The S2 8.0 C 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 wheel and a fixed fin keel or shoal draft keel. It has a center cockpit, displaces 5,200 lb (2,359 kg) and carries 1,800 lb (816 kg) of ballast.[1][3]
The boat has a draft of 4.00 ft (1.22 m) with the standard keel and 2.5 ft (0.76 m) with the optional shoal draft keel. The boat is fitted with an inboard engine for docking and maneuvering.[1][3]
The design has sleeping accommodation for four people, with a dinette table and benches in the bow that converts into a double "V"-berth and an aft cabin with a double berth. The galley is located on the port side just forward of the companionway ladder. The galley is equipped with a two-burner stove, an ice box and a sink. A navigation station is opposite the galley, under the cockpit. The head is located on the starboard side amidships.[1][3]
For sailing the design may be equipped with a number of jibs or genoas.[1]
The design has a hull speed of 6.2 kn (11.5 km/h).[3]