Southerly 590 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The 590’s sailing characteristics are dictated by its massive, 8.3-tonne cast iron swing keel. When fully extended to its 3.27-meter (10' 8") deep-draft position, the yacht exhibits the stiffness and pointing ability of a dedicated performance cruiser, allowing it to tack through roughly 80 degrees of true wind with minimal leeway. This deep center of gravity is essential for a vessel of its 26-tonne displacement, providing a high righting moment that allows it to carry a generous sail plan even in heavy weather. Conversely, with the keel retracted via the hydraulic system to just 1.07 meters (3' 6"), the 590 can navigate shallow sounds or enter inland waterways, though it relies on its twin rudders for directional stability when the keel is raised.

The twin-rudder configuration is a critical design element, ensuring that the rudders remain deep and effective even when the boat is heeled at 20 degrees. Technical data indicates a ballast ratio of approximately 31%, which, while seemingly lower than some fixed-keel offshore yachts, is compensated for by the extreme depth of the keel when deployed. Handling at the helm is typically described as balanced and light for a vessel of this scale, though it is optimized for "gentleman’s cruising" rather than aggressive racing, favoring steady tracking and sea-kindliness over high-frequency responsiveness.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the 590 utilizes the trademark Southerly raised-saloon layout, which offers 270-degree panoramic views through large coachroof windows. This configuration is a centerpiece of the design, ensuring the interior feels bright and connected to the environment even in poor weather. The standard layout typically features four cabins, including a palatial full-beam owner’s suite aft and a VIP cabin forward. As the flagship of the range, the 590 was often heavily customized, with interior finishes ranging from traditional teak to contemporary light oak or walnut.

The vessel shares much of its interior DNA with its predecessor, the Southerly 57RS, but with refined ergonomics in the galley and saloon. A known variation in the 590's design involves the galley placement; while the raised saloon provides excellent social space, some technical reviewers have noted that the forward-leaning galley location can make service to the cockpit a challenging "uphill" trek during passage. The cabinetry and joinery work are of the high standard expected from the British shipyard, utilizing vacuum-bagged GRP for the hull and deck to reduce weight while maintaining structural rigidity for the massive keel housing.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the 590 itself is a relatively rare flagship, its predecessor and near-identical hull-mate, the Southerly 57, gained significant notoriety through the "Distant Shores" series. Paul and Sheryl Shard extensively cruised their Southerly 57, Rosetta, showcasing the vessel’s ability to transition from deep-ocean crossings to beaching in tropical lagoons. Their documentation, featured on the Distant Shores technical blog, remains the definitive media resource for understanding how these large-scale swing-keel yachts behave in real-world cruising scenarios.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Southerly 590 must focus their survey on the mechanical and structural integrity of the swing-keel assembly, which is the most complex component of the vessel.

• Keel Joint and Laminate: Surveys of later-model large Southerlies have occasionally identified corrosion at the joint where the cast-iron grounding plate meets the GRP hull. It is vital to inspect for water weeping or "rust bleeding" between the hull and the pan, which can indicate failing sealant or structural movement.
• Hydraulic System Loads: The 590's keel weighs over eight tonnes; the hydraulic rams, hoses, and solenoids are under immense pressure. Buyers should verify the service history of the hydraulic fluid and inspect the ram seals for any signs of weeping.
• Keel Pennant and Pivot Pin: Although later models utilize robust hardware, the pivot pin and the pennants (if applicable to the specific hydraulic configuration) should be inspected for wear or "clunking" sounds when the keel is raised and lowered while under load.
• Complex Electrical Systems: These yachts were typically fitted with high-amperage bow and stern thrusters, electric winches, and sophisticated lithium-ion banks. A specialized marine electrician should audit the charging systems and the condition of the master bus-bars.

Community & Resources

The most authoritative resource for technical support and owner experience is the Southerly Owners Association. This group maintains an extensive archive of technical manuals and modification guides. While the 590 is a flagship with limited production numbers, the association’s data on the 57RS and the 540 models is directly applicable due to shared componentry.

The Verdict

The Southerly 590 is a peerless choice for the offshore cruiser who refuses to be limited by water depth, offering a level of luxury and volume usually reserved for deep-draft yachts.

Pros

• Unrivaled draft versatility (1.07m to 3.27m) for a 60-foot yacht.
• Raised saloon provides exceptional natural light and visibility.
• Category A Ocean rating with heavy-weather stability when the keel is down.
• High-end British craftsmanship and robust GRP construction.

Cons

• Significant maintenance requirements for the hydraulic keel system.
• Large coachroof windows require rigorous inspection for seal integrity in blue-water use.
• Limited availability on the secondary market due to short production run.