Hike Metal 55 “Silver Bullet” — Offshore Pilothouse Sloop

Length overall: 55 ft; waterline length: 54.6 ft; max beam: 14 ft; displacement: 32,000 lbs. Built with 1/4″ bottom and 3/16″ topside aluminum hull plating and 3/16″ aluminum deck, the Hike Metal 55 “Silver Bullet” was launched in 1998 with an interior by George Lewis Architect completed in 2000. The lifting keel extends to a 10 ft draft and retracts to 6 ft 6 in via twin stainless-steel hydraulic rams (42 in travel), carrying a 1,500 lb aluminum keel shell ballasted with 10,000 lbs of lead; the keel’s lead center of gravity sits approximately 8 ft below the waterline when deployed.

Construction, Structure and Systems

The hull features reinforced high-stress zones in 3/8″ and 1/2″ aluminum and is subdivided into four watertight compartments for offshore safety and damage control. Tankage includes four fuel tanks totaling 110 gallons and four 20-gallon water tanks. The keel foil follows a NACA section to optimize lift and reduce drag when sailing upwind.

Deck, Rigging and Deck Gear

Deck hardware is a mix of Harken и Lewmar with Lewmar hatches and portlights. The mast is a keel-stepped Hall Spar with three spreaders and offshore-grade rod rigging; the boom is an offshore spar and a carbon-fiber spinnaker pole is fitted. Headsail handling is eased with a PROFURL 42 roller furling unit. The sail inventory is extensive: three mains, four jibs, three spinnakers, one staysail, plus storm sails including a storm jib and tri-sail.

Steering, Anchoring and Safety

Primary helm is a Whitlock torsion bar steering system located in the enclosed pilothouse with a gimbaled helm chair and a soft pilot berth for watch relief. Anchoring equipment includes a 70 lb Bruce anchor and two Fortress anchors (55 lb and 37 lb). The main backstay is hydraulically adjusted and fitted with antenna insulators. A 6-person ELLIOT offshore life raft is USCG-SOLAS rated; the safety fit includes man-overboard retrieval gear and other offshore safety equipment.

Interior Layout and Comfort

Interior joinery uses cherry and ash finishes and the accommodation plan provides seven berths configured as two doubles and three singles, two heads with holding tanks and a single shower. Heating is handled by an Espar hydronic heater. The pilothouse layout supports extended offshore cruising with comfortable watch-keeping and protected navigation in heavy weather.

Propulsion and Power Systems

Main propulsion is a Yanmar 4JH2-TNE 100 HP with 4,554 engine hours. Auxiliary power is a Yanmar 15 HP genset (belt-driven, 2,103 hrs). Electrical and energy systems include 12V charging circuits, a Primus 12V wind generator, a Watts at Sea 12V generator, refrigeration compressor, and an RO watermaker driven by the genset. The vessel also employs an ultrasonic hull antifouling system with W4 transmitters.

Electronics and Communications

Onboard electronics are comprehensive for offshore navigation and safety: Raymarine water and wind instruments, B&G radar, NMEA 2000 autopilot and AIS, Garmin chart plotter, SSB radio with Procter modem and antenna turner, plus VHF. These systems allow for long-range coastal and bluewater routing with redundancy in communications and situational awareness.

Sail Inventory and Handling

• Three mains
• Four jibs
• Three spinnakers
• One staysail
• Storm jib and storm tri-sail

Operational Notes and Maintenance Considerations

Hydraulics for the keel are driven by the main engine via an electric clutch—this arrangement simplifies keel operation but requires diligence in hydraulic maintenance and monitoring of the spool valves, seals, and drive clutch. The keel’s significant lead ballast and deep lower CG offer excellent righting moment for offshore work, but the complexity of moving ballast means scheduled inspections and fluid checks are essential. An ultrasonic antifouling system reduces routine hull painting but owners should verify transmitter and hull coating condition before extended cruising seasons.

Why “Silver Bullet” Matters to Charter and Brokerage Markets

As an aluminum pilothouse sloop with robust systems and an extensive sail inventory, the Hike Metal 55 fits a niche between expedition-style yachts and performance cruisers. For owners considering charter or private sales, this platform can provide long-range two- to four-week offshore voyages with reliable accommodations, strong seakeeping, and flexible draft for varied anchorages—attributes attractive to small groups seeking adventure-based charters or couples planning extended coastal cruising. Transparency of systems and documented hours on engine and genset help brokers and buyers evaluate lifecycle costs and charter readiness.

Interesting Background and Design Notes

Designed by Mike Scolfield and finished internally by George Lewis, the Hike Metal 55 blends naval architectural attention to foil sections (NACA keel profile) with practical offshore ergonomics. The lifting keel concept allows access to shallow anchorages and protected bays, expanding destination choices—a practical advantage for yacht charter itineraries that include variable harbors, estuaries, and island chains.

GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as we truly understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The GetBoat service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course; it places no limits on a good life, allowing clients to find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste.

The most important highlights of the Hike Metal 55 include its heavy-duty aluminum construction, lifting keel with deep ballast, extensive sail inventory, pilothouse comfort, and comprehensive electronics suite. Experiencing a new location is always a multifaceted process, where one learns about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors, its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com

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In summary, the Hike Metal 55 “Silver Bullet” is a purpose-built offshore pilothouse sloop with heavy aluminum construction, a deep lifting keel, robust propulsion and power systems, and a full complement of offshore safety and navigation equipment. Its capabilities suit bluewater passages and exploratory coastal cruising, and the design choices make it attractive for owners considering charter income or adventurous private ownership. For those seeking yachts, charters or sales options—whether a small crewed trip, a private sail with a captain, or a purchase for long-range voyaging—this platform represents a durable, seaworthy choice. GetBoat.com supports these ambitions by offering a global, user-friendly solution for booking or buying boats, yachts and sailboats with transparency and convenience—helping you find the right vessel for your next ocean-bound chapter. Sail with confidence.