As water levels in places like the Great Lakes continue to fall, it's not just coastal cruisers who are concerned about how much a boat draws. Everyone wants to maximum performance but sailing fast is of little help if you can't get to the dock in the marina you were sailing to.

More and more boat builders are figuring out ways to deal with this problem, and Southerly's swing keel proved to be popular on the company's 57RS. Now designer Stephen Jones and Southerly's in-house naval architects have brought the same desirable features to the new Southerly 45. The bluewater cruiser optimizes performance and the interior by drawing from its popular bigger sister.

The most unique feature of the boat is the keel, which has a draft that ranges from 10 feet, 3 inches to 3 feet, 3 inches. It can be raised to any position. A fixed keel option with a draft of 8 feet, 3 inches is also available.

The sailplan features a tall fractional rig with a self-tacking jib and a large mainsail. The sailplan offers many options including a gennaker flown off the small bowsprit and a double headsail rig with the self-tacking jib and overlapping genoa as an option.

With a spacious cockpit, optionally three- or four-cabin layout and the seaworthy reputation that comes with Southerly, the 45 is truly a sail-anywhere, do-anything boat.

LOA 47'1"; LWL 42'9"; Beam 14'8"; Draft (keel up) 3'3", (keel down) 10'3", (fixed option) 8'3"; Sail Area 1,162 sq. ft.; Auxiliary Yanmar 75-hp; Fuel 80 gal.; Water 12 gal.

S&J Yachts, Southerly America
(410) 639-2777
sj@southerlyamerica.com
www.southerlyamerica.com

Base boat price
$725,000