Endeavour 32 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Endeavour 32 begins in 1974 when Endeavour Yacht Corporation founders John Brooks and Rob Valdes received the molds for Ted Irwin's 1970 Irwin 32. In-house designer Dennis Robbins skillfully modified these molds, launching the vessel as the Endeavour 32 in 1976. Ted Irwin's original design intent for the Irwin 32 was that of a "dual-purpose cruiser-racer". Further modifications were made to the Endeavour 32 in 1980 by Bob Johnson, who later became renowned for his work with Island Packet Yachts., 1] Production of the Endeavour 32 continued until 1982.

During its production run, the Endeavour 32 saw significant variations in its keel configuration. Early models were available with either a fin keel or a keel-centerboard, similar to the original Irwin design. notes, 4] However, by 1979, both the deep fin keel and keel-centerboard versions were phased out in favor of a shallower fixed keel model, which became the standard. This shallower draft, measuring 3.16 feet, aligned with Endeavour's ethos of building "Florida boats" designed for easy navigation in shallow coastal areas., 11] The hull itself was molded as a single unit, constructed from a combination of polyester resin and fiberglass woven roving with multi-directional chopped strand fiber.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Endeavour 32 exhibits the characteristics of a heavy, traditional cruiser, emphasizing stability and comfort over outright speed. With a displacement of 11,700 pounds and a waterline length of 25.25 feet, the boat has a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 324.4, classifying it as a heavy sailboat. Its sail area to displacement ratio of about 14.39 suggests it is slightly underpowered for light air, but this contributes to its robust nature. A ballast-to-displacement ratio of 42.7% is considered good, indicating a stiff and very stable vessel with excellent righting capabilities.

Owners and reviewers frequently describe the Endeavour 32 as a "very stable and good heavy weather boat." It is known to be a "simple, forgiving, stout cruising boat," maintaining its course with minimal effort. While not designed for racing, its PHRF rating, typically around 186 to 192, suggests performance comparable to other cruising boats of its era, though "significantly slower than modern 32-footers." Its shoal draft fixed keel and skeg-hung rudder provide peace of mind for exploring shallower waters while offering reliable directional stability.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Endeavour 32 is generally regarded as comfortable and functional for a boat of its size, utilizing space efficiently. The cabin design features settees that can double as sea berths, providing practical sleeping arrangements. While specific headroom details are not available, the overall joinerwork is of good production boat quality, with later models often featuring interior teak trim.

Typical layouts include a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a main salon with opposing settees and a dining table, and an aft galley. The boat is designed to offer six berths. However, one frequently noted characteristic of the Endeavour 32's interior is the absence of a dedicated navigation station or chart table, which was a common design consideration during its production era. The interior is a molded fiberglass unit with bulkheads.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Endeavour 32 generally praise its robust construction and dependable performance as a cruising vessel. Many highlight its "very stable and good heavy weather" capabilities, appreciating its forgiving nature in varied conditions. The boat is often described as "solid, capable, and well-outfitted," proving to be a reliable platform for extended cruising.

Despite its many strengths, some recurring issues are noted by the owner community. A common complaint is the lack of a dedicated navigation station. Additionally, original deck fittings, particularly windows, have been known to develop leaks over time, often requiring re-bedding or replacement. While early boats may have had factory electrical issues, these are often addressed by caring owners over the vessel's lifespan. Some discussions also mention potential issues related to bolt-on keels, though later models primarily featured fixed shoal keels. Despite these minor points, the active community of Endeavour owners speaks to the enduring appeal and reliability of these classic cruising yachts.