Endeavour 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Endeavour 40 is a quintessential "heavy cruiser," characterized by a displacement of 25,000 pounds and a relatively conservative sail-area-to-displacement ratio of roughly 15.1. While this indicates it is not a light-air performer, the boat’s design shines when the breeze freshens. According to technical specifications maintained by the Endeavour Owners Group, the vessel features a long fin keel with a draft of just 5 feet, a deliberate choice by Bob Johnson to allow for easy navigation in the shallow waters of the Bahamas and the Florida Keys.

In terms of handling, the Endeavour 40 is known for its exceptional tracking and sea-kindliness. The heavy displacement and high comfort ratio (roughly 34) mean the boat absorbs the impact of waves rather than bouncing over them, a trait highly valued by long-distance cruisers. However, because of its significant wetted surface and modest rig height, it can feel sluggish in winds under 10 knots. Owners often report that the boat "finds its groove" in 15 to 20 knots of wind, where its initial stability provides a stiff, confident platform. It was offered in both sloop and ketch configurations; the ketch rig provides more versatility for sail shortening in heavy weather, though the sloop offers better pointing ability and less clutter on deck.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Endeavour 40 was a revelation in 1981 and remains its strongest selling point on the used market. By utilizing a center-cockpit configuration, Bob Johnson was able to create a "great room" feel in the main salon and a private, cavernous master suite aft. The boat was offered in two primary layouts: the standard "Privateer" version and a "Tri-Cabin" layout specifically designed for the charter trade.

The standard layout features a large V-berth forward, followed by a head with a shower. The main salon is expansive, often finished in rich teak, with a U-shaped settee and a large navigation station. The galley is located in the starboard passageway leading aft, providing a safe, braced position for cooking at sea. The aft stateroom is the highlight, featuring a large double berth and a private head, often with a dedicated tub or shower stall—a luxury rarely seen in 40-foot boats of that vintage. While the Endeavour 40 was the flagship of this design philosophy, it shared several interior styling cues with its larger sibling, the Endeavour 42, which was designed by Johan Valentijn and offered even more sophisticated joinery and a slightly faster hull shape.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Endeavour 40 must prioritize a few high-signal technical areas that are common to the model's age and construction methods:

• Fuel Tank Integrity: Perhaps the most notorious issue with the E40 is the original fuel tank. These were often made of iron or aluminum and located deep in the bilge, sometimes under the engine. Over decades, moisture in the bilge can cause exterior corrosion. Replacing these tanks is a labor-intensive project that often requires cutting the cabin sole or moving the engine.
• Chainplate Inspection: The E40 features outboard chainplates. While this makes them easy to inspect visually, the points where they through-bolt to the hull must be checked for signs of weeping or rust streaks, which can indicate water intrusion into the hull laminate.
• Deck Core Delamination: Endeavour used various coring materials over the years, including plywood blocks and balsa. Areas around the windlass, stanchions, and staysail tracks should be thoroughly sounded with a phenolic hammer to check for soft spots or delamination.
• Rudder Post and Skeg: The skeg-hung rudder is robust, but the bushings can wear over time, leading to "play" in the steering. During a haul-out, the rudder should be checked for osmosis blisters and any movement in the lower bearing.

Community & Resources

The Endeavour 40 benefits from one of the most dedicated owner communities in the sailing world. The Endeavour Owners Group serves as a central technical wiki, providing archived brochures, original wiring diagrams, and a collective knowledge base for DIY repairs. This group is instrumental for owners looking to source hard-to-find parts or seeking advice on structural upgrades like tank replacement or re-powering.

The Verdict

The Endeavour 40 remains a premier choice for sailors who prioritize comfort and safety over racing trophies. It is a robustly built, "honest" boat that excels as a liveaboard or a tropical island hopper.

Pros:

• Massive Interior: The center-cockpit design offers privacy and volume comparable to many modern 45-footers.
• Shoal Draft: A 5-foot draft is ideal for the East Coast and Caribbean cruising grounds.
• Sea-Kindliness: Heavy displacement provides a stable, predictable motion in a seaway.
• Bob Johnson Pedigree: The design highlights the early genius of one of America's most successful naval architects.

Cons:

• Light Air Performance: The boat is heavy and under-rigged for regions with consistently light winds.
• Maintenance "Gotchas": Access to the fuel tank and specific plumbing runs can be difficult without significant fiberglass work.
• Age-Related Wear: Most units now require updates to standing rigging and electronics if they haven't been meticulously refitted.