24' Willard Rigid Inflatable

- Jet Boat -

This 1999, 7 meter rigid inflatable jet boat built was built to demanding military specs by Willard Marine, for use by Navy Special Operations forces.  The boat is one-of-a kind and represents the ultimate in safety and stability for heavy weather operations, rescue, adventure tours, expeditions, law enforcement, towing or as a commercial workboat - the best in go anywhere anytime recreational boating.  The boat has been completely reconditioned with several unique upgrades, including rebuilt engine, new house wiring and Garmin Marine Network, Stidd Special Mission Seat, the addition of multiple grab handles and non-skid surfaces to the inflatable tubes, and several other custom features.  The paragraphs and pictures below provide a complete description of the specs, capabilities, and features.

Compatible with Zodiac 730/733 RIBs - Both Willard and Zodiac have supplied the military with boats under these specifications so the hull and tubes are virtually identical and many parts interchangeable. 

The boat was acquired from the military and has undergone a complete reconditioning and refit, with the console, all decks and engine removed for visual inspection, and tubes removed for inspection and custom fittings.  The manufacturer gives these overall specifications:

Important note - The boat was made in the USA so is eligible for certification to carry passengers or cargo commercially in US waters (boats made outside the US cannot be used for these commercial purposes). 

Hull and deck

The deep-V fiberglass hull was sanded and all minor dings repaired, then freshly painted with Pettit Vivid - no major damage or significant past repairs were noted.  Above the waterline and all deck and console surfaces have been detailed, sanded and painted with Interlux Brightside, with non-skid added to appropriate surfaces.  All decks were removed for visual inspection, with no obvious problems found structurally or to the interior of the hull.  There are no leaks in the hull and structural members and joints appear strong. No defects or leaks are seen at the jet intake or transom thru-hull. 

• Four-point lift capability - The boat is fitted for lifting with a four-point sling using stainless lift-point hardware, one located on each side of the forward deck (with access plates to reach the mounting hardware) and one located on the inboard transom below each leg of the radar arch attachment (thru-bolted). 

• Radar arch - A custom aluminum radar arch is installed with thru-bolts to the transom and stainless deck inserts.  It is coated with Line-X for wear protection, and lines can be attached above the transom cap for dock lines, tow bridle or similar function.  Wiring for radar, GPS, VHF antenna, and navigation lights are routed inside the tubing for maximum protection.  The arch is a suitable location for mounting additional gear and safety devices.

• Bow post - A heavily reinforced Line-X coated bow post is in place, supported by twin gussets with all attachments thru-bolted using large backing plates/washers. 

• Chain locker - A chain locker is installed at the base of the bow post for an anchor rode and access to mounting hardware and hull inspection. 

• Deck drains - Two "elephant trunks" at the transom provide for rapid draining of waves or large amounts of water taken on-deck - new hypalon trunks were fabricated and fitted with stainless mounting brackets. 

• Lazarette storage box - A deep storage box exists aft of the helm chair, accessed by lifting the padded hinged lid.  The bottom of the box is removable to service the jet drive, or the entire box can be removed by releasing two retaining straps.

• Bilge access and draining - The bilge can be inspected and thru-hull fittings, transducer and bilge pump accessed through the engine compartment, through an access hatch beneath the helm chair, at the transom through the lazarette storage  The chain locker also provides a good view of the interior hull forward of the fuel tank to the bow.  Cameras could be mounted anywhere below deck for viewing through the Garmin multi-function display.  A bilge drain plug is located just forward of the engine and offset from the keel.

• Hardware - There is a stainless eye at the bow, and a stainless transom cap. 

• Custom battery housing has been created for easy access above deck on each side of the helm chair (see the Electronics section below for more detail). 

• The battery switch is mounted aft of the helm chair.

Center console - The center console is hinged for lifting or removal, and has the engine access hatches described above.  The console has:

• a stainless surround grab rail which is thru-bolted with large backing washers. 

• A Plexiglas windshield mounted to

• An 11"x15" access hatch to a storage compartment on the starboard side.  The storage container is removable to permit access to internal wiring and cables. 

• A waterproof chart holder is mounted internally on the port side, accessed through a round access hatch located just below the VHF radio/microphone.  The container is tubular and long enough to accept full size rolled charts.

• A Ritchie SS5000 compass is center mounted in the top of the console.  The compass is lighted and turns on with the ignition.  It has not been adjusted following installation.

• The throttle and forward/reverse controls are right hand mounted.  Both have received new cables and move freely.

• A Garmin Marine Network multi-function display, Uniden VHF radio, Blue-Sea breaker panel, and 12v accessory port are mounted near the steering wheel and are described fully in the electronics section of this description.  The ignition key and start button are grouped with the engine instruments, and a man-overboard kill switch is provided. 

• An Electronics Box has been created inside the console to group and house the electronics nexus, and is accessed from outside the console through a hatch on the forward face of the console behind the seatback. 

Inflatable tubes

The heavy duty neoprene/hypalon tubes hold air well with no leaks.  There are 5 separate chambers, two and each side and one at the bow.  A custom reinforced stuffing strap has been installed at the bow (to reinforce the tubes when the bow is buried in a wave), attaching to stainless fittings forward of the bow post inboard and where the tubes join the hull at the bow.  Small patches can be seen at the bow under the stuffing strap and aft just above the waterline and a couple of small ones are hidden by the rub strake near the stern.  Overall the tubes are in good structural condition with cosmetics at about 80% of new appearance.  The rub strake is easily replaced if perfection is desired.  The tubes are fastened to the hull by aluminum retaining flanges which are bolted into stainless inserts epoxied into the hull, both inboard and outboard the full length of the tubes.

• 10 grab handles are placed strategically on the tube surfaces.

• Inboard and outboard lifelines are in place. 

• Soft storage bags, lines, fenders, and other gear can be attached to the inboard lifelines, which also serve as stabilization for the tubes.

• Treadmaster non-skid has been added to the wear surfaces on the tube tops.  

• Bow cover option - The military sometimes uses a tent-like bow cover on these boats which is supported by transverse fiberglass rods similar to those used in recreational tents.  The bottom of the cover attaches to the series of grommets which can be seen on a fabric flange mounted on the top forward 1/3rd of the tubes.  The cover and rods are not included in this sale.

Engine

The boat is powered by a freshly rebuilt turbocharged 315hp Cummins 6bta 5.9L diesel engine with less than 5 hours logged.   Sea trials show everything operating well with oil pressure, temp and other systems performing within normal limits - no problems noted.  The starter and alternator have been replaced; all electrical connections, relays and wiring inspected and replaced where necessary; turbo and injection pumps were inspected and tested OK, and hoses have been inspected and replaced as necessary.  Instruments on the control panel include tach, oil pressure, volts, water temp, and fuel level.  The electrical oil sending unit has been replaced with a mechanical sending unit.   All gauges are in working order.  Air and fuel filters are new.  Here's the info from the original engine plate:

The engine can be accessed in several ways.  Routine maintenance and inspection access is available through a hinged lid beneath the forward console seat cushion and/or bi-fold hinged doors beneath the helm and on the starboard side of the console.  Also, the entire center console is hinged aft and can be lifted to permit greater access - all wires and cables have been routed near the hinge so they are minimally disturbed when the console is lifted.  These hinge pins can be slid out and the console removed entirely after a few hours work disconnecting wiring and cables if complete engine access or removal is desired.

Fuel system

A 35 gallon aluminum fuel tank is mounted below deck just forward of the engine bay, with a fill tube mounted flush to the deck just above.  If access to the tank is desired the deck plate is screwed in place and is easily lifted when the silicone bead is removed.  The deck was removed for tank inspection and a new inspection plate was installed in the top of the fuel tank to permit visual inspection and cleaning by hand.  The tank and all fuel lines have been cleaned, and a new fuel sending unit installed.  The tank vent/overflow is routed by hose to a vent on the port side of the console.  The fuel supply line has an on/off valve located where the line enters the engine compartment from the fuel tank.  A Racor fuel filter/water separator is mounted inline within the engine compartment and is easily accessible. 

Hamilton 273 Jet

Propulsion is provided by a Hamilton 273 waterjet.  The jet receives power directly from the engine without a clutch, and a belt takes power off the drive shaft to turn a hydraulic pump used to raise and lower the forward/reverse bucket.  There are no known problems with the jet and it functioned well during sea trials without leaks or high temperature indicative of thrust bearing wear, and the speeds reached suggest the jet is performing optimally.  A new hydraulic pump, belt, hoses and anodes have been installed, and a new cable for the forward/reverse bucket function - the lever moves freely.  Steering is mechanical and the wheel turns freely.   Manuals will be provided for the jet in digital form.

The jet can be quickly accessed for inspection and routine maintenance by lifting the hinged lid to the Lazarette storage box located behind the helm chair and removing the bottom of the box.  If full access is desired the entire Lazarette storage box can be removed by dropping two retaining straps at the sides and removing the box entirely.

Electronics

All new navigation and communication electronics have been installed, and the house system completely rewired with new components.  In addition to a bilge pump mounted directly below the helm station operated by an on/off automatic switch next to the radio, and a 12v universal accessory plug mounted next to it, the navigation, communication and wiring system are described in the following paragraphs. 

Communications - A 25 watt Uniden Solara DSC VHF marine radio is mounted next to the helm.  The radio has full scan capability, meets JIS level 7 waterproof standard (submersible in 3-feet of water up to 30 minutes, covers all U.S., Canadian and international marine channels, has push button channel 16 and NOAA weather.  The radio receives data from the on-board GPS antenna providing DSC capability. The major advantage of the DSC radio is its ability to send an automatic "mayday" that identifies the vessel and also, when connected to GPS, can send the vessels location. The DSC radio operates much like an EPIRB that sends encoded "maydays" directly to satellites. The DSC radio will also continue sending the emergency signal if the skipper is disabled.  Another feature of the DSC radio is the ability to place private ship-to-ship calls to other vessels equipped with DSC radio. Basically if you know the MMSI number of the radio you are calling only that vessel will receive you message. Just like using your cell phone.  A 4' Shakespeare VHF antenna is ratchet-mounted to the top of the radar arch.

Navigation - The primary navigation components revolve around a Garmin Marine Network,  which is a proprietary ethernet-based system that seamlessly connects several marine components, delivering position data, charting, weather, sonar, radar, and video input from cameras or DVD players.  The installed system includes the following:

• Garmin 3010c Multi-function Display (MFD) - The 3010c MFD is a full-featured chartplotter providing bold, sunlight-readable color, high-speed processing and the versatility of a multifunction display.   The 10.4-inch diagonal screen generates great contrast and detailing to see graphics in sharp detail - even in direct sunlight.  The enclosure  can withstand rain, sunlight and saltwater spray, and the case is fully gasketed and waterproof to IPX7 standards.  The 3010c automatically detects all peripherals connected to the system.  Video input options allow connection to live video feed from cameras on the boat, such as in the bilge and engine compartment, jet and hydraulics area, anywhere on deck or from an underwater tethered or mounted lens - or display from a DVD player.  Infrared cameras could provide night navigation options.  With an optional subscription to XM WX Satellite Weather and the addition of a GDL 30 or 30A weather receiver, you can access to up-to-the-minute weather information for the U.S., see detailed real-time weather patterns, including NEXRAD radar, right on the 3010C's screen by connecting through the Garmin Marine Network. The GDL 30A also provides XM Satellite Radio service.  The 3010C accepts optional BlueChart® marine cartography, which provides detailed offshore maps, and includes an enhanced worldwide basemap. Plus, with the latest software, the 3010C can accept regional BlueChart g2 data cards — g2 brings you 3D maps, tides and currents, depth contours, navaids, port plans, marine services, points of interest (POIs), photo references and more. 

• Garmin GMS™ 10 Network Port Expander - the Port Expander allows connection to multiple chartplotters and sensors over the Garmin Marine Network. The 100-megabit switch can connect multiple MFDs and sensors to the Garmin Marine Network and gain the benefit of Ethernet-like data transfer speeds. The GMS 10 and Garmin Marine Network are completely plug-and-play, which means that all peripherals are automatically detected and readily accessible once they’re connected to the network. You can easily expand the system using the same standard data cable to plug additional units and displays into the GMS 10 network ports. The GMS 10 is specifically designed to withstand the corrosive marine environment with all connections totally waterproof, and sealed covers keep harmful moisture away from unused data ports.  The GMS 10 is housed within the protected and accessible Electronics Box.

• Garmin GA 29 Marine GPS antenna - This low profile antenna provides the GPS signal to the Garmin Marine Network.  The antenna is mounted on the port side top surface of the radar arch.  The data cable is routed to the Electronics Box for distribution to the Network and other compatible devices which can use GPS input - such as the connection to the VHF radio to service the DSC function.

• Garmin GMR 18 Radar - The GMR 18 is a 4 kilowatt X-band digital  marine radar with 36 nm range.  Garmin states that the 18 inch diameter antenna is twice as powerful as most other radars in its size and price range, and the 5.0° beamwidth provides the best weather penetration and target definition in its class.  The GMR 18 provides MARPA target tracking, which allows you to track the bearing, course, speed and predicted closest approach of up to 10 targets. And as an aid to locational awareness, you can overlay the GMR 18 radar image on the chartplotter's map page. You can also split the on-screen display so that you can view the map and the standard radar page simultaneously.  The antenna is mounted on the radar arch.
• Garmin GSD 21 Sounder - The GSD 21 analog sounder generates detailed sonar data which is displayed on the Garmin 3010c MFD.  This black-box sounder connects directly to the chartplotter with a serial cable. The high-dynamic range sounder provides exceptional performance in water as shallow as one foot to depths as great as 1,500 feet. The GSD 21 can connect to dual-frequency transducer (50/200 kHz) for deep-water performance and 500 watts of transmit power, or a dual-beamwidth transducer (narrow/wide) for operation in shallow freshwater as well as deep water and a transmit power of 400 watts.  The GSD 21 black-box is mounted within the console to the back of the Electronics Box and is accessible from either the side or aft bi-fold hatches or removable storage box/hatch.
• Garmin In-Hull Transducer - The GSD 21Sounder receives data from a Garmin 200/50KHz 12/45 in-hull transducer which is mounted beneath the helm chair offset a few inches to starboard for the keel.  The sounder is accessible through the access hatch under the helm chair.

LED Navigation Lights - Extra bright side mount port and starboard LED nav lights have been integrated into each side of the radar arch - and a white all around LED light ratchet-mounted to a dedicated base aft of the radar.  LED's are great because they burn almost no power, less than 1% of what ordinary nav lights burn. 

Power and distribution system overview - All non-engine house wiring is new, with shrink wrap connections and (with one exception) every inch of wire is fully protected by vinyl split loom.  Each wire and cable is labeled at each exposure during it's run and at termination for quick identification and troubleshooting.   Universally every effort has been made to run wires carrying power on the starboard side of the radar arch, hull and console and data cables on the port side to avoid interference. 

Power to the house and start system is provided by two 12v marine batteries located on deck at each side of the helm chair.  Each battery is housed in a case thru-bolted to the deck and protected above and forward by an aluminum cover.  The cover is hinged forward and when lifted the battery is immediately available.  The aluminum cover has a non-skid surface and serves as a step and foot support at the lazarette.  Positive cables run from each battery to a 1/2/All battery selector switch mounted behind the helm chair.  The common positive cable runs from the switch below deck in a protected run to the starter, where a cable brings it to the positive terminal bus within the Electronics Box in the console.  Other positive cables run to the alternator and ignition switch.  The negative cables run from one battery to another, then through a protected run to the engine block, with a cable run from there to the negative terminal bus in the Electronics box where all devices are grounded.  The engine block, jet drive, radar arch and fuel tank are all grounded together.

The Electronics Box, which is inside the console and accessible through a hatch behind the forward seat, provides access to almost all Garmin Marine Network and other connections.  Every effort has been made to centralize wiring connections here for easy and accessible troubleshooting and/or installation of new equipment.  Except for the bilge pump, which is powered direct to a single battery, every device receives power from and is grounded through common + and - terminal blocks located within the Electronics Box.   From the + terminal each device is wired individually through a BLUE SEA 4376 WEATHERDECK  6 position breaker panel mounted at the helm.  This panel is water resistant (rated IP67- temporary immersion for 30 minutes), backlit and labeled, rated to 45 cumulative amps, and is compatible with Blue Sea dimmers and Carling toggle switches.  Toggle switches on the panel activate GPS, the Garmin 3010c MFD, Radar, VHF, Accessory plug and nav/anchor lights.  There are no know problems or faults with the wiring system or electronic devices.

Seating

Passenger seating - The boat has a rated capacity of 18, with passenger seating on the tubes, the cushioned lazarette, and on a custom seat at the forward console.  Seating on the tubes has been made safer by the installation of 10 handgrips and non-skid surfaces, and availability of the inboard and outboard lifelines.  All seat cushions use Swedish Airex foam, which has the consistency of human muscle so are firm but very comfortable over long periods.  The upholstery is Polyester rather than vinyl, which was a military spec and seems to wear well and be cooler to the touch in darker colors. 

Stidd Special Mission Seat - A Stidd Special Mission Seat has been installed at the helm (model 800101v4).  This $14,000 seat was designed specifically for use in Naval Special Warfare Craft by Seal Teams and other special operation forces.  In addition to their rugged construction, primary advantages are the stress/fatigue reducing ergonomic design and the ability to quickly adjust between seated and standing (bolster) positions.  They offer safety and comfort to boat operators or passengers in the most extreme seas and weather conditions. 

The frame is welded aluminum with non-corrosive components and stainless fittings.  There are fold-away armrests for both the standing and seated positions, and provision for 4-point harness (not included).  They are attached directly to the deck via four reinforced holes in the seat base, and the seat base is thru-bolted to the deck with large backing plates.   Here are a list of features taken from the Stidd web site:

• Contoured Headrest: provides lateral cervical support.
• Reclining Backrest: 30º range with push-button setting and automatic return.
• Optional 4-Point Harness: maintains lumbar curvature during impacts.
• High-Torque Handgrips: provide upper body substitution reducing impacts on ankles, knees and spine.
• Locking Armrests: Lock in 0º and 90º positions.
• Self Centering Waterfall Front Seat: promotes blood flow to lower extremities.
• Fully Corrosion Resistant Aluminum Construction: combines strength and durability in a lightweight package.
• 17 Inch Height Range: accommodates all seat occupants from 5'3" to 6'6" in height, standing or seated.
• Meets most government specs, including: IMO HSC Code Class II - MIL-STD-1472D - MIL-STD-1623D; MIL-F-902J - U.S. Special Operations Command MkV SOC Specs; U.S. Special Operations Command NSW RIB Specs; U.S. Coast Guard 47MLB Specs; Canadian Coast Guard MLD Specs; Mark Lavin Memorial Safety Foundation RRC/ERC Guidelines; with DNV and other classification authority approvals pending.

The custom forward console seat duplicates the Stidd design.  This seat back is made of aluminum and three handgrips are recessed into the seat bottom.  Handgrips are integrated on either side for use by passengers seated on the tubes.  The seat back is hinged and can be raised for access to the Electronics Box hidden behind (see the electronics section for more detail), and/or to permit engine access by lifting the hinged seat bottom.  When more convenient, the entire seatback can be removed in seconds by sliding out the large hinge pin which suspends it and removing the quick release pins in the twin mounting brackets on each side.

Trailer

A double-axle full bunk trailer is included with the sale.  It is in good mechanical and fair cosmetic condition, with good tires and new wiring.  I used it to tow the boat cross-country and had no problems.  There are brakes but I have not connected them and don't know their condition.

Terms and Conditions

The boat is located in Fairfield, Iowa and is available for inspection by appointment (email to make arrangements).  Although the boat has been fully reconditioned it is being offered used and in as-is condition.  Both the boat and trailer have clear Iowa titles. 

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