BREAKING NEWS: A new Catalyst is underway. In late May, we signed a contract with an international client for a new Catalyst build. The superstructure is a entirely new design & establishes the brand in a whole new sector. Once again, showing how versatile the Catalyst platform is.

And so we continue 2023 as we ended 2022. Busy.
In this issue of our newsletter, we give you an update on the progress of the two Catalyst Americas Cup chase boats, look forward to the launch of our 18m Elite Mid Pilothouse, flip the hull of the 16m Elite Mid Pilothouse and give you a quick update on the expedition ketch Wind Spirit and Matuku, the Artnautica 60 Sportfisher.

In New and Reviews, we reflect on the 2023 Auckland On Water Boat Show, back for the first time in four years, share an article on hybrid power systems for boats and review Elon Musks Starlink Marine internet service.

We will have a full update on the new Catalyst build in the next issue.

So lets get into it.

B69 is in the water. Ben, Glyn and the team have been flat-out post-Christmas and she is now launched.  

Ben and the team have really pushed along with the AC 50 as well; in fact, the team has been so productive that B71 was launched about a week after the AC 45.

Decs, Lloyd and the team have made an enormous effort on B63. The interior fit-out is very nearly completed and the hull has been top-coated.

The new 16m Elite we started building in the last newsletter has progressed rapidly.

B66: Wind Spirit Expedition Ketch

Over the summer, we took Wind Spirit for a sail and made a video. So, for those yet to see our Wind Spirit sailing video.

Click on the image to watch.

B69: Matuku: Artnautica 60

Matuku has been very busy with trips to Great Barrier Island and the far north, where she competed in the 2023 New Zealand Nationals fishing competition. And did very well. 

Click on the image to watch.

To read the Matuku review published in the May/June 2023 issue of Pacific PowerBoat, take advantage of this free, 12-month digital subscription.

Click on the READ MORE button to sign-up.

Once you have signed up, you will be sent a password setup email. No-obligation, no credit card details are required, no auto-renewals or hooks.

Royce and the team have not had much of a let-up since Christmas, and there is still plenty on - Crusader, one of our 16m Elite Mid Pilothouse boats, is in for a major refit.
If you are in need of Royces expert attention with some re-fit work, systems inspections or maintenance, please do not hesitate to contact Royce at royce@lsb.co.nz or telephone +64 9 274 7680

The excitement of launching a boat custom-built just for you is unique. With our multi-talented team and experience building a diverse range of very high-quality custom boats, we are ready to help you live that excitement.

Contact Robert for a no-obligation discussion about your project at robert@lsb.co.nz

We are looking for boat builders and apprentice boat builders.

If you would like to become part of our amazing team and enjoy all the fun and excitement of working at LSB, READ MORE

After four years we were back at the Auckland On Water Boat Show.

READ MORE to see how it went.

If you are curious about diesel/electric hybrid propulsion, Boattest.com takes a look.

Click on READ MORE to read more.

For the New Zealand readers, Starlink's global maritime coverage, with up to 220 Mbps download while at sea, starts at NZ$457/month for 50GB of data. There is also a one-time hardware cost of NZ$4,200.

Click on READ MORE to go to the Starlink/Maritime web page. Type in an NZ address & click on order now; it will show you the NZ pricing options. Don't worry, you have not actually ordered anything.

We have had a hunt around to find an objective and informative review of Mr Musks Starlink maritime broadband internet service. To read the best one I found, Click on READ MORE below.