About Willard Marine
Trusted Builder of Mission-Ready Boats Since 1957
Willard Marine has over six decades of experience as a premier American boatbuilder for military, government, commercial, and private clients. Our mission-proven vessels are engineered to excel in the harshest conditions, delivering uncompromising performance when it matters most. From the U.S. Navy to international law enforcement and commercial operators, those who protect and serve trust Willard boats to get the job done.
Explore Our Boats
Company Overview
Willard Marine's mission is simple: build boats as tough and worthy as the mariners who depend on them. We serve a wide range of markets – U.S. and allied militaries, government agencies, first responders, commercial operators, and even private adventurers – providing each with mission-proven boats they can rely on in critical situations. Every Willard vessel embodies our core values of quality, integrity, and performance, ensuring our customers can complete their missions safely and successfully.
What Sets Us Apart?
Willard Marine is the only U.S. manufacturer of SEA FORCE® SOLAS-certified rescue boats, reflecting our commitment to the highest international safety standards. We are unique in mastering both aluminum and fiberglass construction, giving us the versatility to build everything from robust aluminum patrol craft to advanced composite cabin boats. We also pioneered the use of rigid inflatable boats (RHIBs) for the U.S. Navy, expanding the capabilities of naval fleets with faster, more agile craft. Backed by over 60 years of heritage and an ISO 9001-certified quality program, we have delivered 1,500+ vessels worldwide with an unparalleled record for safety and durability – to date, not a single Willard hull has been reported as a failure. This proven track record of reliability and innovation is why Willard Marine is trusted by clients around the globe.
Facility Footprint
With production and service centers on both coasts of the United States, Willard Marine offers true nationwide (and global) support. Our dual facilities in California and Virginia give us a coast-to-coast footprint, ensuring we can build and service vessels close to where they will be deployed, and quickly reach customers wherever they operate.
Oceanside, CA (West Coast HQ)
Our headquarters in Oceanside spans 2.5 acres and features nearly 40,000 sq. ft. of enclosed production space equipped for fiberglass and composite manufacturing. This modern facility houses our engineering, manufacturing, and corporate offices. With an expansive 72,500 sq. ft. outdoor yard, we can accommodate multiple builds, sea trials, and outfitting operations simultaneously. The Oceanside location provides convenient access to Pacific waters for testing our boats and serves as the central hub for West Coast new builds, repairs, and refurbishments.
Chesapeake, VA (East Coast Ops)
Our East Coast shipyard in Chesapeake offers about 15,000 sq. ft. of dedicated production space for aluminum boat construction, along with over 60,000 sq. ft. of secure yard area for vessel storage and testing. This facility extends Willard's reach to the Atlantic, Gulf, and international theaters, allowing faster delivery and support for our East Coast and European clients. Chesapeake specializes in aluminum hull fabrication and also serves as a strategic service center for maintenance, retrofits, and training. Together with our mobile field teams, the Virginia location enables a "mobile-first" service model – we can swiftly dispatch personnel or equipment to wherever our customers need assistance.
Both facilities are fully equipped for full lifecycle support, from initial fabrication to long-term maintenance. By having bicoastal operations, we ensure that no matter where your mission takes you, Willard Marine is nearby to provide expertise and support.
Company History
We're proud of our legacy. Willard Marine's story is rich with innovation, growth, and service to those who serve. Below is a timeline of key milestones in our history.
Founding of Willard Marine1957
Willard Marine was founded by Bill Tighe in Southern California. Tighe, a WWII Navy veteran, built the first boats in a Costa Mesa barn with partner Willard Buchanan – after whom the company was named. These early sailing ketches earned a reputation for quality and set the stage for Willard's boatbuilding legacy.
First Fiberglass Production Trawler1961
Willard Marine introduced the Vega 36 trawler, the first production fiberglass trawler yacht of its kind. This innovation launched a full line of 30- to 47-foot fiberglass pleasure craft, establishing Willard as a pioneer in fiberglass boat manufacturing during the 1960s.
120-ft Research Vessel "Silverado"1974
Demonstrating its custom-build capabilities, Willard constructed a 120-foot oceanographic survey vessel named Silverado. Commissioned by the family behind See's Candies, Silverado showcased Willard's ability to design and build large, specialized vessels.
First U.S. Government Contract1976
Willard Marine secured its first military contract, building fifty-six 32-foot patrol boats for the U.S. Coast Guard. This marked Willard's pivot toward military and commercial markets.
Expansion into Military and Law Enforcement1980s
Willard expanded to serve military, law enforcement, and public safety customers. Durable RHIBs and patrol vessels became staples for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, with nearly 700 7-meter and 11-meter RHIBs deployed on U.S. Navy ships worldwide over the decades.
Refocus on Professional Markets2003
Willard Marine ceased production of recreational yachts to concentrate exclusively on military and commercial vessels, dedicating capacity to defense contracts, law enforcement, and workboats.
Opening of Virginia Beach Facility2010
Willard's eastward expansion began with a manufacturing and refurbishment center in Virginia Beach, VA, providing additional capacity and faster support for Atlantic region customers.
Major U.S. Navy 7m RHIB Contract2014
Willard won a five-year contract to supply the U.S. Navy with two types of 7-meter RHIBs as ready-service lifeboats, expanding their role in fleet search-and-rescue and anti-terrorism/force protection.
Sole U.S. SOLAS Rescue Boat Provider2014
Contracted to develop new 5.4m and 5.9m SEA FORCE® SOLAS rescue boats for NOAA, Willard obtained U.S. Coast Guard SEA FORCE® SOLAS certification, becoming the only American manufacturer of SEA FORCE® SOLAS-approved rescue boats.
Acquisition of Crystaliner Designs2014
Willard acquired rights to Crystaliner's iconic fiberglass surf/rescue vessels, diversifying its product lineup.
Navy Adopts Willard's 11m RHIB Design2016
The U.S. Navy licensed Willard's SEA FORCE® 1100 design as the basis for its new standard 11-meter shipboard RHIB, leveraging Willard's proven hull design to reduce retraining and maintenance costs.
New Leadership and Growth Investment2021
Jordan Angle became CEO, succeeding Ulrich Gottschling. Willard Marine secured a $25 million funding commitment from GEM Global Yield to accelerate growth and develop next-gen technologies like hybrid-electric propulsion and autonomous navigation.
Headquarters Relocates to Oceanside, CA2022
Willard moved its HQ to an expanded 110,000 sq. ft. facility in Oceanside, CA, increasing production capacity and waterfront access for sea trials.
Expanded Chesapeake, VA Operations2022
Willard relocated and enlarged its East Coast operations to a new shipyard in Chesapeake, VA, with 14,400 sq. ft. of space and direct waterfront access, boosting metal-hull boat capacity and support.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the horizon, Willard Marine remains focused on the future of maritime innovation. We are investing in new technologies – from hybrid propulsion and advanced materials to next-generation C4ISR systems – to ensure our boats continue to set the standard for performance and safety. Our vision is to continue evolving as a mission-proven boat builder that anticipates the needs of modern mariners.
What won't change is our commitment to our customers. We will continue to stand side-by-side with the Navy, Coast Guard, first responders, and commercial mariners who rely on us, providing the robust boats and field support they need for success. Whether it's building the next generation of U.S. Navy RHIBs, delivering American-made SEA FORCE® SOLAS rescue boats to the commercial sector, or training crews on the latest patrol craft, Willard Marine will be there – innovating, adapting, and upholding the trust we've earned over 60+ years.
Moving forward, our course is set on sustained excellence. We will honor our heritage by continuing to build mission-ready, American-made boats that protect life and serve a higher purpose. At the same time, we embrace change and continuous improvement, ensuring that the next chapter of Willard Marine is our best yet. Together with our clients, we are navigating toward a future filled with stronger fleets, smarter technology, and safer seas – confident that the legacy of quality and dedication that defines Willard Marine will carry on for decades to come.
Partner with a Legacy of Excellence
Discover how Willard Marine's dedication and expertise can support your maritime operations. Explore our vessel lineup or contact us to discuss your specific requirements.