Endeavour 51 Information, Review, Specs

The Endeavour 51 entered production in 1985, a period when Endeavour Yacht Corporation, under the influence of designers like Johan Valentijn, was pivoting towards more performance-oriented designs and updated construction methods to meet the demands of the burgeoning charter market and cruising families. Valentijn, an America's Cup designer, was specifically commissioned for the Endeavour 51. The company's focus shifted towards building center cockpit boats, prioritizing ease of handling, offshore capability, and taller rigs.

Construction methods for Endeavour yachts during this era saw advancements, incorporating Klegecell closed-cell polyvinyl foam coring and a "multi-axial steel reinforced 'force grid' bonded to the hull for stiffness." Later, the company transitioned to using end-grain balsa in sheer-to-waterline areas and plywood for through-bolted hardware, complemented by a structural grid system built from triaxial fiberglass encapsulated urethane foam. The Endeavour 51 was offered in both "Owners" and "Charter" versions, reflecting its dual market appeal. Notably, a deep keel version with a 7.5-foot draft and lighter displacement (34,000 lbs) was also available, alongside a tall rig option, though the standard model features a shallower wing keel and the rig dimensions provided. Production of the Endeavour 51 ceased around 1989.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Endeavour 51, with a length overall of 51 feet and a waterline length of 42.25 feet, is characterized by its substantial displacement of 37,000 pounds and a wing keel with a draft of 5.5 feet. This configuration contributes to her solid, stable feel in a seaway. The yacht's sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.5 indicates she is a moderate-weight sailboat that is slightly underpowered for spirited performance in light winds, prioritizing comfort over blistering speed.

However, her high ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.467 (46.7%) signifies excellent stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up well to a breeze and providing a comfortable motion offshore. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 490 categorizes her firmly as a heavy displacement vessel, reinforcing her identity as a robust and capable cruiser rather than a light, agile racer. Her calculated hull speed is 8.71 knots. While the primary data describes a wing keel model offering shoal draft capabilities, the existence of a deeper keel option suggests that the design could also cater to those desiring enhanced directional stability and upwind performance.

Accommodations and Layout

The Endeavour 51's significant beam of 15 feet allows for a voluminous interior, a hallmark of Endeavour's center cockpit designs aimed at maximizing liveaboard comfort and privacy. The interior layout was specifically designed with two primary configurations: an "Owners" version and a "Charter" version. The Charter layout typically featured two aft cabins, each with its own head, catering to multiple guests or separate charter parties. The Private Owners' layout, conversely, dedicated the aft section to a single, spacious master stateroom with its own head. Both layouts generally included a traditional V-berth forward. Details on maximum headroom are not widely published, but as a large cruising yacht of its era, comfortable standing headroom throughout much of the main living areas would be expected. The emphasis on robust construction by Endeavour suggests a practical and durable interior finish, often with a balance of fiberglass and wood trim, designed for extended cruising and liveaboard comfort.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Endeavour 51s consistently praise these vessels for their solid construction and their capability as offshore cruisers. The enduring appeal and reliability of these classic cruising yachts are evident in the vibrant community of original Endeavour sailboat owners, who often connect through online platforms like the Endeavour Owners Group. Many owners find the Endeavour 51 well-suited for island hopping, extended cruising, or liveaboard lifestyles due to its spacious accommodations and robust build. While specific recurring problems are not widely documented in general reviews, the general consensus among owners points to a boat that provides a stable and comfortable platform for serious cruising.