Design Brief & Intent
The primary design brief of the Endeavourcat 34 was to eliminate the intimidation factors of multihull ownership while maximizing interior liveability. At the core of this strategy was its 14.5-foot beam. Unlike contemporary European cruising catamarans of the era that favored increasingly wide footprints, Steffen deliberately constrained the beam to allow the boat to fit into standard 15-foot monohull slips. This drastically reduced slip-fee premiums and simplified docking logistics for owners transitioning from monohulls.
Below deck, the boat eschewed the narrow, "tunnel-like" cabins common to older catamarans. The bridgedeck cabin houses a bright, open saloon with panoramic visibility and direct access to the cockpit. The hulls feature a warm blend of molded fiberglass liners and select teak trim, striking a balance between traditional marine joinery and low-maintenance modern materials. Steffen minimized weight and cost by placing the galley in a "galley-down" configuration in the starboard hull, freeing up the bridgedeck for a massive, domestic-style U-shaped dinette. Headroom is notable, exceeding 6 feet 4 inches in the hulls.
Variations & Configurations
The Endeavourcat 34 was produced primarily in an "owner's" layout configuration. This arrangement features two large aft staterooms equipped with queen-sized berths, balanced by a forward head compartment and a separate stall shower. A small utility cabin or crew berth is sometimes found forward in the port hull.
The sail plan is a fractional sloop rig featuring a fully battened mainsail and a self-tacking jib on a Camberens-style boom. This setup eliminates complex winch-handling during tacks, allowing the helmsman to control the boat with minimal physical effort.
Under the waterline, the 34 features low-aspect-ratio kick-up rudders and pivoting centerboards. This configuration yields a minimum draft of just 2.83 feet, enabling the vessel to navigate shallow passages in the Bahamas or Florida Keys with ease, or even to safely beach the hulls on a soft sandy bottom.
Perhaps the most unique mechanical variation of the Endeavourcat 34 is its propulsion. While a small subset of hulls was delivered with twin 18-horsepower diesel engines (one in each hull), the vast majority were built with a single, centrally located 27-to-40-horsepower diesel engine. This single engine is linked to a steerable Sillette Sonic outdrive mounted on the centerline. The outdrive can be raised entirely out of the water while under sail to reduce drag, and because it steers in unison with the rudders, it provides extraordinary close-quarters maneuverability.
Sailing Performance & Handling
Evaluating the physical handling of the Endeavourcat 34 requires analyzing its specific hull ratios. With a displacement of 8,950 pounds JSON and a sail-area-to-displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of 20.04 JSON, the boat has a surprisingly nimble sail plan. The high SA/Disp ratio ensures that the boat can accelerate and maintain speed in light-to-moderate air, a common pain point for cruising catamarans of this era.
The displacement-to-length (Disp/LWL) ratio of 112.92 JSON indicates a very light-displacement hull form. This low ratio translates to a boat that rides over waves rather than forcing its way through them, minimizing the hobby-horsing motion common in heavy-displacement vessels. However, the boat's narrow beam means that bridge deck clearance must be closely monitored. In choppy, head-sea conditions, the lower bridge deck can suffer from periodic slamming or "pounding," which transfers vibration through the salon floor.
The capsize screening ratio of 2.79 JSON and comfort ratio of 11.84 JSON are classic representations of a light, stable catamaran hull. Under sail, the boat exhibits virtually no heeling. It sails upright, making it a very reassuring platform for families or those prone to seasickness. While it tracks beautifully on a reach, windward performance is modest. When sailing close-hauled, the combination of a shallow draft and aerodynamic drag from the high cabin trunk limits its pointing ability, requiring the centerboards to be fully deployed to minimize leeway.
Market Snapshot & Economics
Because only a limited number of Endeavourcat 34 hulls were constructed during its production run, the model remains relatively rare on the brokerage market. When they do appear, they command a steady value premium due to their appealing size, ease of handling, and standard-slip-friendly beam.
The primary economic factor for a prospective buyer is the state of the drivetrain. If the vessel is equipped with the single-engine Sillette Sonic steerable outdrive, the buyer must account for the specialized maintenance requirements of this legacy system. While highly efficient, parts and specialized service for these outdrives can be difficult to source. Hulls outfitted with the twin-diesel configuration represent a higher initial purchase price and doubled engine maintenance costs, but offer greater redundant safety and parts availability.
Known Issues & Triage
Maintaining an Endeavourcat 34 requires targeted inspection of several critical areas:
- Sillette Sonic Outdrive Leg: The steerable outdrive leg contains internal gears, bellows, and seals that require annual inspection and fluid changes. Water intrusion into the outdrive housing will quickly destroy the internal bearings. The lifting mechanism must also be verified, as a seized lift system prevents the leg from being raised while under sail.
- Centerboard Trunks and Pivot Pins: The kick-up centerboards operate in fiberglass trunks that are subject to marine growth. If the boat has been left sitting in warm waters without regular dive service, growth can jam the boards in either the up or down position. The pivot pins and lifting lines must be inspected for wear and chafe.
- Deck and Bridge Deck Coring: Like many builders of the 1990s, Endeavour utilized cored construction to save weight in the deck and cabin top. Any aftermarket equipment installations that were poorly bedded can allow water to migrate into the core. Prospective buyers should perform a comprehensive moisture survey and tap-test around deck organizers, stanchion bases, and the mast step.
The Verdict
The Endeavourcat 34 remains a highly compelling choice for coastal cruisers who want the stable, level-sailing benefits of a catamaran without the logistical headaches of a 20-plus-foot beam. It is an approachable, well-constructed "pocket" multihull that delivers immense domestic comfort in a 34-foot footprint.
Pros
- Slip-friendly 14.5-foot beam fits in standard marina berths
- Pivot-up centerboards and rudders allow for a draft under three feet, perfect for thin-water cruising
- Highly simplified, self-tacking rig is ideal for short-handed crews
- Upright, low-heeling sailing characteristics maximize passenger comfort
- Generous bridgedeck cabin volume with excellent headroom and visibility
Cons
- Centerline steerable outdrive legs require high-frequency maintenance and specialized parts
- Bridgedeck clearance can result in pounding/slamming when punching into a head-sea chop
- High aerodynamic windage and shallow draft limit performance when pointing close-hauled
- Limited production run means finding well-maintained vessels on the market requires patience
