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Southern Cross 31
Designer: Thomas Gillmer  ·  Builder: C. E. Ryder  ·  First built: 1975
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About the Southern Cross 31

Designed with serious offshore cruising in mind, the Southern Cross 31 has earned a loyal following among sailors who prioritize seaworthiness and dependability over flashy performance. Built by Pacifica Yachts during the 1970s and into the 1980s, this full-keel cutter-rigged sloop became a popular choice for bluewater adventurers seeking a capable, confidence-inspiring passage maker in a manageable package. The Southern Cross 31 reflects the design philosophy of its era, favoring a heavy, sturdy hull construction with a deep full keel that offers excellent directional stability and a forgiving motion in rough seas. These qualities make it particularly well suited to extended coastal cruising and offshore passages, where comfort and safety over long distances matter more than outright speed. The cutter rig provides versatile sail handling options, allowing the crew to balance the boat effectively across a wide range of wind conditions. For buyers researching an entry into bluewater sailing, the Southern Cross 31 represents a proven, unpretentious platform with a strong reputation for durability — a boat built to go places and come back safely.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 34.50 ft / 10.52 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 25.00 ft / 7.62 m
Beam 9.50 ft / 2.90 m
Max Draft 4.58 ft / 1.40 m
Displacement 13,600.00 lb / 6,169 kg
Ballast 4,400.00 lb / 1,996 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 447.00 ft² / 41.53 m²
Headroom 6.17 ft / 1.88 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long keel w/trans. hung rudder
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Thomas Gillmer
Builder C. E. Ryder
First Built 1975
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Known Issues & What to Watch For
Medium Hull/Deck
The deck-to-hull joint on early C.E. Ryder production boats was through-bolted with a rubber gasket that deteriorates over time, allowing chronic water intrusion into the joint. Inspect the entire hull-deck joint carefully for softness and separation, particularly amidships.
pre-1985 models
High Hull/Deck
The teak decks fitted on many Southern Cross 31s were fastened with screws through the fiberglass subdeck. Leaking fastener holes and deteriorated caulking allow water into the deck core, causing delamination and soft spots, especially around the cockpit and side decks.
High Hull/Deck
The balsa-cored deck used in construction is prone to moisture intrusion around deck hardware penetrations. Probe all chainplate areas, stanchion bases, and winch pads for softness indicating wet or rotted core.
High Keel
The long keel attachment on early boats used mild steel keel bolts that are prone to corrosion and are difficult to inspect without removing interior joinery. The bilge sump area should be closely inspected for rust staining and weeping around bolt heads, which can indicate advanced corrosion.
pre-1982 models
High Rigging
The chainplates on the Southern Cross 31 are inboard-mounted and pass through the deck with minimal bedding. Water wicks down the chainplate straps into the laminate and surrounding wood backing plates, causing rot and hidden structural deterioration behind the interior liner.
Medium Hull/Deck
The rudder gudgeons and pintles on the transom-hung rudder are subject to significant wear and electrolytic corrosion, especially when dissimilar metals are used. Check for excessive rudder play and inspect all hardware for corrosion pitting and wear.
Medium Accommodations
Interior joinery uses teak and mahogany with plywood substrates that absorb moisture in the typically damp bilge environment of this hull form. Inspect under settees and in the bilge area forward for rot in structural furniture supports and sole beams.
Medium Engine
Many Southern Cross 31s were originally fitted with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. These aging powerplants have obsolete carburetor parts, known fuel system fire risks, and many examples are well past their service life. Verify engine type and condition; diesel conversions are common and desirable.
pre-1982 models

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 225
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 12.6
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 37.62
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.59
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.7
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 1.02
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 848.61
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 36.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 15.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 31.5
E (Mainsail Foot) 13.5
SA Fore 282.88
SA Main 212.63
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