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S2 73
Designer: Arthur Edmunds  ·  Builder: S2 Yachts  ·  First built: 1978
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About the S2 73

Built from 1978 to 1987, this compact cruiser from S2 Yachts represents solid coastal sailing in a manageable package. Designer Arthur Edmunds created a balanced design that prioritizes ease of handling while maintaining respectable performance characteristics for weekend cruising and club racing. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration delivers responsive handling and good upwind performance, while the masthead sloop rig provides straightforward sail handling that appeals to both novice and experienced sailors. With a displacement of 3,250 pounds and 40% ballast ratio, the boat offers reasonable stability for coastal waters while remaining light enough for spirited sailing in moderate conditions. At nearly 24 feet overall with an 8-foot beam, the design maximizes interior volume while keeping trailering feasible for many owners. The fiberglass construction has proven durable over the decades, with many examples still actively sailing today. The comfort ratio of 15.66 suggests a relatively stiff motion that favors day sailing and short coastal passages over extended offshore work. With 404 hulls produced during its nine-year run, the S2 73 developed a reputation as an affordable entry point into serious sailing, offering good build quality and pleasant sailing characteristics that made it popular among sailing schools and first-time boat owners seeking a capable coastal cruiser.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$19,999 – $19,999
typical asking price · boat only
Median $19,999  ·  1 listing used
Boat only
$19,999 – $19,999 1
With trailer
$4,495 – $4,495 2
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 23.83 ft / 7.26 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.50 ft / 5.64 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 3,250.00 lb / 1,474 kg
Ballast 1,300.00 lb / 590 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 255.00 ft² / 23.69 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Arthur Edmunds
Builder S2 Yachts
First Built 1978
Last Built 1987
Number Built 404
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

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
 18.64
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
 229.15
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
 15.66
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
 2.16
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. 5.76 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
 2.55
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. 528.82 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. 18.64
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 29.00 ft / 8.84 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.25 ft / 3.12 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 25.00 ft / 7.62 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 8.50 ft / 2.59 m
SA Fore 148.63 ft² / 13.81 m²
SA Main 106.25 ft² / 9.87 m²
SA Total (100%) 254.88 ft² / 23.68 m²
Est. Forestay Length 30.76 ft / 9.38 m
Mast Height (DWL) 31.67 ft / 9.65 m
Engine & Accommodations
Water Capacity 15 gals / 57 L
Find a S2 73 For Sale
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