BOAT WORLD
“The Catalyst fits our profile perfectly – building high-spec, high-performance tenders for superyachts.”
GROWING STRONGER
AUCKLAND’S LLOYD STEVENSON BOATBUILDERS (LSB) IS IN EXPANSION MODE AND IS HAVING TO GET CREATIVE TO MAXIMISE FACTORY FLOOR SPACE FOR THE GROWING WORKLOAD.
While the need for more space is not a new issue, says LSB People & Marketing Manager Luke Hill, it’s become more pressing with the recent acquisition of the moulds for the Catalyst 45 catamaran – a vessel previously built by Salthouse Boatbuilders.
“Greg (Salthouse) approached us late last year to ask if we were interested in the moulds – as he was downsizing his operation and closing his yard.” The 14m Catalyst was designed by Morrelli & Melvin as a high-speed tender/chase-boat for Emirates Team NZ. The design proved popular and Salthouse subsequently built 18 – typically used as support vessels for superyachts, and often fitted with four 300hp-plus outboards.
“The Catalyst’s a good fit for LSB – we’ve built a strong reputation around high-spec, high-performance tenders for superyachts. The Catalyst is highly customisable – which is our main strength – so we grabbed Greg’s offer.”
LSB began the first one earlier this year – E-glass over foam – for an offshore client building a 125ft Swan racing superyacht. The Catalyst is to be used as a support vessel, carrying the Swan’s anchors and chains, fuel, water etc. to keep the yacht light for racing. Already there are numerous enquiries for more of
