By Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders in Auckland.
As a result of a client’s request, Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders have created an entirely new Catalyst – the GT. Refining the America’s Cup Catalyst’s superstructure, they have created more of a gentlemen’s fast commuter, reminiscent of these elegant boats from the 1920s and 30s.
They launched her on the 8th of August, and although still recognisable as a Catalyst, the GT takes the brand in a new direction, appealing to people who appreciate style and high performance.
The Catalyst GT is the perfect example of the Catalyst’s customisability. Born out of a request by the owner of a private resort island for a high-speed luxury guest transfer, water sports and touring vessel, she is one of two Catalysts currently in build at Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders. As has been the case with all the Catalyst built to date, the GT is a 100% custom build and entirely different from the second Catalyst, which is a tender for a superyacht. Building two completely different boats at the same time is a major undertaking but one the Lloyd Stevenson boat builders relish.
The GT has seating for 30 guests and a reinforced bow, enabling the boat to nose onto sandy beaches, where the bow beach-landing stairs can be deployed, giving direct access off the boat onto the shore. The beach landing stairs are lowered from the foredeck centre section; when stowed, they are neatly housed in a recessed compartment in the bow centre section, under two foredeck doors.
At 13.75 m (45 ft), the GT is finished to superyacht standards. It has 4 x 300 hp Yamaha outboard motors and a top speed of 50 knots. These high-performance catamarans are powerful, lightweight, very capable sea boats with exceptional ride and handling. It is these traits that have made them the favoured chase boat for all the main America’s Cup teams. They also make excellent superyacht tenders and private, high-performance recreational boats.
Of the 25 Catalysts built to date, no two are the same, and they have excelled at every task they have been asked to perform. Everything can be customised to meet a client’s needs… the options list is only limited by your imagination.
