The new year is underway with a wave of 2018 boat models, among them the Endurance 658 LRC–11 from the Hampton Yacht Group. This trawler-style motoryacht is a natural for the cruising grounds of the Pacific Northwest, with both luxury and utilitarian design aspects.
As you approaches a 658–11, you sees many of the tried and true trawler features. A pair of integrated stairs lead up from the large swim step to the covered cockpit. The cockpit itself is focused on entertainment with a dining table and seating. From the cockpit, the visitor has many options. Large, protected walkways with railings lead forward on both the port and starboard.
The walkways are very deepset and should be safe in just about any sea state. On the bow, a large foredeck complete with integrated seating is a natural gathering space.
If visitors venture up a set of portside steps from the cockpit, they will enter the flybridge, one of the build’s primary design features. It’s a pretty classic setup, with open aft space, a dinghy lift for the tender, covered nav station, and plenty of entertainment space forward. Sometimes a classic setup is the standard for a reason.
Like many luxury yachts of this size, the expansive interior is the big draw. With large glass windows and fine woodwork, the salon is essentially a living room with plenty of cushy seating and lots of table space. The open layout leads forward to the galley, a large dining table, and helm station. The skipper will not mind the helm alone, it seems.
A flight of stairs leads upward to the flybridge, below takes you to four large staterooms, each with an en suite head. As one would expect from a luxury motoryacht this size, the 658–11 will not leave even the most landlubbery of us wanting when underway.
As far as performance is concerned, the 658–11 is equipped with twin Caterpillar (C-12.9) direct drive diesel engines, and the manufacturer touts a cruising speed of eight knots. Again a tried-and-true reliable setup, this yacht is meant to go the distance in trawler style. Engine access is easy and spacious as well, something both owners and technicians at the boatyard will appreciate.
All in all, the Endurance 658 LRC -11 seems like the newest iteration of many classic designs that have done well in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, both in urbane and rugged settings. If you’re curious, one is on display at the Seattle Boat Show for your exploration pleasure. Contact Hampton Yacht Group (hamptonyachtgroup.com) for pricing.
