When Metal Shark was awarded the contract to replace the US Coast Guard’s aging fleet of 470 Response Boats – Small (RB-S) with the new 29 Defiant, it marked the dawn of a new era in coastal security. The $192 million contract was one of the largest boat buys of its kind for the Coast Guard, and the decision to switch to Metal Shark from an entrenched competitor was not made lightly. Metal Shark was selected after an exhaustive series of head to head tests proved the merits of the company’s substantial investments in design and technology. Today, the Metal Shark 29 Defiant is the most advanced,...

Construction: Like all Metal Sharks, each 29 Defiant is made of welded plates of corrosion-resistant 5086 aluminum alloy. Foam flotation has been employed below decks and in the gunnels, and a durable collar provides reliable impact protection for the craft and its crew. The collar is made of solid foam encased in impact-resistant urethane. It combines the utility of a full foam collar with the deck space and simplicity of a hard sided craft.

Pilothouse: The most immediately apparent advancement in the Metal Shark Defiant class is the groundbreaking pilothouse design which employs pillarless glass to substantially enhance visibility. The result is a near elimination of the dangerous blind spots which are an unfortunate drawback of other pilothouse vessels.

Convertible Window System: The 29 Defiant features a unique window system that allows the side and aft windows to quickly drop into the hull, converting the vessel from a full cabin to an open boat. No longer must a choice be made between the utility of an open boat and the all-weather capability of a pilothouse; Metal Shark deftly combines the best of both. Accordingly, the 29 Defiant is a far more usable and substantially safer patrol platform than the conventional pilothouse vessels it is steadily replacing from coast to coast.

Configurations: The 29 Defiant is available with a forward cuddy or an open bow cockpit. In the Bow Cockpit model, a forward door provides through-cabin access to the open foredeck and optional .50-caliber machine gun mount, while the Cuddy Cabin model features a roomy forward berth which doubles as a large dry storage area. There are multiple available seating configurations for the pilothouse, with common options including shock-mitigating seats and bench seating for greater crew capacity. Available climate control delivers true, all-weather comfort.

Twin Outboard Configuration: The 29 Defiant shown here is equipped with twin counter-rotating 225 HP Honda four-stroke gasoline outboard engines. Set up as equipped, this vessel reaches a top speed in excess of 45 knots. The vessel is rated for twin outboards up to 300 HP each. As an OEM installer for all major outboard manufacturers, Metal Shark can install the engine brand you prefer.

Twin Diesel Waterjet Configuration: The 29 Defiants shown here are equipped with twin Yanmar 6LPA-STP2 diesels mated to Hamilton 241 jet drives. This package delivers the reliability and economy of inboard diesels, plus the shallow-draft capability and maneuverability of water jet propulsion. By utilizing the water jet’s split-duct thrustreversing “buckets,” the vessel can be brought from planing speed to a full stop within two boat lengths. Pivoting, turning, crabbing sideways, and other maneuvers are accomplished with ease. Top speed as equipped exceeds 40 knots. Also shown here are the available...

SPECIFICATIONS: Length, Boat Only: Length, With Outboards: Beam: Operational Draft, Outboards: Operational Draft, Waterjet: Height on Trailer: (Mast Stowed) Weight, Fully Outfitted: Fuel Capacity (Std): KEY FEATURES: Bilge Pumps: (2) 3700 GPH Bow Bit & (6) 10” Cleats Collar:Solid Foam Wraparound Construction: Welded 5086 Aluminum Alloy Dash: Large, for Electronics and Controls Decks: Self-Bailing w/ Scuppers Dive Reliefs: Port & Starboard Electronics Mounting Pod: Overhead Fans: Overhead Circulation Fire Extinguishers: (3) Fuel/Water Separators: Racor (2) Defrosting System: Cabin Grab Rail Package Ladder,...

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