Holland several times when I was in the area on business trips in the mid eighties. I saw all lay ups being done by hand and they were very proud of the fact that they didn't own a chopper gun. At the time(s), I had just procured my (first) 11.0a as a trade from a 9.2C. They were very interested in any comments I had. I'm currently a retired engineer from a very large airplane co and familiar with production lines of such. What I saw with S2, was a very organized and immaculate line(s). They also had a float tank where every boat was floated before rigging. Having said this, I've never toured any other builder but I'm on my 3rd S2 over the years (with another boat in the mix) so I must like S2s....my only itch is the 11.0a is a few inches short in the waterline compared to other comparable boats. But it still does well.
I don't think many sailboats were or are built using chopper guns. It would be quite obvious from the inside. To me the most telling testament is the relative lack of spider webs in the gel goat under deck fittings from laying it on too thick. Of course that is just a cosmetic defect. To me, relative to other boats you can buy at the same price S2 is good value for dollar. 10-25K will buy you a older Catalina 30 without a tee shaped cockpit, or a Cherubini Hunter 30, or a early 80's Hunter 28.5 or 31. The only Beneteau you will likely find in quantity from that vintage in the same price range and size is a First 28.5. For my money S2 is on par with the quality and performance of all but the later, but the 285 is a fractious boat under sail from what I understand.
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COMMENTS
The suffix 'C' is for center cockpit. Shoal draft: 3.92'/1.19m.
The 9.2 stands for 9.2 meters, as with the company's other boats (7.3, 7.9, 10.3, etc.). S2 stuck with the classification for a long time, only advertising the 9.2 as the S2 30 after it had been in production for years (not to be confused with the later S2 30 designed by Graham & Schlageter). The boat overall is 29′ 11″, the most common ...
Sailing the S2 9.2 is a treat. In 15 to 17 knots, it heels sharply under the mainsail and 150-percent genoa before settling in to make 5 or 6 knots upwind. Weather helm is noticeable in stronger gusts, but the boat is generally well balanced and always manageable, even in lumpy seas. All in all, the S2 9.2 is a well-designed, tough, and able 30 ...
The boat was built in two configurations, from 1977 to 1987. The 9.2C was a center-cockpit version, and the last one built was hull number 427. The 9.2A was the aft-cockpit version, and the last one built was hull number 520. The 9.2 was designed by Arthur Edmunds, who was S2's "in-house" designer. Beginning in 1981, S2 built a number of ...
The S2 9.2 is an American sailboat that was designed by Arthur Edmunds as a cruiser and first built in 1977. [ 1][ 2][ 3]
S2 Yachts (USA) The company, located in Holland, Michigan, USA, was founded by boating industry legend, Leon Slikkers, after he had sold his powerboat company, Slickcraft. As part of the sales agreement, he was precluded from the powerboat market for a number of years. There were no restrictions on sailboat building.
A recent comparison of published values of the S2 9.2, Catalina 30 and Sabre 30 show the S2 solidly in the middle. When the same model years were compared, the mean value of the S2 averaged 20% greater than the Catalina 30 and 25% less than the Sabre 30. The S2 9.2 offers solid construction, contemporary styling, acceptable performance and good ...
The higher a boat's D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more. Formula. D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³ D: Displacement of the boat in pounds. LWL: Waterline length in feet
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In reviewing the vast array of different sailboats, the S2 9.2C or 11C has caught my attention, primarily because of the cabin layout. The 9.2C (30') has probably the most liveable space of any 30' boat I have researched. Question I have is what are the general thoughts concerning S2 boats, and also center cocikpits in general.
At the present time, I am looking for a retirement boat to replace my Pearson 27. Big enough to cruise for a couple of weeks with my wife, but small enough to take out myself for an afternoon sail. Saw a picture of an S2 9.2C for sale in Huntington. One of the ugliest sailboats I have seen...
Find Sail S2 boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of S2 boats to choose from.
Shoal draft version. See S2 9.2 for more details.
10.5'. 4.9'. Maine. $19,000. Description: Center Cockpit Sloop, Rare for a 30' sailboat. There is more room below than my Hunter 37 because the salon table is removable and relocates to the cockpit. All new halyards and control lines. New Main Sail.
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1983 24' S2 Yacht. $3,600 $5,500. Listed 2 weeks ago. 2 weeks ago. in St Petersburg, FL. Message. Message. Save. Save. Share. Details. Condition. ... Only simple electric on boat. Outboard works as it should. Open to trades for 4 door Truck or Suv. St Petersburg, FL. Location is approximate. Seller information ...
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