Nor-Tech History
When they were first running around boatyards in Norway as youngsters in the 1970s, Trond Schou and Nils Johnsen weren’t thinking about their legacy.
They were thinking about — and obsessed with — sports cars and boats. That still holds true today. Just on a much grander scale…
Legacy of Excellence
Thirty-three years ago, the first Nor-Tech powerboat hit the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida with exceptional craftsmanship, speed, and style like no other. Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats had 2 employees — Trond and Nils.
If there’s a boat we can dream up, why not build it?” says Nils, Nor-Tech’s chief designer who is often inspired by his cherry red Lamborghini Countach. “If we can build it, we will.
The co-founders can still be found on the production room floor working on boats and designs in one of their four Southwest Florida facilities just as much as they can be found in their offices, handling the day-to-day operations.
“It’s an honor to build fast, stylish, and luxurious boats that give owners and families happy memories on the water. Nothing beats that feeling. Everything is custom tailored to the owners’ lifestyle — we’re very proud to be able to design and create something unique to them.
We take great care in our boat-building process to handcraft exceptional boats that take your breath away and that you can’t get anywhere else in the world.” – Trond Schou
Our Founders
Trond Schou
Co-Founder
Nils Johnsen
Co-Founder
Since 1976
1980
The Beginning
A young Trond Schou and Nils Johnsen start hanging out in Norway.
1990
The Move to the US
Trond and Nils move to the U.S. after building 16 boats in Norway. They bring the 5000 Supervee molds to the U.S.
1991
First Builds
Trond and Nils start building 50-foot high-performance V-bottom boats in a 6,000 square foot facility in Cape Coral. Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats is a two-man company.
1991
First 5000 SuperVee
Ted Dzus of Dzus Fastener Co. purchases the first Nor-Tech boat — a Nor-Tech 5000 Supervee.
1996
First Line Expansion
The first model line expansion kicks off with the introduction of the 3800 Supervee.
2000
First 5000 Supercat
Nor-Tech has become known in the industry for high-quality, custom boats. They decide to offer more than V-bottoms, and the 5000 Supercat takes the industry by storm.
2002
45,000-square foot Facility
With 55 employees and boat-production booming, Nor-Tech expands to a 45,000-square foot facility in North Fort Myers.
2003
Increased Production
Nor-Tech takes advantage of the increased production capacity at the new facility and starts production of the 3600 Supercat. The 3600 becomes Nor-Tech’s best-selling catamaran and establishes the company’s legacy as a performance boat builder
2006
U.S. Government Commissions
The U.S. Government commissions Nor-Tech to build a drug-chase boat. The Nor-Tech 43 was used to help intercept millions of dollars in drugs from the U.S., Bahamas and Panama.
2008
Fastest Boat in Norway
A Nor-Tech catamaran took the title of the Fastest Boat in Norway. It ran a top speed of 202 mph.
2009
High Performance Motor Yacht
Nor-Tech continues to display its agility with the introduction of an 80-foot high performance motor yacht. Two versions of the 80-foot yacht – an enclosed cockpit – were produced.
2010
They got Innovative
The economy was crashing, boating preferences were changing, but Nor-Tech had a vision. They got innovative and created the 390 Sport. The do-it-all, performance center console would be the best-selling boat in Nor-Tech history.
2011
420 Monte Carlo and the 360 Flyer
In a display of agility and innovation, Nor-Tech debuts two new European style sport boats with the introduction of the 420 Monte Carlo and the 360 Flyer.
2013
Luxury Boating and Fishing
Nor-Tech brings luxury boating to the fishing world with an amazing catch — the 392 Superfish.
2015
Expanded Management Team
Nor-Tech continues to focus on the future, expanded management team and increase production capacity to meet demand.
2016
390 Sport gets an Upgrade
The styling of the 390 Sport gets an upgrade with Sport Hull 100.
2019
Production Facility in Cape Coral
Nor-Tech opens a new 55,000 square foot production facility in Cape Coral, and they become one of the fastest growing boat building companies in the U.S.
2022
400 Supersport
Nor-Tech introduces the 400 Supersport at the Miami International Boat Show and later that year, one of the worst Hurricanes in history – Hurricane Ian – devastates Southwest Florida. With a culture of giving back and supporting the community, Nor-Tech wasted no time and partnered with Mercury Racing donating over $125,000 to local relief efforts.
2024
200 Employees
Nor-Tech has grown to 200 employees, 150,000 square feet of production and has a model line up from 34-feet to 55-feet with new innovation on the horizon.
