GROWING STRONGER
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 the same.
