Metal Shark introduces aluminum 25’ bay boat, announces recreational fishing line

Louisiana-based shipbuilder Metal Shark has introduced the first model in its new series of recreational fishing boats, a 25-foot bay boat, at the Miami International Boat Show.

Metal Shark is best known for the vessels it designs and builds for military, law enforcement, and commercial markets worldwide. The company’s largest clients include the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard.

While the 25 Gravois shares the sleek lines and amenities common among today’s high-end bay boat offerings, it is immediately notable for its all-aluminum construction. The boat is made from digitally-cut plates of military-grade 5086 aluminum alloy, and is custom-built to “military-spec” standards alongside Metal Shark vessels produced for the U.S. Armed Forces.

“As a fully welded aluminum boat with very robust construction, the 25 Gravois is obviously very durable,” explained Metal Shark president Chris Allard, “but we’ve taken great pains with the performance, ride, handling, and aesthetics to create a truly premium offering.”

Well-known naval architect Michael Peters provided the running surface design for the 25 Gravois, which features an aggressively-stepped, ventilated, deep vee tunnel hull.

“The boat’s performance is impressive,” says Allard. “Acceleration is quick, the handling is nimble, and the boat keeps its poise in rough seas surprisingly well. The hull is very stout, and it has been foam filled for sound deadening. The result is a very soft, quiet ride with none of the perceived drawbacks a fiberglass boat enthusiast might expect from an aluminum hull.”

The 25 Gravois is 100% digitally designed, and unlike fiberglass boats, requires no tooling as a part of its manufacturing process. Accordingly, the boat is offered with a very long list of available configurations and equipment. In “standard” trim, the 25 Gravois features a forward casting deck with storage beneath. Luxury-minded customers may opt for a bow seating configuration, to which an electric-actuated bow table may be added. The table lowers at mid-point to combine with a filler cushion to convert the entire forward cockpit into a lounge area. Removable contoured backrests may be added to create a pair of forward-facing lounge seats. The table lowers to sit flush with the floor when not in use.

The 25-foot Gravois bay boat is part of Metal Shark’s new Gravois recreational aluminum line that will eventually include a 22’ bay boat, 28’ hybrid bay boat, 35’ offshore center console, and also 32’ and 38’ catamaran fishing boats. Metal Shark also offers recreational versions of some of its military and law enforcement offerings, such as its 32’ and 40’ “Fearless” all-aluminum offshore center consoles.

The recreational line bears the namesake of Metal Shark’s parent company, Gravois Aluminum Boats. Company founder Jimmy Gravois and his family have built custom aluminum Gravois fishing boats since the early 1980s.