Interceptor Delivers First 36-Foot GTC Catamaran

Four years ago when Andrew Price purchased Southern California-based Interceptor Custom Boats and moved production to Lake Havasu City, Ariz., he didn’t have a catamaran in his model line. Interceptor was primarily known for its sterndrive engine-powered 26- and 28-foot deckboats, which are popular in the West Coast custom market. But since acquiring the company, Price wanted to add a full-tunnel, outboard-engine-powered catamaran to his lineup.

The first Interceptor 36 GTC catamaran has been delivered and hull No. 2 is in the mold.

Now he has. Dubbed the 36 GTC—shorthand for Grand Touring Catamaran—the first carbon-fiber-and-epoxy-infused 36-footer powered by twin Mercury Racing 500R outboard engines was delivered last month.

The 36 GTC was born out of a truly international collaboration. Franco Gianni of the famed SFG Yacht Group, which is headquartered in Italy but has an office in South Florida, handled the initial concept renderings. Equally renowned in powerboat-design circles, Adam Younger of United Kingdom-based firm that bears his name created the hull design, which includes a 69-1/2-inch tunnel. Southern California-based Walker Industries CNC-cut the hull and deck plugs, and Interceptor created the molds from those plugs.

The 36-footer boasts a six-seat Alcantara-upholstered interior.

“We took it from drawings to a completed boat in 16 months,” Price said.

Better still, at least for Price and his crew, the company has seven orders for the 36-footer.

With Mike Griffiths and Davey Dins of Mercury Racing going hands-on to help the Interceptor team with setup, hull No. 1 had no trouble reaching 125 mph. Griffiths, who tested the cat on Lake Havasu for a full morning, said he was impressed.

“It’s a very well-mannered boat,” he said. “They did a very nice job with it.”

Added Price, “They came back smiling.”

As did the company principal. Great handling manners and ride quality were his top priorities.

“I was blown away by the handling—it has zero bad characteristics,” he enthused. “You can drive it all day at neutral and slightly negative trim and not have to touch the trim at all. It’s a very driver friendly boat.

Rear-facing lounge seats are standard.

“All of the seats are mounted on billet brackets so you’re not sitting on the floor,” he added. “You can actually step out of the boat from the rear bench.”

Described by Price as “a large 36,” the cat has a 10-foot, 8-inch beam. The 36-footer lists for approximately $500,000 with twin 500-hp outboards.

The boat-builder did not waste any space in the build.

“We don’t nickel and dime our customers,” he said. “We build a well-equipped boat with lots of uncommon amenities and features. The 36 GTC even has a ‘waterfall’ down the transom steps.” Hull No. 2 is in lamination.

“We should have it in the water by mid-February,” said Price. “After that, we’d like to deliver a new 36 GTC every five to six weeks.”