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S2 86
Designer: Arthur Edmunds  ·  Builder: S2 Yachts  ·  First built: 1983
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About the S2 86

Produced by S2 Yachts, the Michigan-based builder known for crafting well-finished, performance-oriented sailboats throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the S2 8.6 represents a solid example of the era's approach to versatile daysailing and coastal cruising. S2 Yachts earned a strong reputation for combining quality construction with responsive sailing characteristics, and this model reflects that heritage. Designed to appeal to sailors seeking a capable yet manageable boat, the 8.6 suits those looking to explore coastal waters with confidence. Its proportions place it in a category that balances weekend cruising comfort with enough liveliness to keep sailing genuinely enjoyable. Like many S2 designs, it is likely to reward attentive helmsmanship and perform well across a range of conditions. For buyers researching this model, finding one in good condition can represent excellent value given S2's reputation for durable builds and thoughtful layouts. While detailed specifications may be difficult to locate, the boat's standing within the broader S2 lineup suggests it was built to a consistent standard that has helped many examples age gracefully over the decades.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.50 ft / 6.86 m
Beam 9.50 ft / 2.90 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 7,600.00 lb / 3,447 kg
Ballast 3,000.00 lb / 1,361 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 390.00 ft² / 36.23 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Arthur Edmunds
Builder S2 Yachts
First Built 1983
Last Built 1987
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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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
16.19
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
24.24
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
1.94
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. 6.36
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
1.7
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. 763.75
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 37.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 31.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.0
SA Fore 203.5
SA Main 186.0
How It Compares

vs. Ericson 28 2, Pearson 28 1975 80, Spirit 28 Finch

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
S2 86 ★
28.0 ft
Ericson 28 2
28.0 ft
Pearson 28 1975 80
28.0 ft
Spirit 28 Finch
28.0 ft
LWL
S2 86 ★
22.5 ft
Ericson 28 2
23.3 ft
Pearson 28 1975 80
24.0 ft
Spirit 28 Finch
23.0 ft
Beam
S2 86 ★
9.5 ft
Ericson 28 2
10.0 ft
Pearson 28 1975 80
9.3 ft
Spirit 28 Finch
10.0 ft
Displacement
S2 86 ★
7 lbs
Ericson 28 2
7 lbs
Pearson 28 1975 80
7 lbs
Spirit 28 Finch
6 lbs
Ballast
S2 86 ★
3 lbs
Ericson 28 2
3 lbs
Pearson 28 1975 80
3 lbs
Spirit 28 Finch
2 lbs
Sail Area
S2 86 ★
390 sq ft
Ericson 28 2
411 sq ft
Pearson 28 1975 80
395 sq ft
Spirit 28 Finch
365 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
S2 86 ★
16.2
Ericson 28 2
17.2
Pearson 28 1975 80
16.1
Spirit 28 Finch
16.2
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
S2 86 ★
Ericson 28 2
Pearson 28 1975 80
45.0 %
Spirit 28 Finch
42.0 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
S2 86 ★
24.2
Ericson 28 2
21.8
Pearson 28 1975 80
24.9
Spirit 28 Finch
20.3
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
S2 86 ★
1.94
Ericson 28 2
2.05
Pearson 28 1975 80
1.86
Spirit 28 Finch
2.10
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
S2 86 ★
Ericson 28 2
Pearson 28 1975 80
253
Spirit 28 Finch
253
Hull Speed
S2 86 ★
6.4 kts
Ericson 28 2
6.5 kts
Pearson 28 1975 80
6.6 kts
Spirit 28 Finch
6.4 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
S2 86 ★
1.7
Ericson 28 2
2.1
Pearson 28 1975 80
2.0
Spirit 28 Finch
2.1
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