57
MAY 2026
M
etal Shark has delivered 
its 
high-performance, 
next-generation 
response 
boat small (RBS) demonstrator to the 
U.S. Coast Guard, completing devel-
opment and delivery within months 
of contract award.
The designer and builder of the current 
Coast Guard RBS-II fleet, Metal Shark 
was one of four companies selected in 
January 2026 to provide prototype 
platforms under the Coast Guard’s 
RBS demonstration program. The 
accelerated delivery reinforces Metal 
Shark’s ability to execute at speed, 
translating operational requirements 
into fully integrated, mission-ready 
platforms on aggressive timelines. The 
vessel is now undergoing evaluation 
and testing by the Coast Guard in 
Charleston, S.C.
The RBS demonstrator is based on 
Metal Shark’s high-performance 29ʹ 
Fearless platform, configured specif-
ically for the Coast Guard’s response 
mission with a focus on performance, 
control, crew comfort and effective-
ness, and safety.
Key features include:
• Patented running surface delivering 
unsurpassed speed, handling, and 
sea-keeping
• Twin 300 hp outboard engines  
with joystick docking control
• Active ride control system
• Communication system with 
six-station wireless intercom
• Starlink onboard connectivity
• Advanced lithium-powered  
HVAC system delivering  
all-day cooling without generator  
or seawater cooling
• Enclosed pilothouse with  
reversed-raked windshield
• Forward sliding glass doors enabling 
improved access, communication, 
and mission flexibility
• Custom urethane-sheathed foam-
filled collar 
Testing of the RBS demonstrator will 
inform the Coast Guard’s path for-
ward as it defines requirements for its 
next generation of response boats. 
MEMBER NEWS
Metal Shark 
Delivers RBS 
Demonstrator 
to U.S.  
Coast Guard
PHOTO: METAL SHARK
Testing is underway for the Coast Guard’s RBS demonstrator from Metal Shark. 
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