Endeavour 37 (Cutter W/Bowsprit) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Endeavour 37 began in the mid-1970s when Endeavour Yacht Corporation founders John Brooks and Rob Valdes sought to expand their successful line of cruising yachts. They discovered an abandoned 34-foot Ray Creekmore design along the Miami River. Dennis Robbins, Endeavour's skilled in-house designer, undertook the task of modifying this existing blueprint, notably by adding three feet to the midsection, thereby creating the Endeavour 37. Production commenced in 1977, and an impressive 476 units of the Endeavour 37 were built before its production run concluded around 1983.

During this era, Endeavour Yacht Corp., based in Largo, Florida, was known for producing what were colloquially termed "Florida boats." Their manufacturing ethos prioritized straightforward, sturdy cruising vessels, characterized by features such as shoal drafts, outboard chainplates, and strong, moderate hulls, all ideally suited for navigating coastal waters and accessing shallower anchorages. The construction of the Endeavour 37 typically involved polyester resin, fiberglass woven roving, and multi-directional chopped strand fiber (MCSF) for a solid, durable hull. While most Endeavour 37s were sloop-rigged, the company also offered a ketch option, and the specific model addressed here features a cutter rig with a bowsprit.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 37 feet and a waterline length of 30 feet, the Endeavour 37 exhibits characteristics of a traditional, heavy cruiser. Her displacement of 20,000 pounds, combined with a ballast of 8,000 pounds, results in a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.40. This healthy ratio suggests good initial stiffness and stability, enabling the boat to stand up well to a breeze. However, her displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 330 indicates a relatively heavy vessel for her length, translating to a comfortable motion in a seaway but also implying a more modest turn of speed.

The calculated sail area-to-displacement ratio of around 13.85 is on the lower side for a cruising boat, which suggests that the Endeavour 37, particularly the cutter-rigged version, may require more wind to perform optimally and might be less spirited in lighter air. Anecdotal owner reviews provide a mixed picture of her sailing characteristics. While some praise her "heavy, rock solid hull," others have noted "so-so to downright negative reviews of the windward sailing characteristics and incidence of weather helm". Practical Sailor reviews have also been cited regarding concerns about her sail performance. Despite some opinions on windward ability, comparisons of comfort values suggest the Endeavour 37 is more comfortable than a significant percentage of similar sailboat designs.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Endeavour 37 was designed to maximize liveability and comfort for cruising. Despite specific headroom details not being readily available in the core data, owners consistently report ample space. The boat typically offers sleeping accommodations for at least six individuals, including comfortable sea berths suitable for offshore passages.

Endeavour offered at least two primary interior configurations, known as "Plan-A" and "Plan-B". Both layouts typically feature a well-appointed main salon, with a galley and chart table integrated into the design. Plan-A is described as having two cabins with solid teak doors, featuring louvers for ventilation, and a head that opens directly to the salon. Plan-B generally consists of a two-cabin layout with a master V-berth forward, and the main salon situated between the forward cabin and the aft berth and galley. There may also be a variation of Plan-B that includes an enclosed, private aft cabin. Owners generally appreciate the typical interior arrangement, which includes a V-berth, head, salon, and galley. The use of solid teak for doors adds to the traditional marine finish. On deck, the Endeavour 37 is easily maneuvered with wide and uncluttered side decks, and a foredeck that is adequate for sail handling, even if it tapers at the bow.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Endeavour 37 frequently praise its robust construction and the "rock solid" feel of its hull, which contributes to a comfortable motion, especially in a seaway. There are no widespread reports of structural problems like oilcanning panels or moving bulkheads. The enduring appeal and reliability of these classic cruising yachts are evident in the active community of owners that persists today.

However, some recurring themes emerge regarding potential weaknesses or areas requiring attention on these older vessels. As noted in sailing forums and reviews, some owners have expressed concerns about the boat's windward sailing characteristics and a tendency for weather helm. While no specific systemic issues are noted regarding core problems, owners are consistently advised to ensure a competent survey is conducted on boats of this age, as with any vessel from this era. Despite these minor points, the Endeavour 37 is generally regarded as a well-built and practical cruising sailboat that continues to serve its owners reliably decades after its production.