Southerly back in build

Sandy said:
I would never by a boat from a company who have a reputation for asset stripping and leaving huge debts with their suppliers.
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I think Discovery would do well to distance themselves from the shoddy practice of the previous brand owner...the boats themselves seem to be a well built quality item.
 
I have always had a lot of respect for the Discovery range, and the business established so successfully by John Charnley.

Similarly the recent Rob Humphreys designed Southerly yachts were very attractive - the commercial antics of the previous builders less so.

Hence it is great to hear that Discovery Yachts are restarting production. BUT it worries me if the new management at Discovery are trying to relaunch a full range of 8 Southerlies, rather than start by focusing on just one or two models.
It will be difficult enough to make the transition to the new team at Discovery, let's hope they don't over reach themselves and risk the whole Discovery business in a classic attempt at over expansion.
 
Not sure as a supplier I'd want anything to do with them unless everything was paid for before delivery.

Its not only the old suppliers that caught a cold, the tendency to rush the build through at all costs would have called into question the build quality in the latter stages.
I wonder if Discovery have a plan for managing the possible knock on's.
 
Javelin said:
Not sure as a supplier I'd want anything to do with them unless everything was paid for before delivery.

Its not only the old suppliers that caught a cold, the tendency to rush the build through at all costs would have called into question the build quality in the latter stages.
I wonder if Discovery have a plan for managing the possible knock on's.
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if they have any sense (and pretty sure they have) they will only have bought the name and Intellectual property - mostly relating to designs. So nothing to do with the previous builders, nor any liability for products made by that builder.

Any supplier will be dealing with Discovery and will have to decide on risks related to that. Would imagine most of Northshore's suppliers also supply Discovery.
 
Tranona said:
Similar to a basic HR 34 and a bit more than an HR 310 - but double a Bavaria 34.
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Really? Bloody hell! Fair play to Discovery for taking on the moulds / IP and making a go of it, from their site it says they've got orders so good luck to them i guess.
 
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guardian said:
Really? Bloody hell! Fair play to Discovery for taking on the moulds / IP and making a go of it, from their site it says they've got orders so good luck to them i guess.
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The premium for "premium" brands has increased dramatically in the past few years as big builders have cut costs and improved quality through economies of scale and automation. Made worse by the high prices of "extras". I did a lot of research on pricing when I bought my new Bavaria and many of the extras I had (such as bow thruster) cost little more than the retail price of the materials to have factory fitted whereas on some boats it was twice the price.

Typically the extras bill on a Southerly 32 would be £30-50k. On the other hand my boat in 2015 with all the extras except heating and upgraded sails came to £100k including VAT
 
guardian said:
I take it those advertised prices are ex vat billy basic spec? Best part of £200K for a 32 footer.................good luck with that!
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Whats the price of a new Swedish 32 footer?

Tranona makes a fair point about value for money at least with the initial price - on a rational; / accounting basis its difficult to make the case for expensive upmarket boats even if the woodwork, finish etc is better. But its the same with all toys. Is a Ferrari that much better than a Porsche? No it isnt, so why do you pay twice as much for one?

Not everything in life is rational
 
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wotayottie said:
Whats the price of a new Swedish 32 footer?

Tranona makes a fair point about value for money at least with the initial price - on a rational; / accounting basis its difficult to make the case for expensive upmarket boats even if the woodwork, finish etc is better. But its the same with all toys. Is a Ferrari that much better than a Porsche? No it isnt, so why do you pay twice as much for one?

Not everything in life is rational
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Agree, but at the bottom end of the size range that we are talking about here, the premium has jumped substantially and not sure there is a big market (at least in UK) for small premium boats - as there was 20-30 years ago. The other question is whether the Southerly 32 (or now 330) actually justifies the premium, particularly as it majors on the lifting keel. I have seen them in build and finished but would not put them in the same class as an HR. I don't have the same concerns for the larger boats as there is a much larger market for that boat/size combination, but still the market is limited by the design - some love others don't.
 
Tranona said:
if they have any sense (and pretty sure they have) they will only have bought the name and Intellectual property - mostly relating to designs. So nothing to do with the previous builders, nor any liability for products made by that builder.

Any supplier will be dealing with Discovery and will have to decide on risks related to that. Would imagine most of Northshore's suppliers also supply Discovery.
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That's exactly what is happening - it is Discovery yachts management, and backing, they have bought the IP , moulds and brand, and the new boats will be built by discovery at their factory using hull moulds and keels designs previously owned by Northshore, with Discovery tops on

This is no 'prepack' or Phoenix rising from the ashes under the same management

As a Southerly owner and Discovery admirer, I'm delighted
 
I think a few misconceptions on this thread. I don't think this is Discovery offering 32 footers really, it is discovery extending their cruising brand to offer lift keels. They have sold 2 485's (based on the Southerly 47) already with other interested parties as I understand and I think that is where their marketing effort will go. I'm sure they'll build a 32 if people want one, but I don't think that is the focus.
 
Tempus said:
I think a few misconceptions on this thread. I don't think this is Discovery offering 32 footers really, it is discovery extending their cruising brand to offer lift keels. They have sold 2 485's (based on the Southerly 47) already with other interested parties as I understand and I think that is where their marketing effort will go. I'm sure they'll build a 32 if people want one, but I don't think that is the focus.
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I agree. See post #13. It is a dilemma. Northshore introduced the 32 in an attempt to provide an "entry" model but seems the market was not there. Hopefully Discovery will identify the models that do have a market and cull the rest.
 
I always liked Southerlys.

I own a Jeanneau.

Some drive a Ford others an Aston or Bentley. Boats are like cars people buy what the like and can afford.

It's pointless comparing them in terms of length v cost.

Most cars have 4 tyres and take 4 to 5 people but costs vary.

Southerly under Discovery management will be desirable boats and I wish them well.

I also wish I will be in a position to buy one - One day!
 
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