Endeavour 30 (Aus) Information, Review, Specs

The Endeavour 30 (Aus) embodies the builder's philosophy of balancing sailing performance with cruising comfort, providing a sturdy platform for coastal adventures. Its design reflects a period when Australian boat builders were making yacht ownership more attainable through consistent quality fiberglass construction.

The Endeavour 30 (Aus) first entered production in 1973, reflecting the ongoing commitment of Endeavour Yachts to delivering well-designed and accessible vessels to the Australian market. Founded by Reg Gardner, Endeavour Yachts was a pioneer in mass-produced fiberglass yachts in Australia, known for its practical, robust, and often performance-oriented designs. The company's embrace of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) ensured consistent quality and helped democratize yacht ownership during its operational period, which extended until approximately 1990.

The design for the Endeavour 30 (Aus) is attributed to Graham Tilley/Marine Research Pty., a firm recognized as a contributor to Endeavour's diverse portfolio of vessels. During its production run, the Endeavour 30 (Aus) was notably offered in two distinct versions: a flush deck racer and a more cruising-oriented variant featuring a standard coach roof. This adaptability underscored the builder's responsiveness to varying sailor preferences, catering to those seeking competitive performance alongside those prioritizing comfort for extended cruising.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Endeavour 30 (Aus) is characterized by a design that prioritizes stability and a comfortable motion, making it a reliable choice for coastal cruising. With a displacement of 7,200 lbs and a waterline length of 23.95 ft, the boat exhibits a relatively high displacement-to-length ratio, indicative of a robust and heavily built vessel. This contributes significantly to its stability and its ability to handle varied sea states with a reassuring motion.

Despite its robust build, the Endeavour 30 (Aus) features a sail area of 430 sq ft, resulting in a sail area-to-displacement ratio of approximately 18.29. This suggests decent performance, particularly in lighter air, allowing the boat to move efficiently under sail. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 40% further enhances its stiffness, enabling it to stand up to a good breeze and maintain an upright, stable attitude while sailing. Its fin keel and spade rudder configuration provide good maneuverability and responsiveness, contributing to its reputation as an easily handled yacht for one or two people. The masthead sloop rig provides a straightforward and effective sail plan.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for the Endeavour 30 (Aus) can vary, the design ethos of Endeavour Yachts typically focused on practical and functional layouts for comfortable cruising. As a 30-foot coastal cruiser from the 1970s, the interior would generally feature a conventional arrangement designed to maximize usable space. This would commonly include a V-berth forward for sleeping, a marine head, a main salon with settees that often convert into additional berths, and a compact galley area. Given its designation as a "cruising oriented version with std. coach roof," one could expect reasonable interior volume and possibly standing headroom in key areas, though specific headroom figures are not readily available. Interior finishes would likely have featured a combination of fiberglass liners and wood trim, typical of Australian production yachts of the era, offering a durable yet appealing environment for sailors.