Willard Marine

What Willard Marine does

Willard Marine is a private American composite boat manufacturer founded in 1957 and headquartered in Oceanside, California, with a second shipyard in Chesapeake, Virginia. The company designs and builds mission-proven Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and related vessels for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, federal and state agencies, law enforcement, first responders, and commercial maritime operators. Its product portfolio includes eight active series: SEA FORCE® (military-grade RHIBs), SEA FORCE® SOLAS (USCG-approved rescue boats—the only American-made SOLAS rescue boats in the 5.4m-6.7m range), MISSION PRO (versatile patrol/workboats), MIGHTY (unsinkable hard-sided patrol), NIMBLE (aluminum patrol boats co-developed with DLBA Naval Architects), Crystaliner (acquired surf-rescue brand), Open Ocean (long-range SAR and patrol vessels up to 60'), and Riverine (shallow-draft military craft). Core technology competencies include deep-V hull design, dual-material construction (fiberglass and aluminum), vacuum-infused military-grade composites, SOLAS-certified self-righting systems, and USCG-approved rescue boat engineering under an ISO 9001-certified quality program.

The business model is built around customized, build-to-order vessel sales with complementary lifecycle services revenue. All vessels are sold through a quote-based process—no standard pricing—reflecting significant per-order engineering and configuration. Each contract typically spans months to multi-year delivery cycles, with mobile field service teams providing post-delivery refit, repair, modernization, and operator/maintainer training that extend customer relationships across decades. Customers are acquired through enterprise field sales, industry trade shows (Maritime Security West, International WorkBoat Show), direct government and commercial relationships, and a 'Request a Quote' website funnel. The company cites 1,500+ vessels delivered globally with zero reported hull failures since 1957, and was recognized by Business Research Insights as a leading industry player in the global boat market alongside Fassmer, HiSiBi, Asis Boats, and LOMOcean Design. In 2021, Willard secured a $25 million funding commitment from GEM Global Yield under new CEO Jordan Angle to accelerate growth and invest in hybrid-electric propulsion and autonomous navigation.

Name

Willard Marine

Legal name

Willard Marine, Inc.

Website

https://willardmarine.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Willard Marine is a private American boatbuilder founded in 1957 that designs and manufactures SOLAS-certified RHIBs, patrol boats, and rescue craft for the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, federal agencies, law enforcement, and commercial maritime operators. It is the only U.S. manufacturer of SEA FORCE SOLAS rescue boats and operates dual-coast facilities in Oceanside, CA and Chesapeake, VA.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Military and Commercial Boatbuilding

NAICS

Boat Building (336612), Ship Building and Repairing (336611)

SIC

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)

akta.pro primary industry

Search & Rescue (SAR) & Lifeboats (IMAJADAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Life-Saving Appliances & Safety Equipment (Davit Systems, Lifeboats, Firefighting) (IMAJAIAG), Fireboats & Emergency Response Craft (IMAJADAH)

Keywords

• Military boat manufacturing
• RHIB rigid inflatable boats
• SOLAS rescue boats
• Patrol boat construction
• Composite boatbuilding

Headquarters

HQ city

Anaheim

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Vessel Sales: Willard Marine generates primary revenue from manufacturing and selling mission-proven boats across multiple series including SEA FORCE, MISSION PRO, MIGHTY, NIMBLE, Crystaliner, Open Ocean, and Riverine. Boats range from compact 16-foot rescue craft to 60-foot SAR fire boats, serving military, government, and commercial applications.
2. Service, Repair & Refit: Comprehensive lifecycle support services including custom design and engineering, refit, repair, modernization, and operator/maintainer training programs. Extends customer relationships beyond initial vessel delivery.
3. Custom Design & Engineering: Expert naval architecture services delivering tailored vessel solutions from concept to CAD and prototyping, incorporating unique mission needs including custom hulls, specialized equipment integration, and environmental modifications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels2 records

Core offering

Willard Marine designs, manufactures, and delivers mission-proven boats including RHIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats), SOLAS-certified rescue boats, military patrol craft, and workboats built in composite fiberglass and aluminum construction. The company serves military, government, and commercial maritime operators through custom-engineered vessels ranging from compact 16-foot rescue craft to 60-foot SAR fire boats, complemented by lifecycle support services including refit, repair, modernization, and operator training.

Product overview

Willard Marine is a premier American boatbuilder offering multiple distinct product series for military, government, law enforcement, and commercial applications. The portfolio includes three primary RHIB lines: SEA FORCE® Series (military-grade patrol and rescue craft with deep-V hulls), SEA FORCE® SOLAS Series (U.S. Coast Guard and SOLAS-certified rescue boats with self-righting capability, the only American-made SOLAS rescue boats), and MISSION PRO Series (cost-effective commercial patrol and workboats). Supporting series include MIGHTY Series (hard-sided unsinkable patrol/combat boats), NIMBLE Series (next-gen aluminum patrol boats with DLBA partnership), Crystaliner Series (acquired surf rescue brand), Open Ocean Series (long-range SAR and offshore vessels), and Riverine Series (shallow-draft military boats). Legacy Recreational Models represent the company's heritage (1957-2003). The company also provides lifecycle support services including custom engineering, refit/repair, and operator training. Founded in 1957, Willard Marine has delivered over 1,500 mission-proven vessels worldwide with dual manufacturing facilities in Oceanside, CA and Chesapeake, VA.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SEA FORCE® Series: Military-grade RHIBs engineered for superior performance, stability, and durability in demanding maritime environments. Designed for patrol, rescue, VBSS, and naval tender operations.
• MISSION PRO Series
• SEA FORCE® SOLAS Series
• MIGHTY Series
• Crystaliner Series
• NIMBLE Series
• Open Ocean Series
• Riverine Series
• Legacy Recreational & Historical Models

Products and services

• SEA FORCE® Series Military-grade RHIBs with deep-V hull design featuring puncture-resistant polyurethane or Hypalon inflatable tubes, available in fiberglass or aluminum construction. Used for patrol, rescue, VBSS operations, and naval tender duties. Models from 490 to 1100, including the SEA FORCE 1100 chosen by the U.S. Navy as its standard 11-meter shipboard RHIB.
• SEA FORCE® SOLAS Series U.S. Coast Guard-approved and SOLAS-certified rescue boats with self-righting capability and single-point lifting systems. The only American-made SEA FORCE® SOLAS rescue boats, featuring deep-V fiberglass hulls with inflatable collars. Models include 490, 540, 590, and 670 for man-overboard recovery and shipboard emergency response.
• MISSION PRO Series Versatile and cost-effective rigid inflatable boats designed for patrol, law enforcement, and commercial applications. Features durable composite construction, outboard propulsion, and customizable configurations including center console, pilothouse, or cabin arrangements. Models range from 490 to 1100.
• MIGHTY Series Hard-sided patrol and combat boats with vacuum-infused military-grade fiberglass construction and unsinkable foam-filled cavities. Designed for shallow inland water territories and offshore chop. Available in 27' and 30' configurations with speeds up to 49.5 knots.
• NIMBLE Series Next-generation aluminum patrol boats developed with DLBA Naval Architects, featuring high-speed outboard propulsion up to 57 knots. Available in 32', 36', and 42' configurations with Express, Cabin, and Interceptor variants for patrol, law enforcement, fire rescue, and security operations.
• Crystaliner Series Legacy surf rescue and patrol boats acquired from Crystaliner Corporation in 2014. Iconic West Coast lifeguard vessels featuring hand-laid fiberglass deep-V hull construction. Modernized models include Surf Pro and Fire Pro for modern first responder missions. Mold sizes from 16' to 33'.
• Open Ocean Series Long-range vessels designed for superior seakeeping in challenging offshore environments. Includes 40' and 44' Fast Response boats for SAR and law enforcement, 43' Assault High-Speed Interceptor for military operations, 55' Offshore Patrol Boat, 56' SEPTAR patrol target, and 60' SAR Fire Boat with firefighting capabilities.
• Riverine Series Fast, agile, shallow-draft boats engineered for military and security operations in rivers, littorals, and flood-prone zones. Features debris-resistant hull designs and propulsion systems optimized for shallow drafts. Available in 22' and 30' configurations, trailerable and C-130 airlift capable.
• Custom Design & Engineering Services Expert naval architecture services delivering tailored vessel solutions from concept to CAD and prototyping, incorporating unique mission needs including custom hulls, specialized equipment integration (weapons, sonar, dive gear), and environmental modifications.
• Refit, Repair & Modernization Services Lifecycle support services including routine maintenance, full overhauls, and technology upgrades. Covers hull repairs, engine overhauls, drive train rebuilds, and systems servicing trusted by the U.S. Navy.
• Operator & Maintainer Training Tailored training programs from basic to advanced maintenance through onboard and classroom instruction. Includes Crew Familiarization programs and Train-the-Trainer courses for mission-specific scenarios.

Quantifiable outcome

• Zero reported hull failures across 1,500+ vessels delivered since 1957
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• DLBA Naval ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWillard Marine partnered with DLBA Naval Architects to develop the NIMBLE Series of advanced aluminum patrol boats. DLBA brings advanced naval architecture and hull technology expertise, while Willard provides manufacturing capabilities and military/commercial boatbuilding experience. This collaboration delivers high-performance, mission-ready patrol boats with optimized hull technology.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Ballistic Boats: U.S.-based builder of high-speed military patrol and interdiction craft for special operations and law enforcement. Overlaps Willard's MIGHTY and Open Ocean product lines in mission profile and defense customer base.

Direct peers

• Swiftships: U.S.-based builder of military and commercial patrol, intercept, and fast-attack craft for U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and allied forces. Directly comparable to Willard on defense small-craft mission profiles and customer base.
• Metal Shark Boats: Louisiana-based aluminum boatbuilder supplying U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and allied forces with patrol, response, and military vessels. Directly comparable on defense small-craft mission profile and customer base, though broader in scope than Willard's RHIB focus.
• ASIS Boats: UAE-based manufacturer of military, law enforcement, and commercial RHIBs. Directly comparable to Willard on rigid inflatable boat technology, defense/government customer profile, and global export markets.
• SAFE Boats International: U.S.-based builder of military, law enforcement, and first-responder patrol and rescue boats. Most direct comparable to Willard Marine on U.S. defense and homeland security small-craft RHIB and patrol-boat tenders, with overlapping customers in Navy, Coast Guard, and police agencies.
• Viking Norsafe: Norwegian-based manufacturer of SOLAS lifeboats, rescue boats, and davit systems for commercial marine and offshore. Direct competitor to Willard in the SOLAS rescue-boat segment, with global installed base across commercial shipping and offshore platforms.
• LOMOcean Design: New Zealand-based designer and builder of high-performance RHIBs for defense, security, and commercial clients. Comparable technology platform (deep-V RHIBs) and customer mix (military and first responders), though smaller and geographically distant from Willard.
• Fassmer: German shipbuilder and one of the world's leading manufacturers of SOLAS-certified lifeboats and rescue boats for commercial shipping. Most direct international competitor to Willard's SEA FORCE SOLAS rescue-boat franchise; comparable technology, certification focus, and global customer base.

Broad incumbents

• Survitec: UK-headquartered global marine safety and survival equipment provider including lifeboats, rescue boats, and davit systems. Overlaps Willard in SOLAS rescue-boat supply but operates at much larger scale across broader marine safety categories.
• Zodiac Nautic: French global leader in inflatable boats and RIBs, with significant presence in military, professional, and recreational segments. Comparable RHIB technology base to Willard but with broader consumer/recreational exposure and much larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WillardMarine
• Facebookfacebook.com/WillardMarine

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Willard Marine