The durable and agile Metal Shark 45′ Defiant is a welded aluminum monohull pilothouse patrol vessel ideal for use in military, law enforcement, pilot, port security, and fire rescue response applications. Like all Metal Sharks, this vessel platform may be fully customized to meet virtually any mission requirement. Regardless of configuration and equipment, the 45′ 45 ft (13 m)-long Defiant serves as an extremely stable, dependable, and highly capable platform that is well suited for both inland and offshore use.
The 45 Defiant featured here was built for military patrol and is powered by twin Cat C-9 diesel engines and Hamilton water jets. As demonstrated in the video, the water jets allow for pinpoint control including the ability to quickly stop by using its thrust-reversing hydraulic buckets. The 45 Defiant is also available with straight-shaft inboards, surface drives, or pod propulsion units. This vessel has been equipped with a urethane-sheathed foam collar fendering system offering unmatched impact protection during boarding or other alongside maneuvers.
For other applications, high-impact rubrail may be used in lieu of collars. The spacious climate-controlled pilothouse offers comfortable seating for six and affords best-in-class visibility due to Metal Shark’s use of “pillarless” glass technology. Below, the cabin offers a forward wraparound dinette area that converts to a v-berth, an enclosed head compartment with sink, shower, and toilet, and a galley with refrigerator and microwave. An aft cabin offers additional crew bunking or may be configured as a large storage area.
In 2016, Metal Shark delivered the first six 45 Defiant patrol boats of an eighteen-boat order from the US Department of Defense, providing advanced technology to stabilize US interests in South Asia. These very nimble and capable military patrol vessels are configured for coastal and nearshore patrol, search and rescue, and interdiction. They are powered by twin Cat Diesel C9 engines and Hamilton waterjets. Production is ongoing.