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The S2 8.5 is a recreational keelboat built by S2 Yachts in Holland, Michigan, United States, starting in 1980, with 103 boats completed.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] [excessive citations]}

The S2 8.5 is built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a masthead sloop rig, a raked stem, a reverse transom, an internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a wheel, with an emergency back-up tiller and a fixed fin keel or optional shoal draft keel. It displaces 7,600 lb (3,447 kg) and carries 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) of lead ballast.^[3][6]

The boat has a draft of 4.50 ft (1.37 m) with the standard keel and 3.92 ft (1.19 m) with the optional shoal draft keel.^[3][6][4][7]

The boat is fitted with a Japanese Yanmar 1GM diesel engine of 8 hp (6 kW) for docking and maneuvering. A few early production boats had BMW diesel inboards. The fuel tank holds 18 U.S. gallons (68 L; 15 imp gal) and the fresh water tank has a capacity of 37 U.S. gallons (140 L; 31 imp gal).^[3][6]

The design has sleeping accommodation for four people, with a double “V”-berth in the bow cabin along with a folding table that seats four, plus two straight settee berths in the main cabin. The galley is located to the port side at the companionway and is equipped with a two-burner stove, an icebox and a sink. The fully-enclosed head is located just aft of the bow cabin and includes a shower. Cabin headroom is 72 in (183 cm).^[9]

The design has a hull speed of 6.36 kn (11.78 km/h).^[6][7]

In a 2000 review in Practical Sailor, Darrell Nicholson wrote, “the S2 8.5 is a good boat for cruising the Great Lakes or any coast in comfort and a certain amount of style. Her appearance may be a little modern for traditionalists, with her straight sheer and European-style cabin windows. Pricey? Yes, but when you look at the things that go into the boat—the rig, good sails, and a comfortable, well finished interior—the price may seem a bit less painful. You still pay for what you get.”^[9]

• Photo of an S2 8.5