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Endurance 38
Designer: Peter A. Ibold  ·  Builder: Colvic Craft Plc (Uk)  ·  First built: 1980
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About the Endurance 38

Designed by Peter A. Ibold and built by Colvic Craft in the UK starting in 1980, the Endurance 38 represents a robust approach to cruising sailboat design from the early 1980s. This 37-foot cutter-rigged vessel embodies the philosophy that comfort and seaworthiness should take precedence over pure performance. The boat's substantial displacement of 17,250 pounds and generous beam of 11.75 feet create a stable, comfortable platform ideal for extended coastal cruising and offshore passages. With nearly 40% of its weight carried as ballast and a moderate fin keel with spade rudder configuration, the Endurance 38 offers predictable handling characteristics that inspire confidence in challenging conditions. The cutter rig provides excellent versatility for varying wind conditions, allowing sailors to balance the boat effectively with multiple headsail options. A comfort ratio of 31.76 indicates this is decidedly a cruising design prioritized for livability over racing performance, while the capsize screening value of 1.82 suggests good stability for offshore work. The boat's construction combines fiberglass with ferrocement elements, reflecting the experimental building techniques of its era. Hull speed calculations indicate comfortable passage-making speeds around 7 knots, making the Endurance 38 well-suited for leisurely coastal exploration and serious blue-water cruising adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.00 ft / 11.28 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 29.20 ft / 8.90 m
Beam 11.75 ft / 3.58 m
Max Draft 5.58 ft / 1.70 m
Displacement 17,250.00 lb / 7,824 kg
Ballast 6,395.00 lb / 2,901 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 705.00 ft² / 65.50 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG/Ferrocement
Designer Peter A. Ibold
Builder Colvic Craft PLC (UK)
First Built 1980
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
16.96
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
37.07
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
309.31
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
31.76
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.82
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.24 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,225.93 pounds/inch
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