Catalysts were originally conceived for Emirates Team New Zealand’s America’s Cup team as a high-speed, comfortable chase boat for all conditions with a large cargo and personnel capacity. Designed by the California-based Morelli & Melvin team, Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders took ownership of the Catalyst brand from Salthouse Boatbuilders in 2019. The Catalyst GT is a brand-new model.
The first thing that strikes you about the Catalyst GT is its sleek, modern lines. The brand-new cabin superstructure was designed in-house at Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders. Every inch of the boat, from its cutting-edge hull to the meticulously crafted deck, has been engineered to combine form and function. The Catalyst GT is not just about raw speed or performance, it’s also a testament to the art of yacht design, blending aesthetics with innovation.
The boat is constructed from composites, including carbon fibre, making it incredibly strong and lightweight. This, coupled with the aerodynamically designed air-cushioning hull tunnel, makes for more agile and responsive on-water performance with reduces drag for better fuel efficiency and speed.
The hull’s aerodynamic lines are complemented by an ergonomic layout that maximises comfort without sacrificing the vessel’s performance-oriented focus. Every curve and angle was carefully crafted to reduce wind resistance and improve hydrodynamics, making it one of the most efficient boats in its class.
Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders has built versions of the Catalyst to order since 2020, but the GT is a new model.
Power and performance
Under the bonnet, the Catalyst GT boasts a range of powerful engines, catering to both adrenaline junkies and those who prefer a more leisurely experience. Depending on the configuration, the boat can be equipped with twin or quadruple outboard motors, offering anywhere from 700 to 2,400 horsepower.
For speed enthusiasts, the top-end version of the Catalyst GT can reach speeds in excess of 60 knots, making it one of the fastest boats around. The boat’s lightweight construction and advanced propulsion systems means acceleration is rapid enough to knock you off your feet if you are not holding on, yet smooth and stable. Whether racing across a lake or cruising the coast, the Catalyst GT delivers a thrilling, high-octane ride.
During our run, the wind was puffing over 25 knots, and the sea state was building, creating perfect conditions to assess the boat’s performance. We stayed right in the middle of the Gulf, making sure that we copped all the conditions. From a standing start, we were able to cross the 30-knot speed mark in just eight seconds, accelerating to 52 knots in 17.5 seconds at which point the fuel burn was 408 litres per hour. Cornering on full lock at 50 knots is phenomenal –
a testament to the hull design.
But speed isn’t the only thing that defines the Catalyst GT’s performance. The ride is exceptional and the handling is staggeringly good, even barrelling along on test day at 50-plus knots in a metre of chop.
Crafted by Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders in Auckland, our test boat was in its final stages of systems testing prior to shipping.
This high-speed, luxury Catalyst is off to a private resort in the Caribbean where it will be used for guest transfer vessel and as a water sports tender.
Versatility and Customisation
One of the key selling points for the Catalyst GT is its versatility. Unlike many performance boats designed purely for speed, the Catalyst GT can be easily adapted to suit various boating activities – watersports, fishing, or cruising, this boat does it all. There is even a flybridge version on the design board. The Catalyst GT can be fitted with optional rod holders, live wells, and fish-finding technology, transforming it into a high-performance fishing vessel. Its shallow draft, exceptional seakeeping, and agile handling make it ideal for navigating coastal waters and quickly reaching remote fishing spots that other boats might struggle to access. Westhaven to Great Barrier is less than an hour.
As the GT has been designed primarily as a guest transfer tender, there is a spacious cockpit with plenty of seating and ample storage to easily accommodate all the luggage the resort’s guests will bring, or alternatively, stow the toys you need for a fun day on the water. It is rated to carry up to 30 passengers and two crew.
Over 25 Catalyst builds have been completed to date, and no two are exactly alike, which gives owners a sense of exclusivity and pride. Our boat was fitted with twin 900-litre fuel tanks and 80-litre freshwater tanks, suitable for her intended use when she arrives in the Caribbean.
The Catalyst GT is highly customisable, with optional features and configurations that allow buyers to tailor the boat to their specific needs. This edition of the Catalyst GT has been designed for soft beach landings, where the bow can be nudged onto the shore. A staircase lowered off the bow allows passengers to depart or arrive with dry feet. The boat had a good-sized wine fridge and another one just for beer.
This Catalyst will be soon followed by a ‘follow-along’ Superyacht tender powered by twin 600hp Mercury V12s with a twin-berth day cabin and separate head. This vessel will be foil-assisted, allowing an incredibly fuel-efficient 40-knot cruise speed. This Catalyst is intended as a rapid, long-distance passage-maker, regularly making the round trip from New Zealand to Fiji on its own bottom.
The next version in design at Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders is a flybridge model. This fishing-orientated vessel will be able to get to the fishing grounds faster than nearly any other boat around, while using less fuel than almost any comparable boat.
A new benchmark
The Catalyst GT is more than just a boat. It is a statement of the future of boating. With its cutting-edge technology and customisable features, it is leading the field in high-performance boating.
The Catalyst GT is a wonderful example of modern marine engineering, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the water. As more boaters seek out high-performance, highly versatile vessels, the Catalyst GT is well-positioned to lead the charge into a new era of boating.
It’s a revolution and a rush to drive.
