Endeavour 40 Kth Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Endeavour 40 is a heavy-displacement cruiser with a design focus on stability rather than raw speed. With a displacement of approximately 25,000 pounds and a relatively short waterline of 32 feet, the boat has a high Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio, typically hovering around 340. This indicates a "motion comfort" profile that handles offshore swells with a predictable, dampened movement.

The ketch rig provides a distinct advantage for shorthanded cruising. By splitting the sail area between two masts, the individual sails are smaller and easier to manage. In heavy weather, the "jib and jigger" configuration—sailing under just the headsail and the mizzen—allows the boat to remain balanced and maneuverable without the need for aggressive reefing of a large mainsail. However, the trade-off is performance in light air. Given its modest Sail Area/Displacement ratio, the Endeavour 40 can be sluggish in winds under 10 knots, often requiring the engine to maintain headway. The shoal draft of 5’0” is a significant boon for the Bahamas and the Chesapeake Bay, though it inherently limits the boat's ability to point high into the wind compared to deeper-keeled performance cruisers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Endeavour 40 is often cited as its greatest strength, offering a "great room" feel that was revolutionary for its time. The center-cockpit layout allows for a completely private master stateroom aft, accessible via a walkthrough that typically houses the engine compartment and a dedicated navigation station. The original manufacturer brochure highlights a galley-down configuration that is exceptionally large, featuring a massive icebox (often converted to refrigeration) and ample counter space, making it a favorite for long-term provisioning.

Standard configurations included a V-berth forward, a large main salon with a U-shaped settee, and two heads—one forward for guests and a private en-suite for the aft cabin. Headroom is generous, often exceeding 6'4" in the main cabin, which contributes to the airy feel. While the hull remained consistent, Endeavour offered the 40 in both sloop and ketch rigs, and while most shared the same interior floor plan, some later models featured minor variations in cabinetry and teak joinery as the builder moved toward more sophisticated interior finishes in the mid-1980s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Endeavour 40 should focus their due diligence on three primary areas common to 1980s Florida-built yachts. First, the fuel and water tanks are a known pain point. The original aluminum fuel tanks were often foamed into place or glassed over under the cabin sole; over decades, moisture trapped against the aluminum can lead to pinhole leaks, a repair that often requires cutting into the fiberglass floor.

Second, the chainplates on the Endeavour 40 are mounted outboard. While this provides an excellent wide shroud base for the rig, the bolts and plates are subject to constant saltwater exposure. Owners frequently report that re-bedding these is a necessary decadal chore to prevent moisture from wicking into the hull laminates. Third, the deck core should be inspected thoroughly. While Endeavour moved toward more sophisticated coring materials later in their production run, many E40s utilize plywood or balsa squares in the deck. Soft spots near the stanchion bases or the windlass are common if the hardware was not regularly re-bedded. Finally, the original plastic portlights are prone to crazing and leaking; many owners choose to replace these with stainless steel or bronze units for offshore security.

Community & Resources

The Endeavour 40 benefits from one of the most robust owner support networks in the cruising world. The Endeavour Owners Group serves as a centralized hub for technical data, offering digitized versions of original manuals, plumbing schematics, and wiring diagrams. This community is particularly active in documenting "hacks" for the Bob Johnson-designed hulls, such as rudder reinforcements and tank replacement strategies. Because the Endeavour 40 shares many design philosophies with later Island Packet models, technical advice often crosses over between these two communities regarding the long-term maintenance of heavy-displacement cruising hulls.

The Verdict

The Endeavour 40 Ketch is a purpose-built cruising platform that prioritizes "living at the dock or at anchor" as much as it does the passage itself. It is not a boat for the racing circuit, but for a family or couple seeking a robust, spacious, and shallow-draft vessel for coastal exploration, it remains an exceptional value.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and headroom for its length.
• The ketch rig offers versatile sail plans and easy handling for small crews.
• 5-foot shoal draft is ideal for the Caribbean and US East Coast.
• Sturdy construction with a comfortable, heavy-sea motion.

Cons:

• Sub-par light-air performance and limited upwind pointing ability.
• Potential for "major surgery" repairs if original aluminum tanks fail.
• Aging original plastic portlights and deck hardware require frequent maintenance.