2022 PNW Willard Rendezvous

[Bob Cofer]

Any word if there will be a PNW get together this year?

 

[bshillam]

I don't know if there's going to be one. But I'd love to connect while the boat is up in the North. We can start with two Bob!

 

[Bob Cofer]

You’re better at organizing things than I will ever be. Pick a date and let’s make it happen.

 

[Island Cessna]

You’re better at organizing things than I will ever be. Pick a date and let’s make it happen.

We’d be interested in joining in! Might be best to take this discussion to https://willardboatowners.groups.io/g/main/messages as that’s where the previous PNW Willard rendezvous were spawned and hatched.

I see Rick and Jackie, our long time leaders and organizers, are selling Sunshine….. hopefully because they are buying another Willard!

Bill

 

[AKDoug]

I have always wanted to attend one, I will be transiting South between Seward Alaska and Anacortes the end of July through the first couple of weeks of August. If it times out I would attend!

 

[Sunshine Rick]

I have organized the rendezvous in the past, but will be unable to do so this year. However there is every indication that one can be organized for the Spring in the PNW. Details will be posted first on the Willard Boat Owners list, willardboatowners.groups.io. (All WIllard Owners should be subscribed to that list.)

Thanks,
Rick

 

[Bob Cofer]

Hi all,

I have started the process of putting together the 2022 Rendezvous! Location and dates will be forthcoming. As I have no idea of the number of boats I have asked for space for 25-30 vessels. It will be first come first served and you will be responsible for booking your own moorage with the marina but as part of our group.

Please let me know if you are interested in attending, your boats name and length.

Cheers,
Bob

 

[Bob Cofer]

We have dates and location for the 2022 Rendezvous!

We have 30 slips blocked out.

July 15-17
Oak Harbor Marina
F-Dock

Please make your own reservations with the marina in your preferred method. Stephanie from the Oak Harbor Marina will be working with us, her email is:

Slee@oakharbor.org
360 279-4575

Willard Marine is sponsoring dinner Saturday night at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club.

Let’s get out and have some fun!

 

[mvweebles]

Willard Marine is sponsoring dinner Saturday night at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club.

FYI - Willard Marine ceased production of recreational trawlers around 2002, but they remain in business and doing quite well building tactical RIB-style watercraft used frequently in law enforcement as shown HERE. Still proudly built in the USA at their southern California facilities with offices in Chesapeake VA. They keep an eye on the Willard Boat Owners group. The same family have owned Willard for almost 50-years.

The online Willard Boat Owners group has been around since for over 20-years and is open to all interested, owners and curious minds. I'd say over 50% of the Willards that come to market show-up on the owners group first, so if you're interested, feel free to join.

https://willardboatowners.groups.io/g/main

If you're curious about the production runs and vessels, check-out https://willardboats.org/ hosted by Naval Architect, Willard owner/afficianado, and co-moderator of WBO, Rick Etsell. For those curious, Rick was instrumental in helping Nordic Tugs gain their CE-B certification on the NT42. https://www.glantoa.net/nordic_tugs_stability.pdf

Peter
Co-Moderator, WBO

 

[Bob Cofer]

FYI - Willard Marine ceased production of recreational trawlers around 2002, but they remain in business and doing quite well building tactical RIB-style watercraft used frequently in law enforcement as shown HERE. Still proudly built in the USA at their southern California facilities with offices in Chesapeake VA. They keep an eye on the Willard Boat Owners group. The same family have owned Willard for almost 50-years.



The online Willard Boat Owners group has been around since for over 20-years and is open to all interested, owners and curious minds. I'd say over 50% of the Willards that come to market show-up on the owners group first, so if you're interested, feel free to join.



https://willardboatowners.groups.io/g/main



If you're curious about the production runs and vessels, check-out https://willardboats.org/ hosted by Naval Architect, Willard owner/afficianado, and co-moderator of WBO, Rick Etsell. For those curious, Rick was instrumental in helping Nordic Tugs gain their CE-B certification on the NT42. https://www.glantoa.net/nordic_tugs_stability.pdf



Peter

Co-Moderator, WBO

Peter,

I am quite aware of how Willard Marine’s business model has changed and no longer includes the Trawler market. They are however very proud of their heritage and are taking an active part in supporting those wishing to celebrate owing a Willard. We are working on possibly having one of their current production boats at the Rendezvous. I look forward to meeting them and hearing about the past, present and future of Willard.

The WBO is a great group and has a wealth of knowledge. As noted above if you are interested please join.

Cheers all,
Bob

 

[mvweebles]

Hey Bob. So cool the Willard rendezvous continues. They've been around for about 20 years

I gave the background on Willard less for fellow Willard owners and more for folks less familiar and may not know Willard Marine is alive and thriving, but in a much different market.

Peter

 

[Bob Cofer]

Hi Peter,

I hope to have a good turnout. Thank you for the information about Willard Marine. If you splash now, at 7kts you could make it by July!

Regards,
Bob