You need a ship for your unique industry but no matter where you look, you can’t find a vessel that works for your needs. That is where Hike Metal’s custom ship building process comes in.
Trawling through second-hand ships for sale wondering how you could retro-fit it to your needs is just not worth the time and effort. The complicated logistics and high probability of unexpected problems make this option a risky one.
If you’re going to invest your time and money into a custom ship, first speak with custom ship builders in Ontario. Hike Metal is one of the leading Canadian boat engineering companies in the World. Read on to find out why and learn about our custom ship building process. It may surprise you how simple designing a new custom ship can really be with an expert team behind you.
Choosing Custom Ship Building in Ontario
Hike Metal is Ontario’s world-class manufacturer of custom boats, ships, and vessels since 1958.
Hike Metal is well known in the marine industry in Canada and abroad. We offer unparalleled application of maritime design engineering, manufacturing, and production. We have professional know-how in the construction and repair of a variety of boats and ships for commercial, government, and private sectors. Our combination of skills and talents is why we are recognized as the preferred custom boat and ship building company in the industry.
We have grown to be a manufacturer with one of the largest portfolios of rugged, high-performance custom-built vessels in the world. Our reputation is now internationally renowned for versatility, quality, reliability, and competitiveness. We’re proud of our company and the quality vessels we build, but we’re especially proud of the people who build them.
Full-Service Vessel Manufacturer
Here at Hike Metal, we have all the expertise and facilities to be able to manufacture a vessel from the first napkin sketch. From design to fabrication, finishing, and sea trials, we do it all from start to finish. We even include delivery and after-sales service of these for both domestic and global clients.
We offer refurbishment, retrofit, and repairs for industry-specific boats. But our main focus is manufacturing heavy-duty commercial and industrial vessels.
Which Industries Need Custom Ships?
There are standard vessel designs on the market- displacement, catamaran, center console, yachts, etc. But many industries need specialized designs, different shaped hulls, and specific equipment on board fit for purpose.
Since our facilities have grown, a whole range of industries now utilizes our professional services. Safety and durability are absolutely vital for a marine company commercial vessel for these industries.
- Commercial fisheries
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Police
- Border Patrol
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- Department of National Defense and armed forces that serve at sea
- Port and marina authorities
- Fire department and fire fighting organizations
- Canadian Coast Guard
- Pleasure craft and tourism industry
- Ferries and public transportation
- Cargo shipping and barges
- Scientific research
- Navigation and survey
Over the years we have worked with a wide range of industries to design and manufacture custom ships. We enjoy the variety and challenges each project brings and giving the client exactly what they want. But how does our custom ship manufacturing process work? Read on to find out.
Custom Ship Building Process
So how are ships built anyway? Manufacturing commercial boats, ships, and vessels is a multi-stage process requiring specific expertise at every step.
We work closely with our clients to make sure we fully understand their every need and create their vision down to the last rivet. Read on to discover what each step of our manufacturing process involves.
Step 1: Initial Meetings
After first contact over the phone or email, we invite our customers to our offices in Wheatley for a meeting. Sometimes the meetings have to be via video call, or one of our representatives will visit the client. These initial meetings are to grasp the ideas and needs of the client and for us to answer any queries and provide some initial guidance.
Step 2: Compile Requirements
Here we define the class and functional requirements of the vessel. We focus on environment-proofing, crew size and facilities, accommodations, specific onboard equipment, and much more.
We aim to build a close working relationship with the client during this stage to build a trusting partnership. An in-depth understanding of the client’s specifications is vital to move on to the design stage.
Step 3: Design
The client specifications are reviewed by our Production Planning Team for analysis. Our design team uses the latest computer design software to draw up the desired vessel. This gives the client a chance to preview the finished vessel including internal and external features. Here, any design alterations can be made.
The vessel systems and installations are pre-engineered before work is put in hand. Material procurement, staffing, processes, quality assurance, and regular inspection checkpoints are scheduled for the complete manufacturing process of the vessel.
Step 4: Quotation and Approval
Upon completion, the final design and production schedules are put together in a comprehensive quotation. Our transparent pricing allows the customer to see that we do not add any extra fees or expenses.
We are your honest and reliable custom ship builders in Ontario who believe in value for money. This way, the customer gets a quality product built and delivered on time, at the most competitive price possible.
Step 5: Production
Our pre-production planning provides the customer with an efficiently manufactured and professional “purpose” built vessel. There is no compromise. Close communication is kept between design, administration, and production staff to ensure the highest standard of quality and timely delivery of each component.
Our large modern custom ship manufacturing facilities and metalworking machinery enable us to build both large and small vessels simultaneously. Vessels up to 34m (100ft) in length can be built completely inside under heated environmentally controlled conditions. Larger vessels are built in sub-sections and assembled outside within the shipyard.
Step 6: Testing and Launch
Our custom boat and ship building facilities are strategically laid out to allow for a smooth production process, from delivery of materials to final testing, quality checks, and safety inspections.
Every vessel we manufacture or repair goes through a rigorous testing and inspection process. We double-check everything is in perfect working order. We then conduct stringent sea trials, analyze the results, and make any final adjustments before handing it over to the client. We provide excellent after-sale services to ensure 100% customer satisfaction.
Get the Vessel You Need From Custom Ship Building in Ontario
We are not like other ship building companies. Hike Metal is Ontario’s world-class manufacturer of custom boats, ships, and vessels since 1958.
Get the vessel you need from a company that handles the entire process under one roof. Get the highest standard of ship manufacturing for the best price from the leading custom ship builders in Ontario.
Get in touch to find out how we can make your vision a reality.
