The Canadian Coast Guard are the unsung heroes of Canada’s diverse waters. To maintain the safety of life at Oceans and lakes, they need equipment they can rely on… including quality Canadian coast guard boats.
Ontario’s boat manufacturing companies understand this critical need. Hike Metals is one of the companies in Canada that ensures failsafe coast guard vessel manufacturing in Ontario.
At Hike Metal, we have mastered the craft of making high-performing life saving vessels across more than six decades. And our coast guard boats meet the demanding needs of professionals, empowering them as they protect lives.
Read on to know more about our coast guard vessel manufacturing process. Make sure that we meet your standards of reliability and safety before choosing our vessels.
Hike Metal: History of Canadian Coast Guard Vessels in Ontario
Hike Metal has a rich history in boat manufacturing and a commitment to innovation since 1958. We have grown from supporting the local commercial fishing industry with boat repairs and retrofitting to becoming a name with international repute.
We produce custom boats, ships, and vessels that cater to various industries and personal watercraft enthusiasts. Located on the north shore of Lake Erie, Hike Metal underwent significant upgrades between the 1970s and 1980s.
We take pride in our craftsmanship, which has been passed down through generations of skilled designers and manufacturers. Today, we are a “family” of “Master Boat Builders” with enhanced facilities and an expanded product range.
We’ve contributed significantly to the marine safety sector. We produce Cape Class and Bay Class patrol boats for ocean protection. Our emergency services vessels also serve the police, fire, and border protection departments.
Our legacy of innovation and dedication to safety continues to drive our success in the coast guard boat manufacturing industry. We’re renowned for our high-quality coast guard boats, which combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. We even produced a custom Hovercraft for the coast guard fleet.
Our vessel designs can meet specific safety requirements for optimal performance in critical operations. We’ve set industry standards and provided lifeguard boats to various organizations across Ontario and beyond.
Importance of Reliable and Safe Lifeguard Boats
Reliable and safe coast guard vessels are crucial. Canada needs to pay special attention to them due to the following:
- Vast coastline and shorelines: Canada has the longest shoreline and the most lakes in the world. Everywhere in Canada, you’ll find a body of water for swimming, boating, or general transport.
- Varied water conditions: Canada’s waterways range from calm lakes to rough oceans. Accordingly, the requirements for maintaining safety in these water bodies are also diverse.
- Cold water temperatures: Even in the prime of summer, Canada’s waters are often cold. Cold water shock and other accidents are not uncommon, and providing warm and dry conditions is crucial.
- Remote locations: Many sections of the Canadian water bodies are remote and hard to access. Some are located in remote areas, especially in southern regions where traveling has its perils.
The Canadian Coast Guard must patrol the waters of Canada to ensure safety for the general public. That’s where the role of a reliable lifeboat comes into play.
Rescue boats are essential for carrying out critical search and rescue operations. They minimize risks to lifeguards and rescued victims, providing a warm, stable platform with required lifesaving equipment.
The Process of Coast Guard Boat Manufacturing
These customized boats need to be durable and sturdy enough to handle Canada’s cold weather and remote waters. They should meet safety standards and ensure legal compliance.
Hence, manufacturing lifeguard boats is a demanding process. Each step of making these boats is crucial for ensuring the final boat is reliable, secure, and efficient.
Design Phase
In this phase, the vision of the vessel takes place. Boat designers and engineers collaborate to envision a lifeguard boat that’s stable and high-speed.
They consider factors like hull shape and weight distribution to ensure maneuverability and functionality. In a modern setup like the one Hike Metal has 3D modeling technology like CAD is used in lifeguard boat manufacture.
Material Selection
The right material should handle the cold, remain strong, and serve for years. It must be lightweight and resistant to water, corrosion, and impact.
Additional features like slippery surfaces, strength-to-weight ratio, etc., are also considered. High-quality, durable marine-grade aluminum or fiberglass are selected.
Construction Process
In this phase, the predefined design specifications are followed for creating parts and assembling them. Cutting, molding, and welding techniques are used for the hull, deck, and other parts.
Once the superstructure is ready, wiring, plumbing, navigation system, etc., are installed. This entire process undergoes rigorous quality control checks for the boat manufacture is one of the most advanced practices.
Maiden Voyage Testing
Finally, the coast guard vessel undergoes maiden voyage testing to make sure it meets safety and performance standards. Trials to evaluate the vessel’s capabilities for handling real-world conditions.
Its speed, stability, emergency response abilities, etc., are checked. Engineers and experienced lifeguards collaborate to provide feedback, and necessary adjustments are made accordingly.
Contact Hike Metal
Are you looking for trusted boat manufacturing companies for unparalleled craftsmanship in lifeguard boat manufacture? Hike Metal is here for you.
Our professional boat building services make boating and life on the water in Canada safer and easier.