The Southerly 54 2020 vs Southerly 540 2017 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Southerly 54 2020 at 54,7 ft versus Southerly 540 2017 at 54,7 ft. At 51 478 lbs and 51 478 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 146 hp for the Southerly 54 2020 and 146 hp for the Southerly 540 2017. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 237 gal and 238 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 16 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 51 478 lbs for the Southerly 54 2020 and 51 478 lbs for the Southerly 540 2017. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 11,0 ft and 11,0 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Southerly 54 2020 uses Sloop rigging.
Hull speed is rated at 9,4 knots for the Southerly 540 2017 and 9,4 knots for the Southerly 54 2020.
Bottom line: The Southerly 54 2020 and Southerly 540 2017 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.