Southerly 42RST

We read your article on the Southerly 42 RST (YM, Summer 2020). We agree with that written by Duncan Kent, the Shards and the Bells. The S42RST is a lovely boat, easy to sail and very luxurious. However we do not understand is the comments made by the surveyor Nick Vass. We have canvassed 23 of the 48 possible owners within the SOA and none of us have heard of the problems described by him. We do not know any Southerly owner who checks his pennant more than a quick look once a year and a possible replacement every 10 years or so. The lifting keel is a very reliable bit of kit. As for cracks and delamination in the decking and superstructure, 50% of owners report having seen no evidence of this at all. Some copper coat does come off, but only after hitting a large French rock. No damage was suffered by the keel. Peter J. Bell

Nick Vass responds: I am only allowed fewer than 100 words to summarise the defects and common problems that I have found on Southerly yachts and the 42RST shares the same keel, deck moulding and construction. I have surveyed a lot of Southerlys over the years and they have ranged in size and age. I have found issues including keels sticking or failing to retract due to build up of mud on top of the centre-plate, keel pennants in need of replacement, cracking on the superstructure, and voids in the gelcoat on fairly new examples.

All I can do is pass on my experience and what to look for, though I can understand why owners would not be keen on my comments that highlight defects.