Hull, Deck and Swing Keel

Designed and built to meet UKCA and EU Category A (Ocean) standards, the Southerly 480 is engineered for serious offshore sailing. She is delivered with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, and the hull carries a five-year guarantee against osmosis for added peace of mind.

Hull

The hull is a heavy-duty, hand-laid composite molding, incorporating multi-axial and unidirectional reinforcements for optimal strength and rigidity. The keel box is fully integrated into the hull lay-up, while sandwich-construction stiffening extends the full length of the topsides. All primary bulkheads are bonded and laminated to both hull and deck for structural integrity. A white gelcoat finish comes standard, complemented by boot-top and cove-line detailing.

Southerly Variable-Draft Swing Keel

The variable-draft system combines performance with true shoal-water capability. Fixed ballast is provided by an iron casting that serves as both a grounding plate and structural reinforcement for the keel housing, secured within a dedicated hull recess by stainless steel bolts. The aerofoil-shaped swing keel is cast iron with a stainless-steel pivot at the leading edge. Hoisting and lowering are managed by a Dyneema pennant and hydraulic ram, powered by an electric pump with manual backup. All hydraulic components are positioned for straightforward access and service. Keel controls and a position gauge are located at the helm, with additional electric and manual controls at the keel station. A stainless-steel locking pin secures the keel in the raised position.

Deck & Superstructure

The deck is a hand-laid composite sandwich construction with a foam core for stiffness and insulation. It is both bonded and mechanically fastened to the hull and main bulkheads, forming a robust, unified structure. A deep foredeck sail locker provides convenient access to the chain locker. A composite, carbon-reinforced arch adds strength while supporting key systems.

Opening deck hatches and ports in various sizes provides excellent ventilation and natural light. Tinted deck saloon windows and hull ports are crafted from toughened glass and bonded into recessed moldings for a clean, secure finish. Fixed ventilators are fitted throughout the deck to ensure consistent airflow below.

Sails and Rigging

The Southerly 48 is equipped with a versatile Solent rig, combining a powerful inner self-tacking jib, an outer genoa, and an in-mast furling mainsail for effortless sail handling. With provisions for mast-mounted poles and a bowsprit, she is well prepared to make fast, comfortable passagemaking on any point of sail.

Rig & Sail Handling

• In-mast furling mainsail for safe, convenient reefing and stowage
• Self-tacking furling jib with short vertical battens for easy short-handed sailing
• Lightweight genoa for enhanced performance in lighter airs
• White UV protection on headsails for durability and a clean aesthetic
• Solent rig with double swept-back spreaders for strength and optimal sail shape
• Anodized aluminum spars for reduced weight and corrosion resistance
• Solid sprung rod kicker/vang for precise mainsail control
• 1x19 stainless steel wire standing rigging
• Two mast-mounted winches for efficient line handling
• Antal halyard tracks for mainsail, genoa, and jib for smooth, reliable operation

This well-engineered sail plan delivers a balanced blend of performance, control, and ease of use—ideal for both short-handed cruising and ambitious passagemaking.

Deck

• Stainless steel pulpit incorporating navigational light bracket
• Stainless steel stanchions and guard wires with side gates
• Stemhead fitting with bow roller
• Stainless steel pushpit navigational light braket
• Bow, midships and stern cleats with rubbing strakes
• Stern bathing ladder
• Fuel and water deck fillers
• Holding tank pumpout deck fittings
• Rope clutches on coachroof for running rigging
• Single manual cabin top winch at companionway
• Primary winches at each helm for main and jib sheets
• Two secondary winches for genoa sheets
• Electric windlass with foredeck foot switches
• Stainless steel grab handles on coachroof
• 32kg Delta anchor, 60 meters of galvanized chain 

Cockpit

• Twin helms with two compasses
• Cockpit table with folding leaves, stowage, and handrail
• Deep lazarette lockers aft of the cockpit
• Sliding companionway hatch with teak surround and removable washboards
• Instrument panel above companionway
• Gas bottle storage in the starboard lazarette locker
• Winch handle pockets
• Three safety harness padeyes

Mechanical

• Yanmar 80HP 4 cylinder, fresh water cooled, diesel
• Single lever manual throttle 
• Water strainer with removable filter
• Engine room fan
• (2) non-metallic fuel tanks, a selector manifold, an inline filter, and a combined capacity of 175 US gallons
• Fuel, water, and holding tank gauge
• Fireport
• 80 amp alternator
• Three-blade fixed propeller
• Two semi-balanced twin rudders 
• Two 36" stainless steel steering wheels
• Emergency tiller

Electrical and Plumbing

• C-Zone digital control and monitoring
• 24V domestic system
• Dedicated engine start battery
• LED cabin lighting
• LED navigation light system incorporating bow lights, stern lights, masthead tricolor light with all-around white anchor light & deck flood light
• Choice of 110v or 230v supply
• Shore power connection
• Battery charger
• Sockets in all cabins, galley, salon, and nav station
• Non-metallic freshwater tank capacity 106 US gallons
• Hot and cold fresh water systems
• Calorifier with electric immersion heater and engine loop
• Separate the grey waste from the electric sump boxes to both heads
• Separate black water holding tanks in both heads
• Manual bilge pump in cockpit
• Electric bilge pumps

Interior

Down below, the Southerly 48 features a raised saloon, affording unparalleled views whether at anchor or at sea through the large deck saloon windows. This is complemented by a raised, separate navigation station and close proximity to the galley, creating a sociable living space. A two-cabin arrangement, or the optional three-cabin, allows for comfortable living onboard, each with a separate head and plenty of internal storage, plus the expansive lazarette.

Interior joinery is finished in solid Oak and oak faced marine quality plywood as standard with a lacquered finish. Linings are fabric covered plywood or GRP as appropriate. Cabin soles are marine-grade flooring throughout. Hard wearing worktops to galley and heads. The choice of saloon fabric is selected from our interior options range. Foam mattresses to all cabins.

Galley: 

• Stainless steel twin galley sinks with mixer tap
• Front loading 130l stainless steel refrigerator, air
• cooled (keel cooling upgrade available)
• Front-loading freezer
• Top-loading freezer air-cooled (keel cooling upgrade available)
• Solenoid remote gas cut-off tap (Gas boat only)
• Storage cupboards
• Fully gimballed gas cooker with three burners (fail-safe devices on all burners), grill, oven & grab rail (Electric upgrade available)

Navigation Station:

• Chart table to starboard with stowage under hinged lid &
• separate stowage compartment for loose items
• Chart table pedestal with cupboard housing an AC panel
• Chart seat with backrest
• Red night light over navigation table
• 12” plotter pod to house plotter (not included), mounted on
• chart table in chosen interior wood finish
• Large stowage area under the chart seat (houses optional
• washing machine)

Raised Salon:

• Raised seating for six people
• Saloon table with fixed pedestal (Saloon conversion
• option)
• Starboard side seating with top lockers

Forward Head:

• Manual freshwater flush marine toilet
• Washbasin with mixer tap
• Separate shower with a door
• Locker with vanity mirror and storage

Forward Cabin:

• Centerline double berth
• Storage drawer under berth
• Triple unit wardrobe
• Tall lockers to port and starboard
• Vanity unit desk with stool

Aft Cabin:

• Centerline double berth
• Storage drawer under berth
• Hanging locker to port and shelving locker to starboard
• Seating on either side of the berth

Aft Cabin Head:

• Manual freshwater flush marine toilet
• Washbasin with mixer tap
• Separate shower with a door
• Locker with vanity mirror and storage

Loose Gear and Safety Equipment: 

• Four fenders & warps (fender socks not included)
• Two winch handles
• Two sets of companionway lock keys
• Fire extinguishers fitted to each cabin and galley
• Fire blanket fitted in the galley
• Emergency boarding ladder

Disclaimer

The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith, but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents or surveyors to investigate the details the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.