Southerly 48 Information, Review, Specs

The Southerly 48 began its production in 2021, marking a new chapter for the esteemed British brand, now under the ownership of Concept Yachts. Designed by Stephen Jones, a naval architect celebrated for enhancing Southerly's hallmark technology, the 48 was conceived with a clear philosophy: to deliver an imposing, sleek, and powerful yacht capable of true bluewater cruising. The core of the Southerly design ethos, and central to the 48, is its ingenious variable draft keel system. This allows the keel to be raised, significantly reducing the boat's draft from its maximum of 10.17 feet to a mere 3.25 feet, providing access to areas typically inaccessible to fixed-keel vessels. This design choice reflects Southerly's long-standing dedication to offering unparalleled freedom and versatility in exploration, a characteristic deeply rooted in its heritage of pioneering lifting keel cruisers. The yacht's construction emphasizes quality and luxury, with its design focused on delivering impressive performance without compromising on comfort.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Southerly 48, with its substantial length overall of 48.58 feet and a waterline length of 42.66 feet, is a well-proportioned cruiser designed for capable performance. Its sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 21.28 is quite high, suggesting the yacht is well-powered and should exhibit excellent performance, especially in lighter wind conditions. This large sail plan is paired with a displacement of 38,043 lbs, resulting in a displacement-to-length ratio of around 490.3, which firmly places it in the category of a heavy, traditional cruiser, indicative of its robust build and comfortable motion. The ballast to displacement ratio stands at approximately 35.5%, providing decent stability, though not exceptionally stiff. The yacht's design prioritizes a balanced and easily managed sailing experience, even for a smaller crew. Its twin rudder arrangement further enhances control and responsiveness, ensuring the yacht maintains impressive performance for safe sailing, living up to the requirements of a true bluewater vessel. The theoretical hull speed is calculated at 8.75 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Southerly 48 is designed for comfort, luxury, and functionality, consistent with its bluewater cruising aspirations. A hallmark of Southerly yachts, the 48 features a light-filled, raised saloon, which creates a spacious and welcoming environment, ideal for both entertaining and relaxation, offering panoramic views. The vessel typically offers a standard layout of three cabins, though a two-cabin arrangement is also available, providing flexibility for owners. Each cabin is designed with comfort in mind, often featuring separate heads and ample storage throughout. The forward cabin can be configured with a convertible centerline or V-berth, while the aft cabin also provides comfortable sleeping arrangements. The emphasis on quality is evident in the choice of materials and sophisticated woodwork, contributing to a luxurious finish. The elevated cockpit and high superstructure contribute to a feeling of security and provide a sociable space on deck.