The blood
& the build.
Two kids from Norway, a lifetime obsessed with speed, and three and a half decades of boats built by hand on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Thirty-five years ago, the first Nor-Tech powerboat hit the Gulf of Mexico with craftsmanship, speed and style like no other. The company had two employees — Trond and Nils.
Today the co-founders can still be found on the production floor of their Southwest Florida facilities as often as in their offices. What began as two friends chasing speed has become one of America’s most respected high-performance boat builders.
“If there’s a boat we can dream up, why not build it? If we can build it, we will.”
Nils Johnsen — Co-Founder & Chief Designer
often inspired by his cherry-red Lamborghini Countach
A history of firsts.
- 1980
The Beginning
A young Trond Schou and Nils Johnsen start hanging out in the boatyards of Norway — obsessed with sports cars and speed.
- 1990
The Move to the U.S.
Trond and Nils move to the United States after building 16 boats in Norway, bringing the 5000 Supervee molds with them.
- 1991
First Builds
They begin building 50-foot high-performance V-bottoms in a 6,000 sq ft facility in Cape Coral. Nor-Tech is a two-man company.
- 1996
First Line Expansion
The first model-line expansion kicks off with the introduction of the 3800 Supervee.
- 2000
First 5000 Supercat
Known for high-quality custom boats, Nor-Tech moves beyond V-bottoms — the 5000 Supercat takes the industry by storm.
- 2002
45,000 Sq Ft Facility
With 55 employees and production booming, Nor-Tech expands to a 45,000 sq ft facility in North Fort Myers.
- 2003
The 3600 Supercat
The 3600 becomes Nor-Tech’s best-selling catamaran and cements its legacy as a performance boat builder.
- 2006
U.S. Government Commission
The government commissions the Nor-Tech 43 as a drug-chase boat — used to intercept millions in contraband across the U.S., Bahamas and Panama.
- 2008
Fastest Boat in Norway
A Nor-Tech catamaran takes the title of Fastest Boat in Norway — running a top speed of 202 mph.
- 2010
They Got Innovative
As the market shifted, Nor-Tech created the 390 Sport — the do-it-all center console that became the best-selling boat in company history.
- 2011
420 Monte Carlo & 360 Flyer
Nor-Tech debuts two European-style sport boats, expanding into elegant day-boating.
- 2013
Luxury Meets Fishing
Nor-Tech brings luxury performance to the fishing world with the 392 Superfish.
- 2019
New Cape Coral Plant
A new 55,000 sq ft production facility opens — Nor-Tech becomes one of the fastest-growing boat builders in the U.S.
- 2022
400 Supersport & Giving Back
The 400 Supersport debuts in Miami. After Hurricane Ian, Nor-Tech and Mercury Racing donate over $125,000 to local relief.
- 2024
200 Strong
Nor-Tech grows to 200 employees and 150,000 sq ft, with a lineup spanning 34 to 55 feet — and new innovation on the horizon.