Southerly 38 Information, Review, Specs

The Southerly 38 entered production in 2008 and was produced until 2015, continuing Northshore Yachts' legacy of pioneering lifting keel technology. Northshore Yachts, originating as Fairways Marine in the early 1970s, focused on building versatile cruising vessels from GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), with the Southerly range becoming its most recognized offering. The core design philosophy behind the Southerly brand, and by extension the 38, is to offer yachts with exceptional sailing performance that can also navigate shallow waters, explore inaccessible anchorages, and even "beach" upright on the seabed.

The Southerly 38 was designed by Stephen Jones, working in conjunction with the Northshore Yachts team. This collaboration aimed to integrate the proven shallow-draft capabilities with modern cruising amenities and performance. The yacht was built to EU specification and conformed to RCD standards, ensuring high quality and safety. A notable design element is the integral keelbox required for the lifting keel mechanism, a feature that owners acknowledge as a trade-off for the boat's unique shallow-water access. While primarily known for its swing keel, a fixed keel version was also available, and the model was later rebranded as the Southerly 390.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Southerly 38 is characterized by its balanced performance under sail, particularly in diverse conditions. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 15.72, she presents as a capable cruiser rather than a light-air racer, yet remains responsive in varying wind strengths. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of about 0.383 contributes to good stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze, especially when the lifting keel is fully deployed to its maximum draft of 8.5 feet. The Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 209.28 positions her as a moderate displacement cruiser, offering a comfortable motion in a seaway without sacrificing too much speed.

Reviewers have noted the Southerly 38's impressive deep-draft sailing performance when its profiled cast-iron lifting keel is down, which provides excellent hydrodynamic lift. This allows for upwind capability comparable to fixed-keel yachts. The ability to reduce the draft to a mere 2.67 feet at the touch of a button transforms her capabilities, opening up cruising grounds usually inaccessible to most monohulls. [5, The Southerly 38 is also noted to feature a German mainsheet system, enhancing control from the cockpit.

Accommodations and Layout

The Southerly 38 offers a well-appointed interior, designed to maximize comfort and utility for extended cruising, despite accommodating the integral keelbox. The layout is typically a two-cabin arrangement centered around a raised saloon. A key feature is the spacious owner's cabin located aft, boasting a large centerline double berth. This aft cabin provides a private and comfortable retreat.

The interior design thoughtfully integrates the lifting keel mechanism, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing living space. While specific headroom details were not provided in the primary data, the "raised saloon" design often implies generous vertical space. The general finish quality of Southerly yachts is consistently described as outstanding, reflecting Northshore's commitment to high-quality luxury sailing yachts. This typically includes well-finished joinery, quality upholstery, and ample natural light and ventilation, all contributing to a comfortable living environment at sea or at anchor.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Southerly 38 for its solid construction and intelligent design, particularly highlighting the swing keel's capabilities. The unique ability to dramatically reduce draft is frequently cited as a major strength, allowing access to shallow rivers, secluded anchorages, and even the option to "beach" the boat, which opens up a vast array of cruising possibilities that fixed-keel yachts cannot achieve. This versatility fosters a loyal community of Southerly owners worldwide who appreciate the freedom the lifting keel provides.

While the keelbox naturally takes up some interior space, owners generally view this as a worthwhile compromise for the boat's shallow-draft advantages. The overall build quality and the boat's comfortable motion in various sea states are also frequently mentioned as strong positives. While no widespread recurring problems were identified in owner forums, the primary point of discussion around potential issues revolves around the maintenance and operational aspects of the unique swing keel system, though its robust design typically performs reliably.