Endeavourcat Sport 36 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Endeavourcat Sport 36 is designed for stability and ease of motion rather than blistering speeds. Because of its solid foredeck and heavy-duty construction, the boat carries more weight forward than trampoline-equipped cats, which can lead to a hobby-horsing motion in short, steep chops. However, this same weight contributes to a predictable, upright feel that appeals to sailors transitioning from heavy-displacement monohulls.

Under sail, the boat typically utilizes a fractional rig with a large, fully battened mainsail and a smaller, self-tacking jib. This "main-dominant" configuration makes it exceptionally easy to handle for solo sailors or couples. According to technical insights often cited by Cruising World, the Endeavour series prioritizes a shallow draft (around 3 feet), allowing it to gunkhole in areas inaccessible to many other 36-footers. While it may struggle to point as high as a performance catamaran due to its fixed low-aspect keels, it tracks well off the wind and offers a secure platform in 15–20 knots of breeze. Owners often report that the boat feels most at home reaching at 7 to 8 knots.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Sport 36 is surprisingly cavernous, benefiting from the "wide-body" design where the saloon extends nearly the full width of the beam. The layout is typically offered in a three-stateroom configuration, with the master suite often situated forward, spanning the bridge deck to provide a king-sized berth—a luxury rarely found on a 36-foot vessel. The hulls house the guest cabins, a galley-down arrangement, and a spacious head with a separate stall shower.

Materials used by Endeavour usually include easy-to-clean laminates and teak accents, striking a balance between traditional aesthetics and low-maintenance durability. A key sibling to this model is the Endeavour TrawlerCat 36, which utilizes the exact same hull and deck mold but replaces the sailing rig with larger twin diesels and a flybridge. For sailors, this means the Sport 36 enjoys the structural "over-engineering" required for a powerboat, including robust engine beds and reinforced transoms. Another sibling, the Sport 34, offers a similar philosophy in a slightly more compact footprint, though the 36 is widely considered the "sweet spot" for long-term liveability.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach an inspection with a focus on the unique structural choices made by Endeavour. While the vacuum-bagged, Core-Cell hulls are generally robust, the following areas require scrutiny:

• Bridgedeck Clearance: The Sport 36 has relatively low bridgedeck clearance compared to modern blue-water cats. In heavy seas, this can lead to "pounding" or "slamming" against the underside of the saloon. Inspect the bridgedeck for any stress cracking or secondary bonding separation in the forward lockers.
• Solid Foredeck Drainage: Because the foredeck is solid, it relies on large scuppers to shed green water. Ensure these are clear of debris and that the seals on the large forward lockers are watertight to prevent moisture from entering the owner’s suite.
• Window Seals: The large wrap-around saloon windows are a signature of the brand but are prone to UV degradation. Check for evidence of leaking or "fogging" in the plexiglass, which can be an expensive and labor-intensive fix.
• Rudder Bearings: In forums like CruisersForum, owners have occasionally noted play in the rudder bearings. Given the twin-keel and twin-rudder setup, ensure the steering linkage is synchronized and free of excessive friction.

Community & Resources

The Endeavourcat community is tightly knit, largely centered around the Endeavour Owners Group. This technical community provides an extensive archive of owner-led modifications, specifically regarding the optimization of the self-tacking jib hardware and suggestions for upgrading the factory-standard electrical systems to support modern solar arrays.

The Verdict

The Endeavourcat Sport 36 is an "honest" boat that excels as a coastal cruiser and liveaboard platform. It sacrifices the raw speed of a performance catamaran for the volume and stability of a much larger vessel.

Pros:

• ICW Friendly: The 15-foot beam and modest mast height make it one of the most versatile catamarans for U.S. East Coast cruising.
• Massive Interior: The bridge-deck master suite and wide-body saloon offer comfort levels usually reserved for 40+ footers.
• Safety: The solid foredeck provides a secure working platform for anchoring and sail handling.

Cons:

• Heavy Sea Performance: Low bridgedeck clearance can result in uncomfortable pounding in head seas.
• Light Air Velocity: The heavy displacement and modest sail area mean the engines will likely be engaged in winds under 10 knots.
• Limited Ventilation: The galley-down and deep-hull staterooms can become warm in tropical climates without upgraded hatch fans or air conditioning.