Endeavour 37 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

With a displacement of approximately 21,000 pounds and a relatively modest sail area, the Endeavour 37 is categorized as a heavy-displacement coastal cruiser. Its Displacement-to-Length ratio (D/L) sits well over 300, which translates to a motion at sea that is predictable and "kind" rather than spirited. This is a boat that relies on momentum. According to technical archives at the Endeavour Owners Group, the boat features a shoal draft of only 4' 6", making it an ideal platform for the thin waters of the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, though this comes at the expense of some aerodynamic lift when sailing close-hauled.

Handling characteristics vary slightly between the two available rig configurations: the more common sloop and the traditional ketch. The ketch rig offers more versatility in heavy weather, allowing sailors to utilize the "jib and jigger" configuration, though the sloop is generally considered more efficient upwind. Owners frequently report that the 37 requires at least 10 to 12 knots of breeze to "wake up." Once moving, its long keel and heavy displacement provide excellent tracking, reducing the workload on the helmsman or autopilot during long passages. However, like many full-keel or modified-fin designs of this era, backing the boat under power can be a challenge, as it tends to wander until steerage way is established.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The true hallmark of the Endeavour 37 is its interior volume, which rivaled many 40-footers of the late 1970s. The boat was offered in two primary interior layouts: the "A Plan" and the "B Plan." The A Plan features a traditional V-berth forward, followed by a head and a salon with two pilot berths and two settee berths, making it capable of sleeping a large crew. The B Plan, which gained favor with cruising couples, sacrificed some sleeping capacity for a significantly larger head and separate stall shower—a luxury rarely found on a 37-foot boat of this vintage.

The craftsmanship reflects the era's preference for warm aesthetics, utilizing extensive teak joinery and a teak-and-holly sole. With 6' 4" of headroom, the cabin feels airy, a sensation bolstered by the 11' 6" beam. While the earlier hulls utilized plywood squares for coring, the interior cabinetry was typically bonded to the hull, contributing to the overall structural rigidity. Sibling models of the era, such as the Endeavour 32, offer a similar aesthetic but feel significantly more cramped due to the 37’s added beam and the midsection stretch that defines the larger model's floor plan.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach an Endeavour 37 with a focus on structural moisture and aging systems. While robustly built, the "Florida boat" construction techniques of the late 70s have specific vulnerabilities:

• Deck Delamination: Early 37s used plywood "pads" or squares as a coring material for the decks. Over decades, water ingress through poorly bedded stanchions or chainplates can cause these plywood blocks to rot, leading to soft spots. A thorough percussion test of the decks is mandatory.
• Fuel Tank Integrity: Many units were originaly equipped with aluminum or iron fuel tanks located under the cockpit sole. These are prone to "pit corrosion" from the outside in if water has sat in the bilge or leaked from the cockpit drains. Replacing these tanks often requires significant fiberglass surgery.
• Chainplates: The 37 utilizes outboard chainplates. While this makes for a clear side deck, the bolts are subject to constant saltwater exposure. Buyers should inspect the interior knees where the chainplates attach for signs of weeping or rust streaks.
• Rudder Migration: The rudder is a fiberglass shell over a foam core with a stainless steel internal structure. It is common for these to absorb water over time, leading to internal corrosion of the "tangled" steel reinforcements.

Community & Resources

The Endeavour 37 benefits from one of the most dedicated owner associations in the classic plastic community. The Endeavour Owners Group serves as the primary repository for original factory brochures, wiring diagrams, and specific DIY fixes for the model’s known quirks. This group is an essential resource for sourcing replacement parts or navigating the nuances of the "Creekmore stretch" hull.

The Verdict

The Endeavour 37 is not a performance yacht, nor was it intended to be. It is a stout, comfortable, and forgiving cruiser that excels as a liveaboard or a tropical island hopper. For sailors who prioritize interior living space and a shallow draft over light-air speed, it remains one of the best values on the used market.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and headroom for its length.
• Shoal draft is perfect for Caribbean and coastal cruising.
• Strong, heavy-displacement motion provides comfort in a seaway.
• Extensive support from a dedicated owners' association.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
• Potential for significant deck core repair in older, neglected units.
• Limited maneuverability in reverse due to keel design.