MARINE TRADER EUROPA - MARINE TRADER FOR SALE

Timeless Marine Trader Europa 40 – “Willpower” | San Diego, CA

“Willpower” is a 1977 Marine Trader 40 Europa-style trawler yacht, thoughtfully rejuvenated and meticulously cared for by professionals. Her reliable Ford Lehman 120 hp diesel (1,028 hours) and 4 kW Beta Marine generator deliver trusted power for extended coastal cruising. A thorough multi-year refit from 2022 to 2025 brought substantial enhancements: major mechanical services by certified marine technicians; modernized helm electronics with a Garmin MFD, VHF, and AIS; new canvas; updated onboard systems; a beautifully refinished teak interior; a complete replacement of all exterior teak decking with low-maintenance fiberglass; and fresh bottom paint at Driscoll Boatyard in 2022.

She presents a welcoming two-stateroom, one-head layout with a generous salon, a flybridge helm ideal for fair-weather navigation, and warm wood joinery throughout. Comfort-focused upgrades include custom mattresses, new seat cushions, upgraded lighting, and a Whirlpool refrigerator in the galley, making her equally at home as a liveaboard, coastal cruiser, or family cruising yacht.

Professionally maintained with comprehensive records, “Willpower” stands out as a rare opportunity for discerning buyers seeking a well-preserved classic trawler and graceful motor yacht with true passagemaker credentials. Lying in San Diego and ready to cruise.

Highlights of her extensive refit and maintenance history

Meticulous ongoing care includes monthly bottom cleaning and zinc replacement by professional divers, underscoring a proactive maintenance routine that keeps her performing and presenting at her best.

In 2025, she benefited from major engine and electronics upgrades: the engine and generator were serviced by Dr. Diesel with two new fuel injectors installed, while a new freshwater pump, a new windlass motor, and new engine water coolers and hoses refreshed critical systems. At the helm, a new Garmin multifunction display (MFD) was installed, AIS was integrated from the VHF to the MFD, and two new Standard Horizon VHF radios—one at the lower helm and one on the flybridge—were added, alongside a new Loudhailer VLH 3000A and a plug-in provisioned for future radar integration. A new transducer accompanies the package and awaits installation. Comfort was elevated with two new V-berth bunk foams, and a new 25-gallon water heater was installed in December 2025.

In 2024, electrical and canvas updates included two new marine batteries, fresh canvas for the bimini, console, and bench covers by Robert Canvas, and new lighting throughout the interior and exterior. She was also tented and fumigated for termites.

In 2023, craftsmanship and deck refinishing took center stage with new fiberglass upper deck flooring and new walkaround fiberglass flooring on the lower deck. The interior and all exterior teak were refinished, the steering chain system was cleaned and lubricated, new salon seat cushions on the flybridge were installed, and new water hoses with clamps plus a new shower head were added.

In 2022, a major mechanical overhaul was undertaken: the engine and generator were serviced at Driscoll Boat Yard; a new 25-gallon waste tank with hoses and a hand-pump toilet was fitted; five new through-hull valves were installed at Driscoll Boat Yard; new raw water, bilge, and sump pumps were added; a new exhaust tank, a new cooling system, and a new heat exchanger were installed; the transmission was flushed and paired with a new cooling system and accumulator; the diesel tanks were professionally cleaned and polished; the engine was painted; the propeller was CNC-balanced, a new shaft bearing was fitted, and the rudder was refurbished; a fresh haul-out and bottom paint were completed; interior comforts were refreshed with new salon foams and covers and six marine pillows; and amenities were upgraded with a custom 4-inch aft berth mattress, a new Whirlpool refrigerator, and an electric three-burner stove.

In 2021, the engine starter was replaced by the previous owner.

Description

Classic Marine Trader Europa 40 “Willpower,” lying in San Diego, California, is a 1977 Marine Trader 40 Europa-style trawler that has been thoughtfully restored and professionally maintained. Powered by a Ford Lehman 120 hp diesel showing 1,028 hours and a 4 kW Beta Marine generator, she delivers reliable power for extended cruising.

Benefiting from a multi-year refit with major upgrades from 2022 through 2025, she received comprehensive mechanical servicing by professional marine mechanics, new electronics including a Garmin MFD, VHF, and AIS, new canvas, updated systems, a refinished teak interior, a complete replacement of the entire exterior teak flooring with fiberglass, and fresh bottom paint at Driscoll Boatyard in 2022.

Her interior layout features two staterooms and one head surrounding a spacious salon, complemented by a flybridge helm and a beautifully finished wood interior. Recent comfort upgrades include custom mattresses, new seat cushions, new lighting, and a Whirlpool refrigerator in the galley.

Professionally maintained with detailed records, “Willpower” is a rare find for buyers seeking a well-kept classic trawler, located in San Diego and ready to cruise.

Layout & accommodations

“Willpower” offers a comfortable, traditional trawler layout that prioritizes livability and confidence underway. Below, two private staterooms are complemented by a spacious salon bathed in natural light that converts into an additional berth, all served by one head. The aft master features a custom mattress, while the classic wood interior showcases beautifully refinished teak. Above, the flybridge provides generous seating with new cushions and excellent visibility for safe cruising.

Power and equipment

Confident performance comes from a Ford Lehman 120 hp diesel engine showing 1,028 hours, complemented by a Beta Marine generator rated at 4 kW and installed in 2025. Navigation and situational awareness are elevated by a new Garmin MFD with AIS and radar-ready capability, seamlessly integrated with a Standard Horizon electronics suite. Recent refits include new plumbing, tanks, hoses, and pumps, while updated canvas, cushions, and lighting refresh the yacht’s comfort and style.

Why “Willpower” is a standout

This is not your average 1970s trawler. “Willpower” has been thoughtfully and professionally restored, maintained on a strict schedule by expert mechanics, and consistently refined with an unwavering focus on reliability, comfort, and long-distance cruising. Whether you seek a weekend harbor hopper, a capable coastal cruiser, or a liveaboard-ready vessel, this Marine Trader Europa 40 delivers.