Cruising on an S2 9.2C

[SassySailor]

Hey everyone,


I've fallen in love with the S2 9.2C. I love the enclosed center cockpit and the layout below. I have two dogs that I will be sailing solo with and the layout really does it for me as far as ensuring the dogs will stay aboard and we can stay dry in a squall (so long as we're not moving).


I wasn't entirely sure about the seaworthiness of the specs so I compared them to an Islander 30. It turns out they're nearly identical! I know Canadian boats have a good reputation, and that center cockpits have zero outside storage, but does anyone have any insight to offer for this boat in particular for offshore cruising?


Thanks!

[eyschulman]

I owned a 1976 aft cockpit S-2 cruised northeast and mid Atlantic coast for several years. We found it to be a good boat. The rudder was big and the wheel small so it tended to over steer and slow boat down. Needs either a big wheel or steer by moving wheel in very small increments.

[SassySailor]

Great advice, thank you!

[svHannabel]

I don't have any info about the 9.2C relevant to offshore sailing, but I know a couple of folks who've been offshore in a 11.0 A & C. I seem to remember them having leak issue with the large Lexon fixed ports. The 9.2 also has these.

Originally Posted by SassySailor

I know Canadian boats have a good reputation...

FYI - S2's were built in Holland, Michigan.

[appick]

Seems like the center cockpit models have a TON of windage, so you're going to make alot more leeway than even the same boat in an aft cockpit layout. It looks like they just stuck the cockpit on the cabin roof! They are a well made boat but perhaps the center cockpit wasn't the best model they ever produced. It seems many sailors have dogs and keep them onboard just fine with aft cockpits! But if you like the layout and it works for you kutos on finding something that works!

As for me when the waves get up the dog mostly hangs below in bed. I think he either gets seasick or has a healthy sense of preservation. Given his usual lack of common sense I'm leaning toward seasick.