Willard 50

liveaboardsearch · May 14, 2024

I am excited to be under contract on one of the most beautiful boats ever made, this Willard 50:

https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/1988-willard-marine-50-8874878/

I seem to remember a few people here having experience with ex-navy Willards converted for private use. So I'd like to ask this group: is there anything in particular I should be aware of / pay special attention to during the survey?

Jeff F · May 14, 2024

I have a sister ship. Mine has served me well in 3.5 years of ownership.

Congratulations and good luck with the survey. That looks like a really nice conversion job.

I can't think of anything in particular to watch for.

Bob Cofer · May 14, 2024

She's a beauty! We have a fairly active Willard group on Facebook, send me a message and I will give you the link.

Kaniksu · May 14, 2024

I like that, per the description, she gives a lot of "cursing" flexibility.

trihartsfield · May 14, 2024

Wow, just Wow! Absolutely beautiful boat. I am jealous! Enjoy!

Comodave · May 14, 2024

Congrats, hope it all works out for you.

kapnd · May 15, 2024

The original configuration included a secondary “backing rudder” that is completely bogus, hopefully it’s already been removed.
The hull tends to be a bit rolly, but I’ve run it in some very bad water, and it handles it well.
The hull is super economical to operate, takes less than 40 hp to make 8 knots, around 2 gph depending on how heavy it is.
Great boat for people who aren’t in a hurry!
BTW, it’s technically not a Willard, but a government spec boat built under contract with Willard.

socalrider · May 15, 2024

liveaboardsearch said:
I am excited to be under contract on one of the most beautiful boats ever made, this Willard 50:

https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/1988-willard-marine-50-8874878/

I seem to remember a few people here having experience with ex-navy Willards converted for private use. So I'd like to ask this group: is there anything in particular I should be aware of / pay special attention to during the survey?

What a gorgeous boat - I share in your excitement! Looks like a simple, honest, efficient & reliable cruiser. Electrical panel looks well done and easy to access. Don't have anything to add but enthusiasm. Good luck!

BruceK · May 15, 2024

Didn`t our late member FF have one of those? Great interior fitout.

liveaboardsearch · May 15, 2024

Incredible, thanks for the feedback everyone! I'll try to update this thread after the survey!

Willard 50

liveaboardsearch

Newbie

Jeff F

Guru

Bob Cofer

Guru

Kaniksu

Veteran Member

trihartsfield

Senior Member

Comodave

Moderator Emeritus

kapnd

Guru

socalrider

Guru

BruceK

Moderator Emeritus

liveaboardsearch

Newbie

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