question for southerly 115 owners

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herdman

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I am considering buying a 2nd hand southerly 115 but believe that it has gone through some pretty major changes during its life time - could anyone let me know what they think the most significant of these changes was? eg the introduction of twin rudders? And also I believe the new southerlys have much better form stability than the old ones (eg the 100). Is this the case? And did the 115 ever get a more moderm hull shape that improved form stability??

many thanks
 
I have a 115 series 1, and am very happy with it in all respects. I cruise, not race, so have never seen the need for twin rudders which are a pain when manoeuvring in close quarters. Stability with the series 1 is, I think, excellent. She is not tender and with a good beam, stands up well to her canvas (terylene!). Have been out is quite some wind too!
 
Northshore Yachts used to have a section on their website that detailed changes in their models with dates etc., I cannot find it now.

The Southerly 95 had a lifting rudder hung on the transom, this was great because it meant the rudder did not come out of the water if the boat was healed over. Then with the S100 they changed to a small motor boat type rudder, which in my view was a mistake. In recent models the problem has been overcome by fitting twin rudders. Although twin rudders mean you loose the kick of the rudder in the propeller slip stream that is not a great disadvantage.

The Southerly 115 has had several changes, the relatively recent change that introduced twin rudders was also when they fitted the larger (lifting) keel and taller rig, all these together should make a significant improvement to its sailing ability.

I would avoid in mast reefing if it means you have a mainsail with no roach, this reduces the power of the mainsail by up to 50%.

All the Southerlies (except the 28) are really difficult to manoeuvre in close quarters with the keel up, many are fitted with bow thrusters which overcomes the difficulties.

Since I started racing GP 14s more than 50 years ago I have sailed many types of boats and more recently my brother has owned a Southerly 100 and I have sailed a fair bit with him.

With reference to stability, I believe the Southerly is one of only a very small number of reasonable sized, lifting keel, sailing boats that have Category A (Ocean), Recreational Craft Directive certificates.

Northshore is an excellent yard and produce really good strong boats, I would not hesitate to purchase a Southerly (subject to survey), however for me it would have to be one with twin rudders, bow thruster and no in mast reefing.

I am sure others may disagree with me, you will get diverse opinions on this forum and that is a good thing, enabling you to make up your own mind.

Good luck, George
 
Not an owner but have talked to several owners. The early Carter design Mk I and Mk II 115s had a simple triangular drop keel and single very shallow, almost motor yacht, style rudder behind the prop aperture. Sailing performance was mostly quite adequate, but more than one owner has said to me they could be difficult to control under sail in a big quartering sea, as you would expect from the small, shallow rudder.

Later boats used a virtually identical hull, but had a more complex and deeper drop keel designed by Rob Humphries, and twin rudders. Have not talked to owners of these, but logically this should have improved handling under sail, perhaps at the expense of manoeuvrability under power (as no propwash over rudder blades).
 
We looked long and hard at Southerly prior to buying our current boat. They would appear to tick many boxes, and to have the best of both worlds. I was looking at the 110 & 115 and even went to Northshore to have a test sail (115).
I cant help but think that the early twin rudder 110 or 115 are best, The latest build does not IMHO come up to scratch. Even the 32 at the boat show, the seat was already ripped and velcrow falling off, not much accessable stowage on the 110.
A great boat though you will not go far wrong good luck.
 
The hull on the 115 remained the same until the series 5 was introduced a year or so ago – the hull is significantly different. I think the twin rudders started with the series 4. As others have said, the single rudder on the earlier boats is on the small size so that the boat can take the ground, and does mean that its best to keep the boat as upright as possible by reefing early – I tend to put the first reef in as wind speeds approach 20 knots (not that they lean over that much if you don’t – the main problem is the steering gets heavy). The twin rudders overcome this, but without prop wash they are a bugger to manoeuvre. If the boat has twin rudders you WILL need a bow thruster. Apart from that, and despite what people say, they do sail quite well for a cruising boat. I brought my series 1 back from Scotland last summer and averaged 6 knots overall, mostly under sail. As far as I am concerned the lifting keel is worth making a few sacrifices for, they are very well built, and you will not find many other boats of that size which are more comfortable.
 
Having bought a Mk1 115 last year I can only say that she sails very well and is weatherly in all but a steep following sea when a deeper rudder would be an advantage. There are two types of rear berths and the one that takes up the full width is excellent. The centre cockpit makes for dry sailing in the worst weather and is safe for grandchildren and non sailng visitors.

A bow thruster is a good investment as we have found it difficult and interesting getting out of tight marina berths but thats all part of the fun and practice helps. Have spoke to other owners with twin rudders and they agree astern is a no go without a bowthruster

One thing to watch on an older boat is the fuel tank as these are made from mild steel and rust badly. Its quite a job to replace and can cost about £1000 so put that into your calculations. Also engine access is not that good on the starboard side if you have the original Bukh 36.

We have updated bits and pieces with more to do, ie bow thruster, but we wouldn't change her. You can get to places other boats of this size cann't and dry out as well.

The SOA is good for info and Northshore are allways willing to answer questions.

It's must be a plus point that two yachting journalist own a 115, that's if they know anything!
 
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