Local Boat Builder (sort of) Guarantees Repeat Business

When the Navy released a recent video showing its test of its ship-mounted laser weapon, it was in the process of destroying an aluminum boat made by a Theodore company. Silver Ships on Bellingrath Road has made about 300 target boats over the past ten years.

Now, they aren't always shot at, blown up, or set on fire by lasers. Sometimes they are simply used as training aids for acquisition and engagement exercises. But sometimes, aircraft and Navy guns--and yes, lasers are fired at them.

But it turns out its good for the military, to help in training and validating their weapons systems, but also for the company. Special Projects Director Scott Clanton says Silver Ships gets to see the boats after they are shot at and it helps them evaluate and improve construction processes.

But the target boats are not the only product the company makes. Most of the other boats are not shot at on purpose. But they are all aluminum and rugged. Silver Ships sells mostly to government, military and police customers, although they have sold a boat to individuals for recreational purposes on occasion.

The boats are designed to withstand harsh conditions and last a long time--that is if no one is shooting heavy military ordinance at them.Silver Ships