Endeavour 43 Information, Review, Specs

The Endeavour 43 was produced between 1979 and 1985, a period when Bob Johnson served as the principal in-house designer for Endeavour Yacht Corporation. Johnson's design philosophy for the E43 focused on creating a vessel with large, comfortable living quarters and a shoal draft, optimizing it for the practicalities of navigating shallow coastal waters and accessing numerous anchorages.

Endeavour Yacht Corp., founded by John Brooks and Rob Valdes, was known for building straightforward and sturdy cruising boats, often dubbed "Florida boats." Their early models, including the E43, were characterized by features such as shoal drafts, outboard chainplates, and strong, moderate hulls, designed to withstand the rigors of coastal cruising. The construction of the E43 typically involved a solid fiberglass hull with polyester resin, fiberglass woven roving, and multi-directional chopped strand fiber (MCSF). Notably, the keel was molded integrally with the hull, and all ballast was encapsulated internally, contributing to the boat's robust build.

During its production run, the Endeavour 43 was offered with different rigging options, including sloop, cutter, or ketch configurations. Significant variations included an "Owners' version," which featured a slightly taller mast, an inner forestay, and additional winches, catering to those seeking enhanced sailing capabilities or greater versatility. In contrast, a "Charter' version" was available with a shorter mast, no inner forestay, and fewer winches, likely streamlined for ease of use in the bareboat charter market.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a displacement of 33,000 pounds and a waterline length of 35 feet, the Endeavour 43 is firmly categorized as a heavy displacement cruiser. This substantial displacement contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway and a notably dry ride. The boat's sail area to displacement ratio, calculated at approximately 13.88, indicates that she is not built for high-performance racing but rather for stable and comfortable passage making in a variety of conditions. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 0.36 suggests a decent level of initial stiffness, allowing her to stand up to moderate winds effectively.

The Endeavour 43 features a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration generally providing good directional stability. While not designed as a racer, she is considered a solid, moderate performer in most conditions. However, a common observation among sailors is that her shoal draft keel, while excellent for accessing shallow areas, can compromise her windward performance. Overall, the Endeavour 43 offers a steady and predictable sailing experience, well-suited to the cruising sailor.

Accommodations and Layout

The Endeavour 43 is widely recognized for its generous and comfortable interior, making it an excellent liveaboard vessel. Owners frequently praise the substantial headroom, with some reports indicating as much as 6 feet 5 inches, which significantly enhances livability. As a center-cockpit design, the layout is particularly well-suited for long-term cruising, offering a logical separation of living and sleeping areas.

While specific interior details can vary between individual boats due to customization over the years, the typical arrangement features a spacious main salon, often with a U-shaped settee and a large dining table. The galley is generally well-appointed for a boat of its era, offering ample counter space and storage, suitable for preparing meals underway or at anchor. The center cockpit configuration allows for a large aft cabin, often considered the owner's stateroom, which provides privacy and comfort. Forward, there is typically a V-berth cabin, and the boat usually includes one or more heads. The overall finish quality often incorporates traditional marine materials, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. Reviews suggest that these boats offer ample storage throughout, crucial for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Endeavour 43 frequently commend its robust construction and solid feel, often describing it as a "solid, go-anywhere cruiser." The comfortable motion in a seaway and the dry ride are consistently highlighted as significant strengths, contributing to a pleasant experience during passages. The spacious and well-appointed interior also earns high marks, particularly for its liveaboard comfort and suitability for long-term cruising.

While generally well-regarded, some common points of discussion or potential maintenance areas among owners include the boat's windward performance, which can be limited by its shoal draft keel. One documented issue involved a recurring problem with the rudder stock length breaking in following seas, attributed to a design challenge. However, these boats have fostered a strong and active community, with platforms like the Endeavour Owners Group serving as a valuable resource for shared experiences, advice, and solutions to common maintenance challenges, underscoring the enduring appeal and reliability of these classic cruising yachts.