Vega 40 (1973-1977)
The Vega 40 was introduced in 1973 as a larger replacement for the Vega 36. The layout is somewhat similar to the Vega 36 layout, with the addition of a second stateroom and two heads. This boat was in production for 4 years until 1977, and included three versions - Nomad, Voyager, and Motorsailer.
The Vega 40 Nomad is a 'sedan' style version with flybridge above on the boat deck. The saloon is a 'widebody' design, extending full beam. 3 boats were built. An interesting feature was the fold-down stairs from the flying bridge to the foredeck, in lieu of wider side-decks.
The Vega 40 Voyager is a 'raised pilothouse' boat. There is no flybridge in this design. 2 boats were built.
There was only one Vega 40 Motorsailer built.
Note: The above is all I have at the moment for the Vega 40 design -- if you have any better drawings or sales renderings, I'd love to be able to post them here. If so please Contact Me.
Click Here for a Vega 40 review from Pacific Skipper Magazine, Sept. 1974.
Willard 40 (1977-2003)
The 'new' Willard 40 was introduced in 1977 and continued until 2003. This model is very similar to the Vega 40 except that the superstructure is solid fiberglass produced from a mold and the saloon is no longer 'wide body, but includes side deck walkarounds. 18 boats have been launched since the introduction. Two versions were produced, Flybridge Sedan and Pilothouse.
The W40FS is a 'flybridge sedan' style. This version is the 'new' Vega 40 Nomad model with many updated features. 13 hulls have been launched.
Note: The "Old" W40 was designated "400" in their HIN's, while the "New" W40 used "404". The final serial number for the old version was hull #10, then the new version started with hull #20. There were no hulls 11-19.
Pilothouse Version:
- Willard 40 Trawler Ad Passagemaker Magazine, April 2000
- Willard 40 Trawler Brochure (Includes Price List from Sept. 1, 1982.)
- W40 Performance & Particulars
- Review from Pacific Skipper magazine, Sept 1974
- Review from Motor Boating & Sailing, Jan 1978
Willard/Vega 40's
| Year | Model | Hull No | Name | Comments/Photos |
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| 1973 | Vega 40 (bare hull) | 0 | Kimberly Anne |
rebuilt as pilothouse trawler. ex-Shoreleave II, Susan B  |
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| 1973 | Vega 40 Nomad | 1 |
Domino |
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| 1974 | Vega 40 Nomad | 2 | Sanderling | ex-Bonnie Lass |
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| 1974 | Vega 40 Voyager | 3 | Mystic |
  CA to East coast thru Panama Canal |
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| 1974 | Vega 40 Voyager | 4 | Veronica |
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| 1974 | Vega 40 Nomad | 5 |
Northstar Note: Vessel not completed by Willard until 1978 |
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| 1974 | Vega 40 (bare hull-houseboat) | 6 | ||
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| 1975 | Vega 40 (bare hull-fishboat) | 7 | ||
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| 1975 | Vega 40 (bare hull-fishboat) | 8 | ||
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| 1975 | Vega 40 (bare hull-fishboat) | 9 | Lisa Ann |
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| 1977 | Vega 40 (motorsailer) | 10 | Seahorse |
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| 1977 | W40FS | 20 | October | ex-Vera K |
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| 1977 | W40FS | 21 | Lilliana |
 ex-Anna B, St. Jude V, Restless III |
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| 1977 | W40FS | 22 | First Light | ex-Pearl, Margaray |
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| 1977 | W40 (bare hull-fishboat) | 23 | Woodstock | |
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| 1977 | W40FS | 24 | C Marie | |
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| 1981 | W40PH (owner finished) | 25 | Lady Anne |
 ex-Pettite Michelle |
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| 1981 | W40FS | 26 | One Unit |
ex-Rincon |
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| 1981 | W40FS | 27 | Cavu |
ex-Serenity II |
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| 1983 | W40PH | 28 | White King | |
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| 1983 | W40FS | 29 | No Regrets |
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| 1984 | W40PH | 30 |
Quest |
ex-Drew Lane, Lynn Isle |
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| 1985 | W40FS | 31 | Airborne | ex-Akela, Sitzmark |
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| 1988 | W40FS | 32 | Shadow Fox | ex-Pelican, Nancy B |
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| 1988 | W40FS | 33 | Blue Moon |
ex-Good Will, Passe Partout |
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| 1991 | W40PH | 34 | Manaia |
  ex-Spirit of Willie, Nina, Surrender, Poco A Poco |
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| 1991 | W40FS | 35 | Candor |
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| 1996 | W40FS | 36 | SeaStar |
South America and back |
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| 1999 | W40FS | 37 |
Adria ex-Doxy
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| 2001 | W40FS | 38 |
Jeannie ex-Annabelle |
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| 2001 | W40PH | 39 | ||
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| 2002 | W40PH | 40 | Aloha |
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Please use the Contact form if you have any
corrections or additions for this list.
