Question 1

What are the specs of the S2 8.5?

Accepted Answer

The S2 8.5 has the following specifications: 28ft LOA, 9.5ft beam, 4.5ft draft, 7,600lb displacement, 2,999.7lb ballast. Hull type: mono. Rig: Masthead Sloop. Keel: Fin.

Question 2

How much does a S2 8.5 cost?

Accepted Answer

The S2 8.5 has an average asking price of $9,230, with prices ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 based on 10 listings.

Question 3

Who built the S2 8.5 and when was it made?

Accepted Answer

Built by S-2 Yachts, designed by Arthur Edmunds, first built in 1980, with production ending in 1983, 103 units were produced.

Question 4

Is the S2 8.5 good for offshore sailing?

Accepted Answer

The S2 8.5 is classified as a Offshore Cruiser. It has a comfort ratio of 24.24, which means it offers moderate comfort, good for coastal cruising and some offshore work. The capsize screening ratio is 1.94, which is excellent for offshore sailing.

Question 5

How fast is the S2 8.5?

Accepted Answer

The S2 8.5 has a sail area to displacement ratio of 16.61, which indicates moderate performance suitable for cruising. The displacement to length ratio is 297.86, making it a moderate displacement sailboat.

Question 6

How much does it cost to maintain a S2 8.5?

Accepted Answer

Annual maintenance for a S2 8.5 is estimated at $1.2K – $3.3K. This includes hull care, rigging, sails, and engine service. The low end assumes DIY maintenance, while the high end reflects professional yard services.

Question 7

How much does it cost to own a S2 8.5 per year?

Accepted Answer

Annual cost of ownership for the S2 8.5 (28ft) according to SailPages.com: Maintenance: $1.2K – $3.3K/year (hull, rigging, sails, engine service). Insurance: $100-$150/year (based on $9,230 average value). Marina slip costs by state for a 28ft boat: Florida: $5,000-$13,400/year. California: $4,700-$11,800/year. Massachusetts: $3,500-$7,800/year + $1,100 winter storage. New York: $3,500-$9,800/year + $1,100 winter storage. Maryland: $3,400-$6,000/year. Texas: $2,000-$6,000/year. Washington: $4,000-$8,700/year. Michigan: $2,000-$4,300/year + $1,100 winter storage. North Carolina: $3,000-$6,000/year. South Carolina: $4,400-$8,400/year. Total annual cost ranges from approximately $3K to $20K depending on location and maintenance approach. Source: SailPages.com, based on published marina rate cards and industry data.

Question 8

How much does it cost to dock a S2 8.5?

Accepted Answer

Marina slip costs for the S2 8.5 (28ft) by state according to SailPages.com: Florida: $5,000-$13,400/year. California: $4,700-$11,800/year. Massachusetts: $3,500-$7,800/year + $1,100 winter storage. New York: $3,500-$9,800/year + $1,100 winter storage. Maryland: $3,400-$6,000/year. Texas: $2,000-$6,000/year. Washington: $4,000-$8,700/year. Michigan: $2,000-$4,300/year + $1,100 winter storage. North Carolina: $3,000-$6,000/year. South Carolina: $4,400-$8,400/year. Rates are per foot per month multiplied by boat length. Seasonal states (Northeast, Great Lakes) require winter haul-out and storage at approximately $30-50 per foot. Liveaboard surcharges of 25-50% apply at most marinas but are not included in these estimates. Mooring balls are typically 40-55% less than slip costs. Source: SailPages.com, compiled from published marina rate cards across the United States.

Question 9

What are the common problems with the S2 8.5?

Accepted Answer

SailPages.com has compiled 2 issues reported for the S2 8.5 by owners in sailing-forum discussions and owner-association material, concentrated in structural, each rated by severity (critical, major, minor). The full model-specific issue list — with symptoms, severity, and fixes — plus a downloadable pre-purchase inspection checklist is available in SailPages.com's report for the S2 8.5.

Question 10

What should I look for when buying a S2 8.5?

Accepted Answer

When buying a S2 8.5, SailPages.com has compiled 2 model-specific issues reported by owners across structural. Always hire a SAMS or NAMS accredited marine surveyor — SailPages.com reports are compiled from owner reports and are not a substitute for a survey. The downloadable report for the S2 8.5 includes each reported issue plus a model-specific pre-purchase checklist with checkboxes, notes fields, and an overall assessment section.

Question 11

What are the sail dimensions of the S2 8.5?

Accepted Answer

The S2 8.5 has the following rig dimensions: I=37ft (foretriangle height), J=11ft (foretriangle base), P=31ft (mainsail luff), E=12ft (mainsail foot). Mainsail area: 404.4 sq ft. Jib area: 203.5 sq ft.

Question 12

How does the S2 8.5 compare to similar sailboats?

Accepted Answer

The S2 8.5 is classified as a Offshore Cruiser by SailPages.com. Key metrics: 28ft LOA, comfort ratio 24.24, capsize ratio 1.94, SA/disp 16.61, average price $9,230. SailPages.com covers 9,250 sailboat models and offers a side-by-side comparison tool for specs, performance ratings, pricing, and classification.

LOA	28 ft
LWL	22.5 ft
Beam	9.5 ft
Draft	4.5 ft
Shoal Draft	3.92 ft
Displacement	7,600 lb
Ballast	2,999.7 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL	6.4 kn

Iforetriangle height	37 ft
Jforetriangle base	11 ft
Pmainsail luff	31 ft
Emainsail foot	12 ft
FLforestay	11 ft
Mainsail	404.4 sq ft
Jib (100%)	203.5 sq ft
Spinnaker	346 sq ft

S2 8.5

Specifications

Hull

Rig & Sails

About the S2 8.5

Performance

Estimated Value

Asking price by model year

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

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