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.
About this estimate ▾
- Based on asking prices — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition, year, location, and included equipment are not factored in.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering.
- See our full analysis: What Thousands of Sailboat Listings Tell Us About Used Boat Prices.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
What is the S2 73's sail area to displacement ratio?
The S2 73 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 18.64. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the S2 73's comfort ratio?
The S2 73 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 15.66. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the S2 73 safe for offshore sailing?
The S2 73 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.16. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the S2 73?
The theoretical hull speed of the S2 73 is 5.76 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a S2 73 weigh?
The S2 73 has a displacement of 3,250.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 23.83 ft.
How much does a used S2 73 cost?
Based on 2 recent market listings, used S2 73 sailboats typically sell for between $4,495 and $19,999, with a median asking price of $12,247. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the S2 73?
The S2 73 was designed by Arthur Edmunds, first built in 1978.