Metal Shark awarded $13 million USCG response boat contract

摘要

The U.S. Coast Guard has chosen Metal Shark Aluminum Boats, Jeanerette, La., over SAFE Boats International, Port Orchard, Wash., to build the second generation of Response Boats-Small. The initial $13 million contract is for 38 RB-Ses. The first generation RB-Ses were built by Port Orchard, Wash.-based SAFE Boats beginning in 2002, and the boats are now nearing the end of their 10-year service life. At 28'6" the Metal Shark version of the outboard-powered patrol boat will be slightly longer than the 25-footer built by SAFE. It will also have "an increased emphasis on ergonomics and crew comfort," according to the Coast Guard.