September 2, 2016: Metal Shark Delivers New Foil-Assisted Catamaran Excursion Vessel

Jeanerette, LA, September 2, 2016: Louisiana-based shipbuilder Metal Shark has delivered a new excursion vessel to Hubbard’s Marina, a fishing and tour boat operator in Madeira Beach, Florida.

The welded aluminum “Flying Hub II” is a 40’ x 14’ foil-assisted catamaran design by Jutson Marine Design. Powered by twin 350 HP Yamaha outboards and buit to USCG Subchapter T standards, the 20-passenger craft features a first-in–class foil-assisted catamaran hull. Specially engineered forward and aft transverse hydrofoils elevate the hull at planing speeds, which substantially reduces drag. The result is significantly increased performance and fuel economy with modest power requirements. This fully-welded vessel has been constructed of 5086 aluminum alloy and is able to withstand the use and abuse of year-round commercial operation in an unforgiving saltwater environment. Equipped with twin 350-HP Yamaha four-stroke outboard engines, the vessel reaches speeds in excess of 35 knots. Metal Shark offers this versatile platform with a wide range of power options and propulsion types to suit other mission types.

Specially configured for fishing excursions, the Flying Hub II has been equipped with bench seating for 20+ passengers beneath a large canopy, along with well-placed grab rails, rod holders, beverage holders, tackle storage, livewells, fish boxes, and coolers. The elevated helm allows the captain to easily and safely operate the vessel while keeping an eye on the passengers, and the console houses a roomy enclosed head with fresh water sink. The vessel’s 400-gallon fuel capacity allows for extended deep water fishing trips to the Florida Middle Grounds, approximately 100 miles off the West Coast of Florida. For such trips, the Flying Hub II has been equipped with power outlets for electric reels, and white/red LED night lighting has been provided throughout.

The vessel is the newest in service for Hubbard’s, now under the fourth generation of family ownership. In business since 1928, Hubbard’s currently operates over ten vessels in the Tampa Bay area, offering a range of nearshore and extended offshore fishing trips, snorkeling trips, dolphin watching tours, and water taxi services. The new Metal Shark will operate out of Hubbard’s location at the popular John’s Pass Boardwalk in Madeira Beach, Florida.

Established in 1986, Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC, and its government/commercial boat entity Metal Shark Boats are leading suppliers of custom boats for defense, law enforcement, and commercial entities. Key customers include the United States Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Army, foreign militaries, port operators and pilot associations, fire departments, and commercial entities worldwide. From its two fully self-contained facilities in South Louisiana, Metal Shark produces a wide range of custom monohull and catamaran patrol boats, fireboats, pilot boats, passenger vessels, and other specialty vessels up to 250’. Visit the company’s website at www.metalsharkboats.com.