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S2 27
Designer: Graham & Schlageter  ·  Builder: S-2 Yachts  ·  First built: 1985
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About the S2 27

Built during S-2 Yachts' mid-1980s production run, this 27-footer represents the builder's focus on practical coastal cruising boats for budget-conscious sailors. Designed by the Graham & Schlageter team, the S2 27 features a straightforward fin keel configuration with a transom-hung rudder, delivering predictable handling characteristics that newer sailors appreciate. With a displacement of 5,000 pounds and 2,000 pounds of ballast, this masthead sloop strikes a reasonable balance between stability and performance for its size class. The boat's 350 square feet of sail area provides adequate power for coastal sailing, while the moderate beam of 9.25 feet keeps marina costs manageable without sacrificing too much interior volume. The S2 27's comfort ratio of 16.42 suggests a relatively stiff ride that prioritizes sailing performance over cushioned motion, making it well-suited for day sailing and weekend coastal cruising rather than extended offshore passages. Its capsize screening formula of 2.17 falls within acceptable parameters for near-shore sailing in moderate conditions. During its brief three-year production run ending in 1987, only 85 hulls were completed, making the S2 27 a relatively uncommon sight on used boat markets. This scarcity can work both for and against potential buyers depending on parts availability and resale considerations.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.58 ft / 8.10 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.33 ft / 7.11 m
Beam 9.25 ft / 2.82 m
Max Draft 4.75 ft / 1.45 m
Displacement 5,000.00 lb / 2,268 kg
Ballast 2,000.00 lb / 907 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 350.00 ft² / 32.52 m²
Headroom 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Graham & Schlageter
Builder S-2 Yachts
First Built 1985
Last Built 1987
Number Built 85
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 19.21
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 40
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 175.78
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 16.42
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.17
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.47 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 3.23
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 771.09 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 18.77
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 34.00 ft / 10.36 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 28.67 ft / 8.74 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.00 ft / 3.66 m
SA Fore 170.00 ft² / 15.79 m²
SA Main 172.02 ft² / 15.98 m²
SA Total (100%) 342.02 ft² / 31.77 m²
Est. Forestay Length 35.44 ft / 10.80 m
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