Designed by John Bennett and built by Northshore Yachts Ltd. from 1975 to 1984, this versatile 28-footer represents solid British yacht construction from an era when fiberglass boats were hitting their stride. With 148 hulls produced over nearly a decade, the Southerly 28 found a loyal following among sailors seeking a capable coastal cruiser with offshore potential. The boat's most distinctive feature is its keel/centerboard configuration, offering the best of both worlds: shoal water exploration with the centerboard raised and enhanced windward performance when fully deployed. At 4.75 feet of draft, this design opens up countless anchorages while maintaining seaworthiness for extended coastal passages. Bennett's design emphasizes seakindliness over pure speed, evident in the boat's substantial 8,500-pound displacement and moderate beam of 9 feet. The masthead sloop rig provides straightforward sail handling, while the comfortable 27.92 comfort ratio and conservative 1.77 capsize screening value indicate this yacht prioritizes crew comfort and safety over racing performance. With a practical 25-horsepower auxiliary engine and hull speed of 6.56 knots, the Southerly 28 suits sailors who appreciate thoughtful engineering and traditional cruising values over cutting-edge performance. This makes it an excellent choice for weekend coastal adventures and extended cruising alike.
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What is the Southerly 28's comfort ratio?
The Southerly 28 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 27.92. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Southerly 28 safe for offshore sailing?
The Southerly 28 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.77. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Southerly 28?
The theoretical hull speed of the Southerly 28 is 6.56 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Southerly 28 weigh?
The Southerly 28 has a displacement of 8,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 28.00 ft.
Who designed the Southerly 28?
The Southerly 28 was designed by John Bennett, first built in 1975.