Nomad Newby

[NWexplorer]

Hi there,
I'm looking at a Willard Nomad (from a distance). Being 6'-2" my thoughts go to how many times I bump my head. Can someone give me an idea of cabin headroom and also an idea of the V-berth size?
Concerns I have so far: Original Perkins engine, but only 1500 hrs. Original steel diesel tanks.
Any other thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[BruceK]

Esteemed member Nomad Willy would know, but rarely posts these days. Our loss, unfortunately.

 

[Bob Cofer]

The main cabin space will accommodate your height as will the berth. The head is a tight fit. The Perkins will serve you well and the tanks haven't been a problem for most. If you are out around the Seattle area there are several folks who would give you a chance to take a tour.

Regards,
Bob

 

[NWexplorer]

Thanks for the info. I would expect the head to be tight on a 30 footer.
I'm surprised 50 year old tanks (1974 build) wouldn't be a concern.
Is there anything else specific to these boats to watch for.
Thanks again,
Chris

 

[Bob Cofer]

Thanks for the info. I would expect the head to be tight on a 30 footer.
I'm surprised 50 year old tanks (1974 build) wouldn't be a concern.
Is there anything else specific to these boats to watch for.
Thanks again,
Chris

The other thing to look for is the concrete ballast bulging due to rust. Steel tailings were mixed into the concrete and sometime rust and cause the rear bilge bulkhead to bulge. These are very solid boats.

 

[mvweebles]

As @Bob Cofer mentions, the concrete ballast is occasionally an issue but seems to be only on those boats that were allowed to keep wet bilges for prolonged periods. That type of poor maintenance should be fairly obvious.

Willard 30s has two 50g tanks outboard of the engine. Because the decks are fiberglass vs teak, deck leaks are relatively rare, a common cause of deteriorated tanks. That said, leaks down the fill tube are also common which have caused some owners to replace tanks. Because the tanks are relatively small, cost is manageable (though given the low cost of the boat, a sizeable percentage of the purchase price).

Bottom blisters are not uncommon. Also not a problem but can startle some buyers (who might better look at non-fiberglass boats)

Outside of normal maintenance items such as reversing the windows, nothing special pops out.

Good luck

Peter

 

[NWexplorer]

Bob, Peter,
Thank you for the details. I passed on a small trawler earlier this year when the surveyor found wet balsa core in the hull and then I found a fuel tank leak. So it really helps to have a heads up on these issues you mention to be able to look deeper. We plan to get over to see the boat next week.

Turns out the Perkins was rebuilt in 2005, hence the low (1300)hours. They were reporting since rebuilt.

To understand, the ballast bulging only affect the bulkhead, not the hull?

Peter, tell me what reversing the windows means?

Chris

 

[mvweebles]

Reversing was a typo. Should be "rebedding."

Concrete isn't just a problem at the bulkhead but that may be where it's obvious. I don't recall if the drive shaft runs through the concrete but a repair there would be expensive. When you have the boat surveyed, give your surveyor a heads up on wet concrete ballast and he'll pay special attention (assuming he's at all decent).

Perkins 4-108 is a decent engine. I don't think Willard did a great job on exhaust installation (few builders did then). Also give your surveyor a heads up to take a look to make sure there's a decent high point on the exhaust and there's slope to the outlet. I suspect Willard's have a high propensity of rebuild due to exhaust design issues. Again, this is a fairly common issue with boats of all ages but a bit worse with older ones of all makes.

It's a fun boat. Inexpensive to own and pretty bullet proof. Not s stitch of balsa anywhere (topsides are plywood with a heavy layer of fiberglass)

Peter

 

[NWexplorer]

Rebedding, of course.

Excellent tips.
Thanks so much!