Southerly 105 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Southerly 105 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes stability and versatility over raw speed. Its most distinctive feature is the variable draft keel—a heavy cast iron grounding shoe containing a pivoting cast iron plate. With the keel fully lowered to 2.03m (6'8"), the 105 displays respectable upwind tracking and a surprisingly stiff motion for a boat of its era. When raised to its minimum draft of just 0.61m (2'0"), the vessel can navigate waters inaccessible to almost any other 35-foot monohull.

Under sail, the boat is known for its predictable, "sea-kindly" motion. Because it carries a significant portion of its ballast in the grounding shoe, the center of gravity remains low even when the keel is retracted. However, helmsmen should note that the 105 employs twin rudders to maintain steerage when the boat is "dried out" on its belly. These rudders are shorter than a single deep spade rudder, meaning the boat can lose grip and develop weather helm if pushed too hard under a press of sail. According to editorial assessments by Yachting Monthly, the 105 is at its best when sailed relatively flat, making it an ideal platform for long-distance coastal hops rather than aggressive windward beats.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Southerly 105 was decades ahead of its time, featuring a raised "deck saloon" layout that remains highly sought after on the used market. This design allows for large coachroof windows that provide panoramic views and an abundance of natural light to the main cabin, a sharp contrast to the "cave-like" interiors typical of 1970s cruisers.

The layout is generally configured with a linear galley to port and a U-shaped dinette to starboard. A defining characteristic of the 105 is the internal steering position and comprehensive navigation station located within the deck house, allowing the skipper to pilot the vessel in comfort during inclement weather.

Accommodation is split, with a V-berth forward and a distinct aft cabin. It is important for prospective buyers to note that in the standard 105 configuration, the aft cabin is typically accessed via a separate companionway from the cockpit rather than an internal walkway. This provides excellent privacy for guests or children but necessitates a dash across the cockpit in the rain. This layout was eventually refined in its successor, the Southerly 115, which introduced an internal walk-through to the aft quarters.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Southerly 105 should focus their survey on the specific engineering requirements of a lifting-keel yacht.

1. Keel Assembly and Pennant: The primary concern is the condition of the keel lifting wire (pennant) and the manual or electric winch system. These require regular replacement, as a failure can result in the keel dropping uncontrollably.
2. The Pivot Pin: The stainless steel pin upon which the keel swings is a wear item. If the keel "clunks" while at anchor or under sail, it may indicate that the pivot hole in the cast iron plate has become elongated or the pin itself has worn.
3. Grounding Shoe Corrosion: Because the grounding shoe is cast iron and often sits in mud or sand, the epoxy coating can be compromised, leading to significant scaling and rust. This requires aggressive cleaning and re-sealing to prevent structural degradation.
4. Window Seals: The large acrylic or glass windows in the deck saloon are prone to leaks as the original bedding compounds dry out. Water ingress here can quickly damage the interior joinery and electrical systems located beneath the nav station.
5. Twin Rudder Bushings: The twin rudder configuration involves more complex linkages than a single rudder. Check for play in the bushings and the synchronization of the steering arms.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 105 benefit from one of the most robust and technically minded owner groups in the United Kingdom. The Southerly Owners Association maintains an extensive archive of technical manuals, keel repair guides, and historical brochures specifically for the 105. This community is the definitive resource for sourcing replacement parts for the Northshore-specific hardware and for advice on modernizing the internal steering systems.

The Verdict

The Southerly 105 remains a premier choice for sailors who refuse to be limited by the tide. While it lacks the pointed performance of a modern fin-keel yacht, its ability to "take the ground" and its light-filled interior make it a peerless coastal explorer.

Pros:

• Extreme Versatility: Ability to navigate in just two feet of water and sit upright on drying moorings.
• Visibility: The raised saloon offers 360-degree views, making the interior feel significantly larger than 35 feet.
• Build Quality: Solid GRP construction from the renowned Northshore Shipyard.
• All-Weather Comfort: Internal steering station is a major benefit for northern latitude cruising.

Cons:

• Aft Cabin Access: Lack of an internal walkthrough to the aft cabin can be inconvenient.
• Maintenance Intensity: The swing-keel mechanism requires more frequent inspection than a fixed keel.
• Light Air Performance: The heavy displacement and drag from the grounding shoe make it sluggish in winds under 10 knots.