Clients in the News: M Ship Co.

Shipbuilders have spent the last hundred years making hulls narrower and deeper for more speed and stability. That makes the Pentagon's latest sea toy, the Stiletto, a bit of a surprise. The M80 Stiletto looks like a hulking rectangle from above: It's 88 feet long and half as wide, with a 3-foot draft when loaded. But under that extra-wide body is an innovative hull shaped like twin "M"s. The design captures the energy from the wave created by the bow of the ship and channels it underneath, nearly eliminating the wake and creating an air cushion that makes for tight turns and a smooth ride, even at speeds of up to 50 knots (58mph). San Diego maritime design firm M Ship Co. delivered the $6 million Stiletto in May for the "brown water" Navy, which battles in rivers and close to the shore. M Ship will also sell you a fishing boat.