Endurance 38 Information, Review, Specs

The Endurance 38 began production in 1980, emerging from the Colvic Craft yard located on the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, England. Peter A. Ibold, the acclaimed designer, imbued the Endurance 38 with his characteristic elegant lines, blending classic aesthetics with a more modern underwater body, featuring a fin-keel and skeg-hung rudder. This design philosophy aimed for seaworthiness and a pleasing appearance, building upon the success of his earlier designs, including the Endurance 37, with the 38 representing Ibold's final refinement of the series before his passing. Colvic Craft, a pioneer in fiberglass construction, was known for producing durable and robust Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) hulls, often supplying them to other builders or offering kits for owner completion, ensuring the Endurance 38 benefited from this solid manufacturing ethos., 7]

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 37 feet and a waterline length of 29.2 feet, the Endurance 38 is a substantial vessel designed for comfortable passage making. Her displacement of 17,250 pounds, reflected in a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 309, firmly places her in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser. This weight contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making her well-suited for offshore conditions. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 0.37 indicates good stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a fair amount of wind, though she may not be as stiff as vessels with higher ballast ratios. Her reported sail area of 705 square feet results in a sail area-to-displacement ratio of approximately 16.95, suggesting decent performance, particularly in moderate to stronger breezes, while indicating she is not optimized for exceptional light-air speed. Anecdotal evidence from owners often highlights the Endurance 38's balanced helm and safe, predictable behavior, reinforcing her reputation as a reliable and forgiving yacht in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Colvic Endurance 38 is typically configured to maximize liveability and comfort for cruising. Common layouts feature three cabins, offering five to six berths, a dedicated galley, and a head. While specific details like maximum headroom are not consistently reported, the design prioritizes practical living spaces. Interior finishes often incorporate durable materials such as mahogany, known for its water-repellent qualities, contributing to a warm and traditional marine ambiance. Owners generally find the accommodations spacious for a boat of her size, providing ample room for extended stays aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Colvic Endurance 38 consistently praise its robust construction and inherent seaworthiness, often describing the boat as "very safe and reliable." Many of these vessels were sold as hull and deck mouldings for owner completion, leading to a wide range of interior finishes and systems. This characteristic has fostered a strong community of enthusiasts who actively share knowledge, maintenance tips, and cruising experiences, testament to the enduring appeal of these classic fiberglass yachts. While specific common problems are not widely documented, owners often undertake refits and upgrades to modernize systems and tailor the well-built hulls to contemporary standards and personal preferences. The Colvic Endurance 38 remains a popular choice on the used boat market for those prioritizing a sturdy, no-nonsense cruising platform.