Endeavour 37 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Endeavour 37 was produced from 1977 to 1983, with approximately 476 units built, making her one of Endeavour Yacht Corporation's most successful models. Her origins are notable, as the "plug" for the E37 hull was reportedly derived from a 34-foot Ray Creekmore design, which was cut in half and extended by three feet in the mid-section by Dennis Robbins. Ray Creekmore, known for his work as an artist and author, also designed and built sailboats, with the Creekmore 34 itself described as a heavily built cruiser. Endeavour Yacht Corporation, founded by John Brooks and Rob Valdes, established itself by creating "Florida boats" characterized by their sturdy construction, moderate hulls, and shoal drafts, ideally suited for navigating the shallow waters of the Florida Keys and Bahamas. Construction of these early models typically involved a combination of polyester resin, fiberglass woven roving, and multi-directional chopped strand fiber (MCSF) for the solid fiberglass hull. While the standard rig was a masthead sloop, larger foretriangle configurations were reportedly offered in response to owner requests for improved sailing performance, and some models were also available with ketch rigs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Endeavour 37's design ratios underscore her identity as a heavy-displacement cruiser, built for comfort and stability over outright speed. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 12.47, she is not intended as a strong performer in light air, often described by owners as "somewhat underpowered" in the sloop configuration. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of 0.40 indicates a stiff and stable vessel, capable of standing up to a good breeze. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 330.6 firmly places her in the heavy-displacement category, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway typical of traditional cruisers. Her theoretical hull speed is calculated at 7.34 knots.

Anecdotal reports from owners frequently highlight the boat's "heavy, rock-solid hull" and robust construction. However, the Endeavour 37 is commonly associated with a significant amount of weather helm, a characteristic noted by numerous owners that requires careful sail balance and may necessitate some sacrifice in speed to correct. Despite these handling nuances, the boat is generally regarded as a reliable cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details on the Endeavour 37's interior headroom are not consistently available, the design generally offered a "2 cabin" interior arrangement. Owners have widely praised the interior layout and the overall quality of workmanship, with comments often highlighting "excellent" trim joints. The interior finish typically utilized solid wood trim, contributing to a classic cruising aesthetic.

Typical layouts for a monohull of this size and era would include a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees and a convertible dinette, a galley, and a dedicated head compartment, often located near the companionway or forward. Ventilation and storage capacity, while varying by specific boat and owner modifications, were generally considered adequate for extended cruising. On deck, the Endeavour 37 features wide and uncluttered side decks, facilitating movement around the boat, and a foredeck that is sufficient for sail handling.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Endeavour 37 consistently laud its solid construction and robust build quality, often describing the hull as "heavy" and "rock solid." This reputation for durability is a significant strength, with one anecdotal report even mentioning an Endeavour 37 holding up well in a hurricane. The interior layout is generally well-received, and the craftsmanship, particularly the trim work, has earned praise. Owners find these boats well-suited for cruising, emphasizing their practicality and comfort.

However, common recurring issues and weaknesses are also noted by the owner community. A frequent complaint across Endeavour models, including the 37, is gelcoat crazing, which can be challenging to repair and match with older, faded gelcoat. The sloop rig is often perceived as underpowered, with some owners suggesting that the ketch rig provides much-needed additional sail area. Perhaps the most frequently cited handling characteristic is the "huge weather helm," which can be pronounced and requires owners to develop a nuanced understanding of sail balance. Less common, but noted, issues include potential rudder delamination. Despite these points, a strong community of Endeavour owners persists, highlighting the enduring appeal and reliability of these classic cruising yachts.