Southerly 115 Information, Review, Specs

The Southerly 115 entered production in 1984, building upon the success of its predecessor, the Southerly 105, which was groundbreaking as the first swing keel model in the range. Northshore Yachts, originating as Fairways Marine, committed to constructing robust and adaptable GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) cruising vessels, a philosophy evident in the 115's durable construction. The core of the Southerly design philosophy, initially championed by Dick Carter, focused on creating comfortable family cruisers with the distinct advantage of a variable draft keel.

Throughout its production run, which extended to around 2007, the Southerly 115 saw several iterations. The initial version, the Mk I, featured a unique drop keel in a wing shape. Later, the Mk II introduced a more streamlined design. Significant advancements came with the Mk III, which incorporated a deeper swing keel and twin rudders, a design refinement by Rob Humphreys. The specifications provided for the Southerly 115 generally apply to the Mk II through Mk IV versions. These design evolutions ensured the 115 remained a popular choice, known for its ability to combine shallow-water access with reliable sailing characteristics.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Southerly 115 is characterized by a high ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.50, indicating exceptional stiffness and stability in varying sea conditions. With a displacement-to-length ratio around 326.5, she falls into the category of a heavy, traditional cruiser, emphasizing comfort and seakindliness over outright speed. The calculated sail area to displacement ratio, based on the provided working sail area, is approximately 10.02. While this suggests the boat might be considered underpowered with smaller working sails, owners and reviewers consistently praise its handling and stability, often noting its ability to perform well to windward due to its generous beam and high form stability.

Despite its variable keel, the Southerly 115 is reported to perform similarly to a fixed-keel boat, exhibiting good control and stable tracking, even on a run. This blend of stability, comfort, and versatile draft capability makes the 115 a pleasant and confidence-inspiring vessel to sail, capable of standing up to more wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Accommodations and Layout

The Southerly 115 is well-regarded for its spacious and comfortable interior, a hallmark of its center cockpit design. Belowdecks, the layout typically features a two-cabin arrangement, including a comfortable double berth aft and a V-berth forward. Some forward cabins also offered an "over-and-under" berth configuration, ideal for families. The interior often boasts a rich finish, commonly utilizing teak, contributing to a warm and traditional ambiance.

The galley is generally positioned "up" in the main salon area, allowing for a more open feel and often featuring ample counter space and storage. The salon itself is spacious, providing comfortable seating and dining areas. Additionally, some versions of the Southerly 115 included an interior helm station, a feature highly valued by owners for its utility in adverse weather conditions. The heads are typically generously sized, further enhancing comfort for extended cruising. Plenty of storage space is integrated throughout the vessel, a crucial aspect for any serious cruising yacht.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Southerly 115 frequently commend its solid construction and the comfortable motion it provides in a seaway, often highlighting its robust build quality. The unique swing keel system is consistently praised for the unparalleled cruising versatility it offers, enabling access to shallow anchorages and the ability to dry out in selected locations. This freedom greatly expands potential cruising grounds, a significant advantage for many.

The strong and active global community of Southerly owners further underscores the enduring appeal and reliability of these yachts, with many owners appreciating the support and shared knowledge available through associations and forums. While specific widespread common problems are not frequently cited, general maintenance considerations for older fiberglass vessels apply. Overall, the Southerly 115 maintains a reputation as a highly capable, comfortable, and versatile cruising sailboat.