There were about 150 W30s produced in the 1970s and early 1980s in five models
Voyager, a pilot house version with full width salon
Nomad, a sedan version with flybridge and side decks
Searcher, sort of a pilot house with flybridge and drop down salon and side decks
Horizon, a motorsailer that sort of looked like the searcher but with a fairly short sailing rig
8-ton cutter, a heavy displacement sailboat similar to a westsail 32. Wm Crealock , of Pacific Seacraft Fame, apparently was a draftsman for Willard and did the adaptation that includes a bolt on keel.
In the mid 1980s, a Mk II version was introduced which was roughly similar to the nomad sedan, but tooling was entirely changed. Around 1999, one of the last W30s built - a newer PH style boat powered by a yanmar, went from Zimmerman yard in the Chesapeake to Bermuda and back with Steve D'Antonio aboard for the trip to Bermuda. These are capable little boats though not sure how I feel about stunt trips like these.
All the early W30s were powered by a 50hp Perkins, either a 4.107 in the early ones, or a 4.108 later. They carried about 100g of diesel and 100g of water. Hull was one piece hand laid fiberglass. Deck and house is half inch fiberglass that is effectively a mold-in-place for about 1/4" - 3/8" fiberglass roving. Interior is utilitarian teak plywood with some molded fiberglass components. Caprails are 5/4" teak, though earlier ones are a bit thicker than older ones
They also carried concrete ballast with steel punching as Eric said, though the concrete was relatively hard and well cast. If there is no sign of long term water intrusion, the ballast should be fine. Fuel tanks are saddle tanks on either side of the engine and suffer from same problems as most boats: water intrusion. Rust is a problem in older boats in general and Willards are no different.
Willard owners are a dedicated lot. Prone to DIY upgrades and repairs, these boats seem to travel. Last year, the 1972 W30 #5 I owned 20+ years ago went from Ventura CA near L. A. TO Olympia WA, almost 1000 nms of open ocean. Current owner has modest experience and had a couple rough spots but overall enjoyed the trip. He likely burned 200g of diesel.
These are about the only true displacement trawler I know of in the 30-foot range. They carry over 3000 lbs of ballast and have a full keel with protected prop. I personally feel 30 feet is a bit small for a full displacement boat, but they have an amazing track record.
You can find a ton of files and pictures along with 20+ years of owners posts on Groups.IO, the new home from Willard Owners Group as Yahoo shut down last year. All are welcome. One of our members has found a lot of passion and hosts Willardboats.org
In closing I'd say there's a lot to be said in buying a boat with a passionate owners group behind it. All boats have their flaws, good owners groups are candid about the flaws and have identified fixes in many instances.
Peter
Co-moderator of WOG for 22 years
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