Endeavour 40 Kth Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Endeavour 40 was introduced in 1981, with production continuing through 1985, and approximately 185 hulls were built across all its rigging variations. Robert K. Johnson, who served as Endeavour's principal in-house designer for a period, completed the design work for the Endeavour 40 around 1979. This model was part of Endeavour Yacht Corporation's response to a growing demand for more performance-oriented designs and updated construction methods in the 1980s, driven in part by the burgeoning charter market. While earlier Endeavours featured plywood coring, the company progressively evolved its construction techniques, incorporating advanced materials like Klegecell closed-cell polyvinyl foam coring and later a sophisticated balsa/plywood/fiberglass grid system. The Endeavour 40 was offered in several configurations, including sloop, cutter, and the ketch rig, providing versatility to suit different sailing preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a robust displacement of 25,000 pounds and a length overall of 40 feet, the Endeavour 40 Kth is a heavy displacement cruiser. Her design, featuring a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, aims for stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway. The boat's displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 340 suggests a vessel designed for long-distance comfort rather than outright speed, indicative of its classification as a traditional, heavy cruiser. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.36 indicates reasonable stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze. Her sail area to displacement ratio of about 13.9 suggests she is not a light-air performer, requiring moderate to stronger winds to come alive, a characteristic common among heavily built cruising yachts of her era. Owners have generally described the Endeavour 40 as a "big, comfortable cruiser intended for extended trips," highlighting its seaworthy qualities.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Endeavour 40 Kth is designed for comfortable living, reflecting its cruising aspirations. Typically finished with varnished teak and soft white overheads, the cabin offers a classic marine ambiance. The layout usually includes a fore cabin with a V-berth, a spacious main cabin or salon, and a private aft cabin featuring a double berth, providing ample sleeping arrangements for a cruising family or guests. Many Endeavour 40s were equipped with fore and aft heads, enhancing onboard convenience. While specific headroom details vary, the main cabin is generally described as "large and open," maximizing living space. Some variants of the Endeavour 40 also featured a center cockpit design, a layout that became increasingly popular with Endeavour during this period, offering a larger aft cabin and a more secure helm position.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently commend the Endeavour 40 series for its solid construction and overall seaworthiness, often describing it as an "enduring, seaworthy model." Many become "Endeavour loyalists," appreciating the robust build quality suitable for extended cruising. Common maintenance considerations noted by some owners have included issues with original fuel and water tanks, as well as deck-related concerns. Additionally, some discussions among owners have touched upon the possibility of mast step issues related to backstay tension and the need for head system refits on older models. While one anecdotal comment mentioned a "miserable motion" in certain conditions, the prevailing sentiment aligns with its reputation as a comfortable and capable cruiser. The enduring appeal of the Endeavour 40 is evident in the active community of owners who continue to maintain and cherish these classic yachts.