WTB: Nomad, or other small trawler/tug options?

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Tazling

Veteran Member
Joined
May 17, 2021
Messages
57
Vessel Name
DARXIDE
Vessel Make
Grand Banks 32
I can feel old age creeping up on me and my sailing days starting to wind down -- spending more time motoring than sailing this last season -- so it's time to start thinking about making the transition to the Dark Side :)

But if I'm to own an MV instead of an SV then I would like something modest, sturdy, full-displacement and low-horsepower. While others may enjoy the thrill of power at 150HP and up, it just feels like "throwing money away" to me :) being used to 1.3 litres per hour avg with my trusty late-model Beta 25 I am accustomed to cheap cruising.

One attractive option I have seen occasionally are the Willards -- a cute/ugly duckling that I think I could get fond of, though the Nomad is the only model that really appeals.

If anyone knows of a Nomad in good shape (getting too old for any more Project Boats) f/sale or coming up f/sale in the PNW anytime soon, I'd be very interested to know more about it.

Would also be interested in alternatives -- I know very little about motor boats & would welcome suggestions. The smallest Grand Banks I suppose is an option, though I feel intimidated by the F/L 120 power plant. With the cost of fuel these days I fear I'd start limiting my travels to reduce expenses, and I'd rather feel free to go as far as I want to, not as far as I can afford. Everything is so spendy with big engines, even the oil changes.

Any thoughts/recommends on coastal trawler/tugs with a flybridge and engines in the 40-80HP range, 5-6kt cruising speed, sleep 3 (couple plus guest), fairly simple and spartan but sturdy and capable?
 
Check out willardboatowners.org for a semi-current listing of Willard for sale.

Also, feel free to join Willard Boat Owners group on Groups.io. Boats often get offered there first.

I owned a W30 Searcher model. I liked it a lot.

Peter (moderator of WBO since 1998)
 
Nomad in Tacoma

There is a nice Nomad for sale in Tacoma. Currently listed on Craigslist. Also on the PNW Willard Owners Facebook page.

There is also a MK IV for sale in Anacortes.
 
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Unless you want a light boat the W30 is the best small trawler IMO.
 
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