Willard 51 Pilot House

Entering the stand-up engine room you are immediately impressed with how well organized and clean it is. It features a well-equipped work bench with plenty of storage. All electrical and water systems are clearly labeled. The main engine is a Caterpillar D-333 that sparkles and runs like a top. A German-designed 4 cylinder diesel wing engine is cleverly designed to drive its own shaft which exits above the main prop to stay on center line and utilize the rudder for control! The bilge is clean and dry and the care that this vessel has received from her USCG licensed Master is obvious everywhere.

24 volt battery, 8 batteries charged by: engine, shore power, generator

Hull recently repainted blue -- see owner-supplied photos.

Many wooden boats have not stood the test of time because not all woods are really suitable for boat building. The legendary Willard Boat Works was at the zenith of its wooden boat construction expertise when William Garden chose them to build this yacht. Choosing old growth cypress as her planking over steam-bent white oak frames ensured a vessel that would outlast many of her new fiberglass contemporaries. Cypress is almost immune to decay and attack by marine organisms and cypress-hulled vessels routinely last over a hundred years with normal care. Today, approaching her 50th birthday she appears as solid and dry as the day her keel was laid. With the same care she has received from her knowledgeable past owners she will be ready to go for another 50 years!

You board this impressive vessel through her wide transom door into her fully enclosed and protected aft cockpit. Proceeding forward takes you through double opening doors into her full width aft saloon. Large windows introduce lots of light and highlight the rich tones of her original teak cabinetry. This area features a built-in desk aft to port and a comfortable table for six. To starboard is a full sized sofa that pulls out to a queen bed and a beautiful built-in entertainment center with flat screen TV. She also has a pellet fireplace to complete this wonderfully warm, dry and comfortable living space.

From here your choice is down to sleeping cabins or up to the large upper pilothouse level.

Heading down takes you past the walk-in engine room door. You then enter her full width master suite. This area features teak cabinetry to port and a queen berth to starboard. There is also a large master head compartment with separate walk-in shower. A pocket door separates this cabin from the forward guest stateroom which features double bunks to sleep four and its own head. This cabin can also be accessed by a separate ladder to the pilot house if the owners' cabin access is closed for privacy.

Heading back to the aft saloon you can then continue up to the large pilothouse deck. The large fully-equipped galley is located here along with a settee/table which handles up to six hungry crew. With more counter space than many home kitchens, it features a full-height pantry, a large refrigerator/freezer, double sink with dishwasher and a four burner range with exhaust hood and microwave.

Just ahead is the pilothouse helm area with commanding views to operate this vessel while remaining warm and dry. Just off the helm is a navigation station with a large chart table and ample storage. The Captain can access the wide side decks port and starboard via sliding doors, and when the weather permits operate and dock from the outside steering station located on the Portuguese bridge.

4 burner gas cooker/stove