DEEP DRAFT PERFORMANCE WITHOUT COMPROMISE
A key benefit of the variable draft keel is not only shallow draft opportunities but also enhanced performance from a deep high aspect ratio keel when fully lowered.
In practise, the boat is stiffer as a result of the improved righting moment, therefore carrying her sail better than other yachts and carving her way efficiently to windward in a seaway. The keel’s aerofoil shaped cross section, with weight concentrated at the tip, is optimised for sailing to windward, allowing you to point as high as 30° apparent with minimal leeway.
The variable keel geometry allows the keel to be set at any position between fully raised and lowered, enabling the keel to be set and optimised according to your point of sail.
An example of this is having the keel fully raised when sailing downwind.
EXPLORE WHERE OTHERS CANNOT
Southerly’s trade mark variable draft keel enables the draft to be reduced to as little as 0.84m (3 feet). The opportunities are endless for accessing and exploring remote anchorages, harbours and inland waterways worldwide, without the draft restrictions imposed on other yachts.
Shallow draft capabilities can save precious time when entering or leaving locked marinas or even crossing a shallow bar in some harbour entrances. When approaching shallow waters, the keel can simply be raised to avoid grounding, and killing time for a safe height of tide.
Design Dimensions
Overall Length 14.83m 48’7”
Length Waterline (Heeled) 13.05m 42’8”
Beam 4.46m 14’6”
Draft Keel Up 1.00m 3’3”
Draft Keel Down 3.12m 10’2”
Displacement 17,256kg 38,043lbs
Ballast Weight 3,990kg 8,796lbs
Keel Weight 2,130kg 4,696lbs
Total Ballast 6,120kg 13,492lbs
Air Draft 21.83m 71’6”
Sail Areas
Main 57.5m2 618ft²
Self-tacking jib 45.6m2 491ft²
Furling genoa 140% 72.5m² 780ft²
Mechanical
Engine Yanmar 80hp
Fuel 664 litres 175 US Gals
Water 403 litres 106 US Gals
Highlights
Outstanding performance pointing to 30°
Variable draft swing keel | 3.12m – 1.00m | 10’3” – 3’3”
Solent Rig (twin headstays)
Self tacking jib
Furling headsails
In-mast furling mainsail
Raised saloon
Central skeg to protect propeller
Semi-balanced twin rudders
Optional fold down bathing platform
