The Southerly 590 2017 vs Southerly 600 2019 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 590 2017 at 58,2 ft versus Southerly 600 2019 at 58,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Southerly 590 2017 tips the scales at 76 639 lbs — 17 886 lbs more than the Southerly 600 2019 at 58 753 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 146 hp for the Southerly 590 2017 and 160 hp for the Southerly 600 2019. 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 — 368 gal and 368 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 17 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.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Southerly 590 2017 displaces 76 639 lbs — a 17 886-lb difference over the Southerly 600 2019 at 58 753 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 10,8 ft and 11,4 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Southerly 590 2017 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Southerly 600 2019 carries a 160-hp engine against 146 hp on the Southerly 590 2017. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
Hull speed is rated at 10,1 knots for the Southerly 600 2019 and 9,7 knots for the Southerly 590 2017.
Bottom line: The Southerly 590 2017 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 76 639 lbs displacement and 58 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Southerly 600 2019 at 58 753 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.