Southerly 100 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Southerly 100 is rooted in Northshore Yachts' commitment to innovative shallow-draft sailing, a philosophy that began with its predecessor, the Southerly 95. Designed by Dick Carter, who also penned early iconic swing-keel models like the Southerly 105, the 100 embodies the builder's vision for versatile cruising vessels crafted from GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). Northshore Yachts, originating as Fairways Marine in 1971, made the unique swing keel technology the hallmark of its Southerly range, allowing for a dramatically reduced draft and opening up secluded anchorages. The production run of the Southerly 100 spanned two decades, from 1983 to 2003, during which Northshore continued to build high-quality fiberglass yachts alongside its other successful lines like the Vancouver and MG. While the core design remained consistent, the builder's ethos focused on robust construction and adaptable features, ensuring the Southerly 100 met the diverse needs of cruisers.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Southerly 100, with its distinctive swing keel, offers a compelling balance of sailing performance and exceptional stability. The yacht's sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 17.68 suggests good performance, particularly in lighter air conditions, allowing it to move efficiently even when the wind is moderate. Complementing this, a high ballast to displacement ratio of 0.44 indicates a very stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up well to more challenging wind conditions and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway.

With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio of around 284, the Southerly 100 falls into the category of a moderately heavy cruiser. This means it offers a solid and comfortable ride, prioritizing stability and seaworthiness over outright racing speed. The variable draft, ranging from a minimum of 2.25 feet with the keel raised to a maximum of 5.83 feet when fully deployed, is a defining characteristic, enabling access to shallow anchorages while still providing excellent upwind performance when the keel is down. Owners generally describe its performance as "Ok" or "reasonably good," highlighting its reliability and comfort rather than raw speed. It is considered very stable with good righting capability.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Southerly 100 is designed for comfortable cruising, emphasizing practicality and space within its 33.75-foot length. A key feature of some Southerly 100 models is a pilothouse with interior steering, offering protection from the elements and extended season usability. The typical layout generally includes a V-berth forward, providing sleeping accommodations, and often an over-and-under single berth arrangement, maximizing sleeping capacity.

Moving aft, the main salon offers seating and a dinette area, creating a comfortable space for dining and socializing. While specific headroom details are not widely documented, the design generally aims for adequate standing room for most individuals. The galley typically features essential amenities for meal preparation, and a dedicated head compartment is standard. Storage is usually well-considered for a boat of this size, with lockers and shelves integrated throughout the cabins. The quality of finish is generally well-regarded, with owners noting solid construction and a layout that is not overly intrusive despite the keel box.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Southerly 100 consistently praise its solid construction and the versatility offered by its unique swing keel system. The ability to navigate shallow waters and access secluded anchorages is frequently cited as a major strength, providing a freedom of cruising that fixed-keel boats cannot match. Many owners appreciate the boat's stability and comfortable motion, describing it as a reliable and capable cruiser for both coastal hopping and more adventurous voyages. The interior layout is often considered practical, with owners finding the boat well-suited for overnight cruising.

While generally well-received, some owners note that its performance, while reliable, may not be considered "brilliant" in terms of speed compared to more performance-oriented designs. Common themes in owner discussions revolve around the benefits of the shallow draft, the robust build quality, and the overall suitability of the Southerly 100 as a versatile and comfortable cruising platform.