Endeavour 38 CC Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 264 and a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio in the neighborhood of 16.5, the Endeavour 38 CC is classified as a moderate-displacement cruiser. Unlike earlier Endeavours that relied on sheer mass for stability, the Valentijn hull utilizes a more refined entry and a flatter run aft, which allows the boat to track well and maintain speed in light to moderate air. According to the Endeavour 38 Technical Specifications, the boat was designed with a fin keel and a large, unbalanced spade rudder, which provides a level of responsiveness not typically found in center-cockpit designs of this era.

On the water, the 38 CC feels stiff and capable. The center-cockpit configuration places the helm further forward and higher than an aft-cockpit model, providing excellent visibility but also a drier ride in heavy weather. However, owners frequently note that the high freeboard and center-cockpit coamings create significant windage, which can make docking in a crosswind challenging. Under sail, the boat is best described as a "gentleman’s cruiser"—it is not a racing machine, but it will comfortably outpace its older siblings, particularly on a reach. The rig is a standard masthead sloop, often found with a self-tacking jib or a large genoa, making it easily handled by a couple.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The hallmark of the Endeavour 38 CC is its interior volume, which rivals many 40-foot boats. By utilizing the center-cockpit layout, Valentijn was able to create two distinct, private living areas. The primary draw for many buyers is the aft stateroom, which features a large double berth (often a centerline queen or a large offset double) and dedicated access to the head. The main salon is expansive, benefiting from the 12-foot 6-inch beam, and typically features a U-shaped dinette to starboard and a longitudinal settee to port.

The Endeavour 38 was actually produced in two distinct configurations: the 38 CC (Center Cockpit) and the 38 AC (Aft Cockpit). While the hulls are identical, the interior layouts differ significantly. The 38 CC utilizes a "walk-through" or "walk-over" passage to the aft cabin; most 38 CC models feature the walk-through on the port side, housing a linear galley that is exceptionally secure for cooking at sea. Interior finishes are traditional, featuring extensive teak joinery and a solid teak-and-holly sole, which provides a warm, classic feel that later mass-produced boats often lack.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach an Endeavour 38 CC with a focus on its mid-80s construction characteristics. While the builder moved toward a "force grid" system for hull stiffness, there are specific areas that require scrutiny:

1. Deck Coring: Endeavour transitioned from plywood squares to end-grain balsa during this era. Moisture intrusion around stanchion bases, handrails, and the windlass is common. Areas of delamination or "soft spots" are high-priority inspection points.
2. Chainplate Leakage: The chainplates on the E38 are mounted through the deck. Over decades, the sealant can fail, allowing water to migrate into the bulkheads. If the bulkheads show signs of rot or water staining, a costly structural repair may be necessary.
3. Aluminum Fuel Tanks: The original aluminum tanks are known to suffer from "pitting" or galvanic corrosion, particularly if water has sat in the bilge or if the tank was foamed into place. Replacing the tank in the E38 can be a labor-intensive project requiring the removal of some interior components.
4. Rudder Post Wear: The spade rudder design places considerable stress on the rudder post and bearings. Buyers should check for excessive "slop" or play in the steering system and inspect the rudder for signs of water absorption or osmosis.

Community & Resources

The model is supported by a robust and highly active community. The Endeavour Owners Group serves as the primary technical repository for the model, maintaining a comprehensive archive of original brochures, wiring diagrams, and manual scans. This group is essential for owners seeking to maintain the original Valentijn-designed systems or source replacement parts for the unique center-cockpit hardware.

The Verdict

The Endeavour 38 CC is a stout, well-proportioned cruiser that offers an impressive amount of living space for its length. While it carries the "Florida boat" reputation for comfort, the Johan Valentijn hull ensures it remains a legitimate sailing vessel capable of coastal and offshore work.

Pros:

• Exceptional Privacy: The split-cabin layout provides two distinct "suites," ideal for families or cruising couples with guests.
• Sea-Kindliness: The Valentijn hull design offers a much more refined sailing experience than earlier Endeavour models.
• Sturdy Construction: The use of a structural grid and substantial fiberglass laminates provides a rigid, dependable hull.

Cons:

• High Windage: The high profile and center cockpit can make the boat difficult to manage in tight marinas during heavy wind.
• Maintenance Access: Access to the engine and some plumbing systems can be cramped due to the complex interior joinery.
• Aging Systems: Like many boats of this vintage, original aluminum tanks and deck cores often require significant capital investment.