Southern Cross 31 Tall Rig

Description

The Southern Cross 31 is a classic American double-ended cutter designed by Thomas C. Gillmer (a noted naval architect and professor at the U.S. Naval Academy) as a rugged, seaworthy bluewater pocket cruiser. It was built by C. E. Ryder Corporation in Bristol, Rhode Island, starting in 1975 (with production continuing into the mid-1980s, up to around 1987). Approximately 150 boats were constructed, including some sold as hull-and-deck kits for owner completion. The design draws inspiration from traditional Colin Archer–style double-enders (with a cutaway forefoot and flatter buttocks for improved performance over pure Colin Archer types), featuring heavy fiberglass construction, a full/long keel with transom-hung rudder, and a traditional salty profile with a bowsprit—making it a stable, forgiving passagemaker known for excellent righting capability and offshore reliability (some have completed circumnavigations or long voyages). Key features include a versatile masthead cutter rig (with bowsprit), encapsulated lead ballast, diesel auxiliary, and practical accommodations for 4–5 with good headroom (around 6'2"), storage, and two interior layout options (including one with a stand-up nav station).