Metal Shark delivers foil-assisted excursion catamaran

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The following is text of a news release from Metal Shark Boats:

(JEANERETTE, La.) — Shipbuilder Metal Shark has delivered a new excursion vessel to southwest Florida tour and charter boat operator Pure Florida.

Sea Flight is a custom 40-by-14-foot welded aluminum foil-assisted catamaran designed and built to U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter T standards and configured to carry up to 33 passengers.

Designed by Jutson Marine Design, the vessel features a highly efficient foil-assisted catamaran hull delivering performance, economy and ride comfort. Specially engineered forward and aft transverse hydrofoils elevate the hull at planing speeds to substantially reduce drag, resulting in increased performance and fuel economy with modest power requirements.

Powered by twin 440-horsepower Yanmar 6LY440 diesel engines coupled to HamiltonJet HJ292 water jets via ZF Marine 280-1 transmissions, Sea Flight cruises at speeds in excess of 30 knots, and boasts a top speed of 40-plus knots.

The second Jutson-designed vessel of its type to be built by Metal Shark, Sea Flight’s layout has been optimized to accommodate a range of Pure Florida’s eco tours, dolphin watching cruises, and offshore fishing trips.

The vessel has been equipped with bench seating for up to 33 passengers beneath a large aluminum-skinned canopy with roll-up curtain package for weather protection, along with grab rails, rod holders, beverage holders, tackle storage, live wells, fish boxes, and coolers. For night trips, white/red LED lighting has been provided throughout. The vessel has also been equipped with an enclosed head with fresh water sink.

A forward-positioned elevated helm station enclosed within a hybrid pilothouse offers full weather protection and a bird's-eye view for the captain while still facilitating access to the passenger deck.

Pure Florida operates a fleet of 20 vessels at its locations in Naples and Fort Myers. The new Metal Shark vessel will be operated out of the Naples location at the historic Tin City boardwalk.

By Professional Mariner Staff