Caterpillar Showcases Power, Service Solutions

Caterpillar Marine will showcase a comprehensive range of marine propulsion solutions for the yacht industry at the 2013 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, held in October 31-November 4.

Featured at this year’s show include the recently announced Cat Three60 Pod 650, an innovative pod designed to revolutionize docking and slow-speed maneuvering for diesel-powered yachts. The pod is specifically designed for the new Cat C8.7 turbocharged/supercharged engine, which was developed in partnership with with Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT Industrial, S.p.A.) and will be on display for the first time at the Fort Lauderdale show. Caterpillar will also have a pod simulator on the show floor to allow customers to fully engage and get familiar with the new pod solution.

Also on display will be the C32 ACERT EPA Tier 3 certified high performance engine as well as the C18 ACERT EPA Tier 3 certified high performanceengine. The C32 ACERT EPA Tier 3 certified engine boasts a new aftercooler for increased reliability, a new plug-in Power Take Off (PTO) for enhanced flexibility as well as a new control panel. The new C18 high performance engine features the same compact footprint as previous C18 platforms as well as several new design enhancements. The C18 marine engine rated at 1150 hp offers vessel operators emissions reductions with improved fuel consumption and fuel efficiency at both rated and cruising speeds. Additionally, the 1150 hp rating also provides excellent transient response for superior acceleration (1150 mhp rating only).

“Our yacht customers and their needs are of paramount importance to us and our overall marine business. At the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, customers willbe able to see the outcome of our strategic R&D investments in recent years with the debut of the C8.7 as well as the Cat Three60 pod solution,” David Shannon, Caterpillar Marine global pleasure craft sales manager said. “Our goal is to provide our customers with a comprehensive customer service experience: when choosing Cat, they not only get innovative and reliable products but stellar service offerings to protect their total investment.”

Service offerings being highlighted at the show include the Preventive Maintenance Agreement and Extended Service Coverage plans. Cat Preventive Maintenance Agreements allow you to lock in maintenance costs at today’s rates for the term of the contract. The PMA program provides five years of maintenance coverage for new or low annual hour pleasure craft vessels powered by Cat ACERT™  pleasure craft engines, ranging from the Cat® C7 ACERT to the C32 ACERT marine engine platforms. Preventive Maintenance Agreements are fully transferable and provide a documented maintenance history for Cat engines, which increases the resale value of vessels and makes it more attractive to potential buyers. Preventive Maintenance Agreements are available anywhere in the world with no restrictions and no zones.

Cat Extended Service Coverage (ESC) programs offer customers transferable coverage beyond the standard warranty period. ESC offers protection against unexpected repair bills and a hedge against rising parts and labor costs by providing parts and labor reimbursement for covered components, less any applicable deductible. Several different coverage plans exist to ensure a relevant solution for any yacht owner. Plans include the Platinum New, Platinum Advantage, and Platinum OPC, which cover the “as shipped consist” of engine and components from Caterpillar. Additionally, Caterpillar has released a Platinum Three60 coverage plan to include all Three60 PC system components except the Quickshift® Transmission.

In addition to the C18 Tier 3 engine, C32 Tier 3 engine and new C8.7 super/turbocharged marine engine, Caterpillar will have industry experts will be on hand, readily available to answer any questions on its comprehensive range of product and service solutions. Customers interested in signed up for a voyage on a Paul Mann 66 foot sport fish vessel equipped with 2x Cat 32 ACERT EPA Tier 3 engines as well as Cat Three360 Precision Control should contact their local dealer to register for a ride during the show. The vessel will be docked at the Bahai Cabana. For up to the minute updates at the show.