[1][2][3][4][5][6] The design was built by S2 Yachts in Holland, Michigan, United States from 1983 until 1987, with 150 boats completed, but it is now out of production.
It has a masthead sloop rig, a raked stem, a reverse transom, an internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a tiller and a fixed fin keel.
[1][2][4][5] The boat is fitted with a Japanese Yanmar 2GM 20 hp (15 kW) diesel engine for docking and maneuvering.
The head is located just aft of the bow cabin on the starboard side and includes a shower.
[4][5] In a 2011 Cruising World review Gregg Nestor wrote, "the S2 8.6 is a very comfortable and easily managed coastal cruiser and club racer.