Intrepid Powerboats Latest Boatbuilder to Partner with Defense Industry for Autonomous Vessel Production

Scott Way
29 minutes ago
3 min read

Florida-based Intrepid Powerboats has become the latest recreational boat manufacturer to expand into the defense sector, announcing a manufacturing partnership with autonomous vessel developer Maritime Tactical Systems (MARTAC) to increase production of unmanned surface vessels (USVs).

The news comes after fellow Florida manufacturer Mystic Powerboats announced a similar partnership with MARTAC last week.

In a statement announcing the agreement, MARTAC said the collaboration with Intrepid "positions MARTAC to build 200–300 unmanned surface vessels per year by leveraging Florida's world-class boatbuilding base."

Under the agreement, Intrepid will manufacture MARTAC's Devil Ray autonomous surface vessel platforms using its existing production facilities, workforce, and manufacturing expertise. The partnership is expected to increase MARTAC's production capacity to between 200 and 300 USVs annually, which already includes its own in-house production as well as the new Mystic partnership, as demand for autonomous maritime systems grows rapidly, particularly among the U.S. military and its allies.

For MARTAC, the arrangement allows the company to expand output without the time and capital investment required to construct dedicated production facilities.

MARTAC's Devil Ray family of autonomous vessels are used in multiple U.S. military programs and were showcased recently in several high-profile demonstrations. The unmanned surface vessels (USVs) are used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, force protection, logistics support, and other maritime missions. There are three Devil Ray variants: the T38 (with an inboard diesel engine and 4000 lb payload capacity), the T24 (1800 lb payload capacity), and the T18 (750 lb payload capacity).

“This partnership shows how quickly we can scale when we tap into the talent and capacity that already exists in Florida’s marine manufacturing sector,” said Tony Smeraglinolo, Chief Executive Officer of MARTAC. “Working with a builder of Intrepid’s caliber enables us to rapidly accelerate quality production, without the lengthy process of standing up new plants. It is the right model for a moment when demand for autonomous maritime systems is growing faster than the traditional defense industrial base can respond.”

“Intrepid has spent more than four decades building some of the most capable boats on the water, right here in Florida,” said Terry McNew, President of Intrepid Powerboats. “Partnering with MARTAC lets us put that craftsmanship and capacity to work supporting national security and the broader unmanned maritime mission. It’s a natural extension of what our team does best.”

The Intrepid agreement is part seemingly of a broader trend across the recreational marine industry over the past year. Defense contractors and autonomous technology firms are increasingly turning to established boatbuilders for manufacturing capacity or technological expertise. Brunswick Corporation, the owners of major brands including Boston Whaler, Sea Ray, and Bayliner, announced in May that its boats, along with Mercury Marine engines and Navico Group electronics, would be provided for Textron Systems TSUNAMI uncrewed surface vessels. The vessels are being used by the U.S. Navy Fourth Fleet and U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) based in Doral, Florida.

With both Intrepid and Mystic manufacturing the Devil Ray for MARTAC, the volume of manufacturing will help alleviate choke points in the U.S. military supply chain. One of the military's stated goals regarding USV production is to be able to organize and orchestrate what it calls "surge capacity" in production when an immediate need arises.

The Devil Ray T18 platform is relatively small with an LOA of 19'8", a max payload of 750 lbs, and a top speed of 60 knots via twin inboard gas engines. Its little brother, the Mantas T12, carries an LOA of 12' with a max payload of 140 lbs and a burst speed over 30 knots from an electric powertrain. Both platforms can be built quickly and with an adaptive layout depending on the requirements during a short-term production surge.

For Intrepid, the agreement represents a significant expansion beyond its traditional recreational boating business. Founded in Opa-locka, Florida in 1983 by John Michel, the company is well-known for its lineup of high-performance center console, cuddy cabin, and offshore fishing boats. Intrepid headquarters are now based in Largo, Florida. Mystic is based in nearby DeLand Florida, while MARTAC holds its HQ in Melbourne, Florida. #news #mysticpowerboats #intrepidpowerboats