45 Defiant

Typical Specifications

LOA: 45’
BOA: 15’
 
Propulsion: Twin diesel inboard straight shafts, water jets, or pods.
 
For detailed specifications, contact us today.
 
The Metal Shark 45 Defiant Pilot is a welded aluminum monohull vessel combining Metal Shark’s globally proven Defiant-class hullform with a modern, crew-friendly layout designed specifically for pilots. The 45 Defiant offers enhanced seakeeping, extended range, and large crew capacity, all in a comfortable layout designed to enhance safety and efficiency while reducing fatigue. While large enough to safely operate offshore in heavy seas, the 45 Defiant is equally capable inshore, with nimble handling and a comfortable ride. Like all Metal Sharks, each 45 Defiant Pilot vessel may be fully customized to meet the specific needs of the customer.
 

Hull Design

The 45 Defiant Pilot features a proven Metal Shark hull design that has been engineered and built to precise tolerances. To achieve its superior hull life rating, the vessel’s hull, deck, and superstructure are composed entirely of heavy, welded plates of premium 5086 aluminum-magnesium alloy. The Defiant-class running surface has been designed for maximum efficiency and performance. This efficiency, combined with the vessel’s durable construction, results in the lowest possible operating cost while at the same time assuring maximum performance. Thanks to its wide beam, pronounced reverse chines, and ample heft, the 45 Defiant is exceptionally stable while underway, at rest, and most importantly, during pilot transfer maneuvers. To meet specific mission requirements, the 45 Defiant may be equipped with inboards, water jets, or pod propulsion systems. 

Deck Layout

Metal Shark’s Defiant-class pilot boat layout has been designed to offer maximum functionality and crew comfort. The flush deck layout is configured to eliminate tripping hazards and enable fast transit around the boat. Strategically placed grab rails provide continuous handholds for transiting around the cabin or riding/working on the forward and aft decks. Metal Shark works with customers to position grab rails as needed to suit specific requirements. Nonskid coating on the walking surfaces further enhances crew safety. Large quick-acting hatches provide easy access to the bilges and storage spaces. Pilots exit the cabin through the centerline aft door and walk around the cabin, all flush deck, to the foredeck, always with easy access to the recessed handrails. Oversized port and starboard side walkways provide easy access forward and aft. The 45 Defiant Pilot may be equipped with the forward bow-mounted boarding platform as shown in the rendering, or, a rooftop boarding with ladder. Boarding platforms are built to suit and are designed to accommodate each operator’s specific needs. A Wing solid foam collar surrounds the craft providing protection during alongside maneuvers, while the low-profile full-width swim platform allows easy access to the water for man overboard situations. A removable Jason’s cradle is included, and an aft deck davit may be added.

Pilothouse Design

Metal Shark’s signature “Pillarless Glass” pilothouse sets the industry standard for visibility and safety. Proven extensively on Metal Shark’s military and law enforcement patrol boats, Pillarless Glass  drastically improves the view from the helm by reducing the dangerous blind spots commonly found on conventional pilot boats utilizing smaller, framed glass windows. Metal Shark has enhanced this technology for its pilot customers by employing reverse-angled windshield glass with large overhead skylights to provide unimpeded overhead views, making operation alongside ships simpler and safer. From the 45 Defiant’s center helm, pilots enjoy a nearly-unobstructed 360-degree command view, which greatly enhances safety, especially while on night missions or operating during other periods of reduced visibility. Metal Shark’s extensive use of shock and vibration mitigation technology reduces crew fatigue, further enhancing comfort and safety.

Pilothouse Arrangement

The 45 Defiant Pilot’s helm arrangement places the operator in an elevated shock-mitigating helm seat, front-and-center, with all instruments and controls within easy reach. The belowdecks cabin stairway is accessed via a large companionway to starboard. Seating in the spacious, climate-controlled pilothouse may be configured to suit individual client requirements. Shown here, four shock-mitigating seats are positioned aft of the helm seat. Shock mitigating, sound and vibration-dampening flooring is employed, and all passengers enjoy unsurpassed visibility thanks to the large windows and Metal Shark’s use of Pillarless Glass.

Crew Accommodations

The 45 Defiant Pilot’s fully customizable below-decks crew accommodations are easily accessed via a large companionway in the pilothouse. The standard layout features an enclosed head on the port side, which includes a marine toilet, wash basin, and hot shower. A compact galley with sink, microwave, and refrigerator has been located to starboard. Forward of the head and galley is a crew seating area with table and settee that can double as sleeping berths. A spacious mid-cabin may be used as storage or multi-use space, or can be configured with twin bunks. Like all Metal Sharks, each aspect of the 45 Defiant Pilot’s belowdecks accommodations may be tailored to suit the unique mission profile of each operator.

Outstanding Performance

The 45 Defiant hull has been designed for ideal balance. The vessel will steer a straight course and turn predictably and safely without exhibiting unnatural turning behaviors. This design inherently increases the ability of the crew to operate safely during piloting maneuvers. Well-developed running strakes and a warped bottom plate ensure the craft maintains proper running attitude and prevents unnecessary pounding and spray. At all speeds the 45 Defiant maintains a steady inboard heel and comes smartly to level when returned to a steady course. While the 45 Defiant Pilot is specifically designed for rough water operation and crew safety, she is very capable of shallow water operations and stable at low speeds. The parent craft Defiant series boats have been extensively tested by both the US Coast Guard and US Navy to meet military maneuvering requirements, including ABYC line, Quick Turn and backing trials. (Metal Shark 45 Defiant Pilot powered by twin diesel water jets shown here performing a bucket-assisted turn in a narrow channel.)

Custom Capability

Metal Shark’s large in-house team of naval architects works directly with pilot associations to tailor each Metal Shark pilot boat to meet the challenges and demands of its intended operating environment. Whether the job calls for straight-shaft inboards, water jets, or pods, Metal Shark can deliver an efficient and reliable solution. We work with virtually all major marine industry OEMs and offer many equipment choices. Our pilot boats are available with a wide range of fendering solutions. Boarding platforms are configured per customer spec, and all railings are pilot specific. Crew accommodations such as galleys, heads, and dinettes are all built to suit. Pilot boats may be equipped with the full range of available fire fighting systems, CBRNE crew protection systems, or other integrated technology for fire rescue response, port security, or other multi-purpose use. We invite you to contact Metal Shark today to begin the process of designing a Metal Shark pilot boat for your team.