Hike Metal, a leader in custom vessel construction since 1958, will host a private celebration on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, marking the completion of its 10th and final Bay Class vessel for the Canadian Coast Guard.
The new vessel, the CCGS Mira Bay, represents the culmination of a highly successful chapter in Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, showcasing the strength of Ontario shipbuilding and reaffirming Wheatley’s reputation as the freshwater commercial fishing capital of the world.
The event will be held at Hike Metal’s facility in Wheatley and is by invitation only for the first portion of the day, with the public welcome at 12:30 for speeches. Attendees will include Canadian Coast Guard representatives, local officials, and political leaders. Premier Doug Ford has expressed interest in attending, highlighting the significance of this achievement for Ontario’s maritime industry.
Since 2017, Hike Metal Custom Boat Manufacturers has proudly constructed and delivered an impressive lineup of Bay Class Search and Rescue Boats - Canadian Coast Guard. Each vessel is a 19-metre, 75-tonne self-righting lifeboat built for search and rescue missions, capable of operating up to 120 nautical miles from shore. With the ability to withstand 12-metre seas and Beaufort Force 12 conditions, the vessels embody Canadian engineering and craftsmanship. They are powered by a four-person crew and reach speeds of up to 25 knots.
The SAR project stands out as a key initiative in the Canadian Coast Guard’s history. The SAR project contributed to over 6,000 marine assistance calls annually. On average, the SAR program supports an average of 19 search and rescue incidents per day, saving 13 lives daily. For Hike Metal, the contract provided long-term stability, creating new jobs and preserving work for existing employees.
The fleet of 10 vessels built by Hike Metal includes CCGS Pennant Bay (December 2017), CCGS McIntyre Bay (September 2018), CCGS Sacred Bay (June 2019), CCGS Florencia Bay (October 2020), CCGS La Poile Bay (August 2021), CCGS Shediac Bay (May 2022), CCGS Gabarus Bay (December 2022), CCGS Barrington Bay (October 2023), CCGS Groswater Bay (August 2024), and CCGS Mira Bay, which is scheduled for formal delivery this fall (2025).
Hike Metal has long been recognized for its versatility and excellence across the boating industries it serves. The company has developed a wide range of projects beyond the Bay Class program. It has constructed vessels for commercial, government, and private sectors, such as the Maid of the Mist tour boats, the Toronto Island Airport ferry, and numerous police and Coast Guard vessels. Each project reflects the company’s expertise in advanced marine design and engineering, ensuring that Hike Metal projects remain globally recognized.
The CCGS Mira Bay will join 18 other Bay Class vessels currently serving Canadian waters, reinforcing the Canadian Coast Guard’s capacity to protect mariners from Newfoundland to British Columbia. The fleet represents an investment in Canada’s maritime safety and a showcase of the nation’s ability to produce world-class vessels domestically.
Founded in 1958, Hike Metal Custom Boat Manufacturers has been a cornerstone of the marine industry in Ontario for more than six decades. Located on Lake Erie’s north shore, the company is capable of building vessels up to 100 tonnes and 45.72 metres in length (150 feet).
Learn more about Hike Metal by visiting its website at https://hikemetal.com/.
About Hike Metal
Hike Metal builds custom boats, ships, and vessels for commercial, government, and private clients worldwide. Based in Wheatley, Ontario, the company is recognized for its expertise in advanced vessel design and construction.
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Media Contact
Hike Metal
324 Milo Rd, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0
519-825-4691
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Published by: Randy Rohde