I just purchased this S2 1980 8.5. I have owned three previous sailboats but never an S 2. When I mention S2 everyone says good things about it. If there is anyone out there with any tips I would appreciate it.
I am in the process of rebuilding the helm and pulley base plate. I am sure putting the new steering cables back on is going to be a chore. If anyone has any pointers it would be helpful. So far I have stripped the pedestal down and will have it powder coated. I have found a used base plate in really good shape with the pulleys. I was thinking about cutting a round piece of star board and putting the pedestal on top of that instead of directly on the deck. Why I don't know but my intent was to get the metal base off the deck a bit to cut down on deck leaks and corrosion. The previous pulley base plate totally rusted into pieces.
After that I am replacing the head to make life easier onboard as the marina head is a nice little walk down the pier. The boat had a self contained head with the holding tank and head as one piece. I am going to install a holding tank but I have not decided where. I think next I will restore the teak all over so my wife will like the boat better. Then I will look into the engine. Not sure why the previous owner has one of the heads off. The engine is really clean considering how old it is. It is a raw water intake. I found a really nice used brass water strainer and will install it this winter. Not sure if the engine it can be fixed or will have to be rebuilt. Then after those tasks are done I will address getting the deck rigging and sheet lines updated and checked. I will sail in spring a little then probably sell it. My next boat will be a small trawler.
I am in the process of rebuilding the helm and pulley base plate. I am sure putting the new steering cables back on is going to be a chore. If anyone has any pointers it would be helpful. So far I have stripped the pedestal down and will have it powder coated. I have found a used base plate in really good shape with the pulleys. I was thinking about cutting a round piece of star board and putting the pedestal on top of that instead of directly on the deck. Why I don't know but my intent was to get the metal base off the deck a bit to cut down on deck leaks and corrosion. The previous pulley base plate totally rusted into pieces.
After that I am replacing the head to make life easier onboard as the marina head is a nice little walk down the pier. The boat had a self contained head with the holding tank and head as one piece. I am going to install a holding tank but I have not decided where. I think next I will restore the teak all over so my wife will like the boat better. Then I will look into the engine. Not sure why the previous owner has one of the heads off. The engine is really clean considering how old it is. It is a raw water intake. I found a really nice used brass water strainer and will install it this winter. Not sure if the engine it can be fixed or will have to be rebuilt. Then after those tasks are done I will address getting the deck rigging and sheet lines updated and checked. I will sail in spring a little then probably sell it. My next boat will be a small trawler.
