The S2 8.0 B is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a masthead sloop rig, a raked stem, a slightly angled transom, an internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a tiller and a fixed fin keel, shoal draft keel or keel and centerboard. It displaces 4,600 lb (2,087 kg) and carries 1,800 lb (816 kg) of lead ballast.[1][7]
A version with a tall rig was also available, with a mast about 1.65 ft (0.50 m) taller.[1][7][3][9]
The fin keel-equipped version of the boat has a draft of 4.00 ft (1.22 m), while the optional shoal draft keel has a draft of 2.50 ft (0.76 m). The centerboard-equipped version has a draft of 6.00 ft (1.83 m) with the centerboard extended and 2.50 ft (0.76 m) with it retracted, allowing operation in shallow water or ground transportation on a trailer.[1][7][4][10]
The design has sleeping accommodation for four people, with a double "V"-berth in the bow cabin, a straight settee berth on the port side in the main cabin and an aft quarter berth on the port side. The galley is located on the starboard side at the companionway ladder. The galley is L-shaped and is equipped with a two-burner stove, an ice box and a sink. The head is located just aft of the bow cabin on the port side. Cabin headroom is 70 in (178 cm).[1][7]
The design has a hull speed of 6.2 kn (11.5 km/h).[7]