Southerly 135 Mk 1 Information, Review, Specs

The Southerly 135 Mk 1 entered production in 1983, with a limited run of six units concluding in 1987. Built by Northshore Yachts, a company renowned for its commitment to GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) construction, the 135 Mk 1 embodies the builder's ethos of creating robust and adaptable vessels. Northshore Yachts, under its Southerly brand, pioneered the innovative lifting or "swing" keel technology, a system that dramatically reduces the boat's draft. This design philosophy was central to the Southerly 135 Mk 1, allowing it to navigate shallow waters and even "beach" upright, significantly expanding its cruising grounds. While the Mk 1 was designed by Dick Carter, later iterations of the Southerly 135, such as the Mk 2 and RS models, were designed by Rob Humphreys, indicating an evolution in the line. During its production, the Southerly 135 was offered with two distinct rig options and two primary interior layouts, providing owners with choices to suit their cruising preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Southerly 135 Mk 1, with a displacement of 23,000 pounds, falls into the moderate-to-heavy displacement category, reflected in its Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 261.24. This weight, combined with a significant Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 42.48%, suggests a stiff and stable platform, well-suited for offshore conditions and capable of standing up to considerable wind. Owners have noted that the Southerly 135 is a "heavy boat," often requiring at least 10 knots of apparent wind to achieve appreciable headway in lighter airs, suggesting a preference for stronger breezes to truly perform. The masthead sloop rig, common to the design, provides straightforward handling. The proven swing keel system not only offers unparalleled draft flexibility but also contributes to the boat's stability and performance, allowing for easy adaptation to various sailing environments. The yacht is described as a "true world class cruising yacht capable of fast blue water passage making" and can be "easily sailed by two people."

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Southerly 135 Mk 1 is designed for comfort and extended cruising, characterized by a traditional finish and a bright, spacious atmosphere. A key feature across the various layouts is the ample headroom, reported at approximately 6 feet 2 inches (1.90 meters) in similar Southerly 135 models, which contributes to a feeling of openness below deck. The boat typically features fore and aft cabins, offering privacy and generous living spaces. The spacious aft cabin often includes plenty of storage and en-suite facilities, a highly prized feature for long-distance cruisers. While precise details vary, the general arrangement often includes a well-appointed salon, a functional galley, and a dedicated head compartment. One of the two available layouts offers a middle cabin with a single bunk and positions the galley to starboard, providing flexibility for different owner needs.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Southerly 135 Mk 1 consistently commend its solid construction and seaworthy characteristics, often highlighting its robust build quality, engineered to withstand challenging conditions. The ability to vary draft from a mere 2.5 feet to a maximum of 7.67 feet is frequently cited as a primary advantage, offering the freedom to explore shallow anchorages and even dry out on a sandy bottom, vastly expanding cruising opportunities. The yacht's design lends itself well to extended cruising, providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. While specific common problems were not widely noted in public owner reviews, the overall sentiment points towards a highly capable and reliable vessel that delivers on its promise of versatile, long-distance cruising.