Metal Shark stocks up
A US-based boat builder has launched a stock boats programme in a bid to reduce lead times.
Metal Shark, headquartered in Louisiana, is building an inventory of stock vessels which could reduce the lead time for a single 38 Defiant pilothouse vessel to as little as 30 days after a received order.
Metal Shark CEO, Chris Allard, explained: “Long lead times stand out as a serious shortcoming of our industry. We are significantly reducing this wait time by implementing a rotating inventory into our production mix.”
He stated: “Our primary goal is to reduce the 240 to 365-day lead times associated with scheduling and the acquisition of engines and other long lead-time components. We’ve grown the company to a point where we can now make this investment in materials and labor with an eye to the future, accelerating production cycles while still maintaining the flexibility to accommodate our customers. This move gives Metal Shark a real competitive edge.”
The majority of vessels built as part of the programme will be built to a stage where they are awaiting final fit-out. The company says this will still allow purchasers the opportunity to specify seating, electronics, firefighting equipment, or other short lead-time components.
Models currently in the programme include Metal Shark’s Defiant-class pilothouse models in 29, 38, and 45 feet, 28-foot Relentless centre console patrol boats, and seven metre rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) with diesel stern drives, waterjets, or twin outboard engines.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
