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The Endeavour Yacht Corporation was founded in 1974, with the goal of producing monohull sailboats particularly suited for cruising Florida’s shallow waters. The company was based in Largo, Florida. Original owners were John Brooks and Rob Valdes, in association with Charley Morgan, Ted Irwin, and Vince Lazzara.
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The company first introduced the Endeavour 32, using the molds from the Irwin 32. It was a success in the marketplace as it reflected a successful sailboat design and boats perfect for Florida waters. In time, the company built some 600 of the 32-footers.
Following on its success, the builder then introduced the popular Endeavour 37, which offered shoal draft (a useful feature although at the expense of sailing performance, particularly to windward). There were almost 500 Endeavour 37s launched over the course of its production. The Endeavour 43 and 40 came at the end of the decade and heralded a new era of boat building that put greater emphasis on sailing performance, as did the Endeavour 33 and 35 models designed by Bruce Kelley.
Boats were designed with an aft cockpit configuration, as well as versions with a center cockpit aimed for the growing demand in charter fleet operations as well as the needs of cruising families. These center cockpit yachts expanded to versions of the Endeavour 38, and all models of the current Endeavour 40 and 42. The Endeavour 51 and all larger Endeavour models were all center cockpit sailboats, which became synonymous with the Florida builder’s expertise.
Unfortunately, the boat building industry soured in the late 1980s, and the ill-conceived luxury tax proved deadly to many boat builders, including Endeavour Yachts. This political fumble effectively cut 25,000 jobs in industries that supported the pleasure boat segment of boating.
Long-time boater and successful engineer Bob Vincent purchased Endeavour Yachts in the early 1990s and slowly moved its direction and focus from monohull sailboat manufacturing to the new game in town, the capable cruising power catamaran. From his initial power catamarans to the latest models in his line before his unfortunate passing in 2020, Endeavour Cats were recognized in the industry as solid, well-engineered, and great platforms for those choosing a power catamaran for the trawler lifestyle.
His early models included the Endeavour 38, which quickly became a successful catamaran design ideal for couples and continues today. As with all Endeavour cats, Vincent incorporated propeller tunnels in the hull bottoms to improve efficiency and decrease depth. Each of his power catamarans came with luxurious and separate stall showers in staterooms, and the space utilization of each model provided excellent privacy, plenty of storage and efficient speed and range. With a 600-gallon fuel capacity, the Endeavour 38 had a range of over 1,000 miles with its twin Yanmar diesels.
What is most noticed aboard all Endeavour cats today are solid and beefy scantlings somewhat different from many other power cats, particularly those from French and other sailing catamaran builders who moved into producing power catamarans. Most, if not all, power cat builders evolved their power boat lines from sailing cats, where the emphasis is on saving weight and getting needed strength through structural design. On these lightweight boats it is not uncommon to have floor panels squeak and flex when crew move about the boat. Endeavour cats are more solid and therefore better able to withstand the rigors of extended cruising.
Anyone who looks closely can see the difference. The Endeavour TrawlerCats are all about engineering and strength over aesthetics. Workhorse strength over graceful lines. This mindset has paid off in customer satisfaction and long-term livability of the boats.
The early lines also included power cats at 40 feet, 44 feet, and 48 feet. Each model puts a premium on interior space, and couples doing the Great Loop could have a great time on any one of these power cats that offers as much living space as a larger monohull powerboat. Engine access under stateroom berths is reasonable and offers good access for service and maintenance. Generally, the saloons on all the Endeavour TrawlerCats are much appreciated by owners who are living aboard as they cruise for extended periods.
What is particularly important to someone in the market for a cruising boat today is that a used Endeavour Cat is probably in very good structural and overall condition, as its inherent strength provides a longer lifespan than many fiberglass structures not as heavily constructed.
The last models of the Endeavour Cat line were the Endeavour 440, 450, and the Endeavour 500 with its unique SkyLounge that maximized space normally associated with an enclosed flybridge. Its appeal was not its looks, but its value and very practical enjoyment while cruising.
Some of the latest production models are powered by two outboard engines, as the company explored the benefits of simplified construction and not dedicating interior spaces for engines and running gear.
And with outboard power, Bob Vincent was rather keen on the fact that one can lift the boat’s entire propulsion systems—particularly props and shafts—completely out of the water when the boat is docked. He felt that to be a major benefit that could reap many rewards by less prolonged immersion and inevitable corrosion in salt water.
Bob Vincent also designed and manufactured a fiberglass dinghy specifically for use on his catamarans, which fit perfectly in the transom davit system he also designed for easy launch and retrieval. Having an easy-to-use davit system and dinghy on a cruising power catamaran is far and away the most versatile and safe way to have a dinghy while cruising. When it is easy to pull the dinghy out of the water, it completely eliminates the need to tow it, have it stolen, or otherwise deal with a large dinghy that gets used a lot when cruising.
The line of Endeavour Catamarans will remain a lasting value for cruisers well into the future, as its rugged construction and intelligent engineering make it simply a solid choice for those wanting to cruise under power.
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