Endeavour 32 CB Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Endeavour 32 CB is a moderate-displacement masthead sloop that prioritizes stability and ease of handling over raw racing speed. With the board up, the vessel draws a remarkably shallow 3’2”, allowing it to traverse areas where most 32-footers would be grounded. When the centerboard is fully deployed, the draft extends to approximately 7’10”, significantly improving the boat's ability to point into the wind and reducing leeway. According to technical documentation maintained by the Endeavour Owners Group, the vessel carries roughly 4,000 pounds of internal lead ballast, providing a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Under sail, the boat is known for its "forgiving" nature. The relatively high Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio suggests a hull that is less prone to hobby-horsing in a chop compared to lighter modern designs. While the standard Endeavour 32 is often described as having a heavy helm if over-canvassed, the Centerboard variant allows for fine-tuning the center of lateral resistance by adjusting the board height, which can help balance the boat on various points of sail. It is not a "light air" specialist, but in 10-15 knots of breeze, it tracks reliably with a predictable heel.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Endeavour 32 CB is remarkably spacious for a 1970s design, a byproduct of its generous 10-foot beam. Unlike many contemporary centerboard boats where the trunk bisects the main salon, the Endeavour 32’s trunk is integrated relatively unobtrusively into the cabin cabinetry. The layout typically features a classic offshore arrangement: a V-berth forward with an overhead hatch for ventilation, followed by a head to port and a hanging locker to starboard.

The main salon consists of a settee to port and a wrap-around dinette to starboard. In many units, the teak-finished interior provides a warm, traditional feel, though earlier models used more fiberglass liners. The galley is located aft for stability near the companionway, usually featuring a two-burner stove and a deep icebox. Because the Endeavour 32 was built on the same hull as the Irwin 32, it shares that design's high freeboard, which translates to excellent standing headroom—often exceeding 6’2”—throughout the main cabin. Owners note that the sibling fixed-keel version and the CB version share identical interior footprints, though the CB pennant tube is a visible vertical element in the cabin.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Endeavour 32 CB should focus their inspection on three primary areas: the centerboard assembly, the deck core, and the chainplates.

1. Centerboard Mechanics: The pivoting board and its lifting pennant are critical. The pennant should be inspected for fraying, and the attachment point on the board itself is a known wear zone. If the boat has been kept in salt water, the pivot pin and the internal cavity can accumulate marine growth, causing the board to jam.
2. Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, Endeavour used plywood or balsa coring in the decks. Moisture often enters through poorly bedded stanchions or handrails. Soft spots around the mast step or the cockpit sole are high-signal areas for rot.
3. Chainplate Leaks: The Endeavour 32 uses outboard chainplates. While this makes the rig very stable, the stainless steel straps can leak where they pass through or attach to the hull/deck joint. Neglect here can lead to localized core rot or "tea staining" indicating crevice corrosion.
4. Auxiliary Power: Many early units were equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While reliable if maintained, many have been repowered with Yanmar or Westerbeke diesels. A buyer should verify the cooling system's integrity, as these engines are now approaching 40–50 years of service.

Community & Resources

The Endeavour 32 CB benefits from one of the most robust owner-support networks in the classic plastic community. The Endeavour Owners Group serves as a comprehensive technical wiki, hosting original brochures, wiring diagrams, and specific repair guides for the centerboard model. Because the boat was built in such large numbers, parts and advice on common structural repairs are readily available through this technical association.

The Verdict

The Endeavour 32 CB is a quintessential "Florida cruiser" that offers a significant amount of interior volume and shallow-water capability for a modest investment. While it lacks the performance edge of modern fin-keel designs, its robust construction and simple systems make it an excellent choice for coastal gunkholing.

Pros:

• Exceptional Draft: The 3’2” board-up draft is nearly unrivaled in a 32-foot cruising monohull.
• Spacious Interior: High headroom and a wide beam make it feel larger than its length suggests.
• Support: Extensive documentation and a dedicated owner community simplify maintenance and restoration.

Cons:

• Mechanical Complexity: The centerboard adds a point of failure and maintenance not found on the fin-keel version.
• Aged Systems: Original plumbing and wiring often require a complete overhaul for modern cruising standards.
• Upwind Limitations: Even with the board down, it will not point as high as a dedicated racing yacht.