1979 Willard 50 Utility Launch

Willard Marine produces rugged, mission-proven utility boats, including the MK4 US Navy Utility Vessels designed for military patrol, search and rescue, and law enforcement. These vessels often feature heavy-duty fiberglass or aluminum hulls, diesel engines, and specialized polyurethane collars, catering to defense, commercial, and, in some cases, commercialized civilian applications. Easily certified for “Stability” by the USCG she is an ideal candidate for tour operations, water taxi service and shuttle boats. Previous certifications have expired and the vessel was deleted from USCG Documentation however easily placed back in documentation 

Key Features

• MK4 Utility Vessel a classic, heavy-duty, personnel/utility craft known for high seating capacity (up to 39 persons), often powered by diesel engines like the Detroit Diesel 6-71.
• Construction: Known for extreme durability, utilizing UV-resistant foam-filled collars and, in some models, shock-mitigating seating to handle harsh maritime environments.
• Applications: Primarily used for Navy personnel transport, boarding, security, and humanitarian missions.
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Availability and Identification

• Used Willard MK4 Navy Utility Vessels are occasionally available on the civilian market
• These boats can be identified by a Hull Identification Number (HIN) starting with "WLD" or a Navy Hull Registry Number (e.g., 40PExxxx). This vessel bears the HIN: 5OUB7705
• Willard Marine has provided specialized vessels for the U.S. Navy and international, partners including riverine boats.
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Key Mission Profiles 

• Personnel Transfer: Transporting sailors and officers between ships and shore facilities (liberty launches).
• Admiral's Barge: Specially outfitted 33' or 36' hulls are often used as personal transport for high-ranking officers.
• Diving & Maintenance: Serving as stable platforms for underwater repairs or harbor maintenance tasks.
• Search and Rescue (SAR): Many are adapted with safety rails, medical evacuation space, and advanced communications for emergency response.

Recreational "Conversion" Popularity

Because these boats are built to "over-engineered" military standards with thick fiberglass hulls, they are highly sought after in the civilian market. Many retired USN Willard boats have been converted into:

• Trawlers: Their displacement hulls make them excellent, fuel-efficient long-range cruisers.
• Water Taxis: Their high passenger capacity and durability are ideal for commercial ferry services. 

• Purpose: Built to transport personnel and cargo
• Capacity: 150 Men including crew
• Crew: 4
• Length Overall: 50' 2.5"
• Beam: 14' 7" maximum
• Draft: 3' 8"
• Full Load Displacement 48,390 lbs
• Hoisting Weight: 24,300 lbs
• Hoisted by: Slings
• Construction: Fiberglass reinforced plastic, round bottom
• Speed: 11 knots full load displacement
• Range: 150 nautical miles at full power and full load
• Gray Marine Detroit Diesel N 671
• 24V Electrical System 
• 1-26" D by 17" P by 2" bore right hand rotation

• All New Cables
• New Wiring Throughout
• Newmar Three Stage Smart Automatic Battery Charger
• New Marine Toilet
• Running Gear Coated with Prop Speed ® 
• White Canvas Tops Fore and Aft
• USCG Safety Package
• Anodized Aluminum Custom T-Top with Eisenglass® Windshield
• Garmin GPS Plotter
• Standard Horizon Eclipse  VHF Radio with Distress 
• Ritchie Compass
• Marine Stereo w/ CD Player

Fitted with a Detroit Diesel 671 Natural delivering 160 HP with 50 hours SMOH and a reported 10 knot cruise and 14 knot WOT. All new wiring and all systems serviced and updated as needed

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.