We like our 8.0B
Hi, We bought our 1980 S2-8.0B (with trailer) out of Minnesota back in July - '07 and moved it to Carlyle Lake in Illinois. The swing keel was stuck up inside the shoal draft keel, and had been for the past 10 years. The prior owner just sailed it that way and we finished up the season with it that way, but still had fair windward performance. Shortly thereafter, I had the boat up in a hoist and did the repair. Can't wait for next season! But to answer your question: we are happy with the boat. With the 6" head room, a galley and the enclosed head, it makes for a good weekender. With the swing keel stuck inside the shoal draft keel (it drops down via a crank in the cockpit)tacking was a bit slow and tended to over steer. Ours had the tiller replaced with wheel steering, which we like because there is more room in the cockpit. We also have a 9.9hp outboard with electric start, but I've heard good things about the inboard version too. There are safety concerns with the gas inboard but some have a diesel. Another good feature is the roller furler genoa (not standard). There is ample room to walk around the deck which makes docking much easier. This is not a race boat, but there is a lot packed into this fairly quick 26' cruiser. Of course a new main would help, ours still has the original main. Hope this helps with your decision. Good luck! LeRoy Nooter PS: There is also an S2 YAHOO group that might be of interest too.
