Question 1

Is the Southern Cross 31 still in production and, if not, when did production end and how many of these sailboats were built?

Accepted Answer

No, the Southern Cross 31 is not in production anymore. The production ended in 1987, after 150 boats were built.

Question 2

What is the history of the builders of the Southern Cross 31 and is the company still in business?

Accepted Answer

The Southern Cross 31 was built by C. E. Ryder, a company founded by Clint Ryder in 1968 in Bristol, Rhode Island. The company specialized in building high-quality fiberglass sailboats, such as the Sea Sprite, the Bristol Channel Cutter, and the Southern Cross series. The company ceased operations in 1990 and was sold to Bristol Yachts.

Question 3

What sailplan and rig options, if any, are available for the Southern Cross 31?

Accepted Answer

The Southern Cross 31 has a cutter rig with a bowsprit, which allows for a variety of sail combinations depending on the wind conditions. The reported sail area is 46.1 m² (497 sq ft), which includes a mainsail, a staysail, and a yankee jib.

Question 4

What keel options, if any, are available for the Southern Cross 31?

Accepted Answer

The Southern Cross 31 has only one keel option, which is a long keel with a cutaway forefoot. The keel has a draft of 1.4 m (4.6 ft) and a ballast of 1,995 kg (4,400 lbs), which gives the boat a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 32.3%. The long keel provides directional stability and protects the propeller and rudder from grounding.

Question 5

What is the Southern Cross 31 like to sail?

Accepted Answer

The Southern Cross 31 is a heavy displacement boat that sails well in moderate to strong winds, but struggles in light airs. It is not very fast or agile, but it is stable and comfortable in rough seas. It has a well-balanced helm and responds well to the tiller. It can handle most weather conditions and has a reputation for being seaworthy and reliable.

Question 6

What is the average cost of a secondhand Southern Cross 31?

Accepted Answer

The average cost of a secondhand Southern Cross 31 varies depending on the condition, equipment, and location of the boat. According to YachtWorld.com, the asking prices for Southern Cross 31 boats for sale range from US$10,900 to US$59,000 as of April 2023.

Question 7

What other sailboats have been created by the designer of the Southern Cross 31?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Gillmer was a professor of naval architecture at the US Naval Academy and an accomplished designer of sailboats. Some of his other designs include the Allied Seawind, the Aries 32, the Blue Moon, the Offshore 33, and the Pride of Baltimore.