New Diesel Engine Lines Available for Workboat Market

In recent months several diesel engine manufacturers have expanded their existing engine and generator ranges to include models suitable for workboat, large yacht and fishing vessel applications. This translates to more propulsion choices for boat builders and owners. Following is a look at four newly launched lines.

MTU Friedrichshafen's 8000 Series Last September, MTU introduced the new 8000 series, moving the company into medium-speed engine market. The first engine of the line is the 20V 8000, which is capable of producing 9,000 kW at 1,150 rpm. The 20V is primarily intended to be used as main propulsion for large yachts and workboats, as well as for diesel-electric propulsion and onboard power supply systems in cruise ships. The company expects to deliver the 20V in April, and plans to expand the series with the 16V and 12V models, as well as in-line and heavy-fuel engines based on the same flexible concept. The Series 8000 engines are based on a completely new concept that combines various tried and true solutions used for the company's 2000 and 4000 series. One of the most important innovation of this engine line is the common-rail injection. This technology, which has be utilized in the 4000 series, allows for independent determination of all injection parameters. Thus, fuel consumption and exhaust emissions can be substatially reduced.

Volvo Penta's Large Diesel Range Also last September, Volvo Penta's new Large Diesel Range is expected to increase substantially the market for the company's commercial marine products. The line includes in-line six-cylinder units and, for the first time in company history, V12 and V16 configuration engines. The series comprises five basic sizes ranging from 24.5 to 65.4 liter displacement and designed to power coastal freighters, fishing vessels, and harbor tugs. They are also well-suited for auxiliary purposes. Each engine is available with either single or twin cooling systems, with the twin systems producing a small increase in engine output. The D34 model have a bore of 150 mm and a stroke of 160 mm, while all other units in the range feature a 170 mm bore with a stroke of 180 or 220 mm. The D25 and D30 are in-line six-cylinder engines, the D34 and D49 are V12s, and the D65 is a V16. Outputs range from 440 kW (590 hp) to 1,380 kW (1,850 hp) at speeds between 1,350 and 2,000 rpm. The units are designed for long service life in demanding commercial operations. The engine block is rigid and features main bearings with four bolts. The crankshaft is a single piece, integrally forged with balance weights. The journals and crankpins are extra large. The cooling system is designed to avoid temperatue cycling, and the coolant is accelerated and concentrated around the combustion chamber and bore areas. The Large Diesel Range engines are compact with integrated air and oil coolers. Systems such as fuel injection pumps, governor, water pump and turbochargers do not need separate lubrication. All units conform to the requirements of leading classification societies.

Cat 3000 Family At the International WorkBoat Show held in New Orleans in December, Caterpillar Engine Products Division introduced the Cat 3000 Family, a new line of compact, fuel efficient marine propulsion engines based on an environmentally friendly, in-line six-cylinder, four-stroke cycle diesel design. The initial offering, the Cat 3056, is designed for light commercial craft, inland fishing boats, patrol and rescue boats, and passenger ferries requiring engines in the 93-153 bkW (125-205 bhp) range. It is currently available worldwide and offers three ratings for both keel cooled an heat exchanger cooled configurations. The two turbocharged, aftercooled models, called Cat 3065 TA, produce 153 bkW (205 bhp) at 2,500 rpm or 138 bkW (185 bhp) at 2,100 rpm. The naturally aspirated Cat 3056 NA puts out 93 bkW (125 bhp) at 2,600 rpm. The engine's design is based on a commercially proven product design that combines direct fuel injection technology and advanced combustion system engineering. Although these are smaller units, they feature aspects similar to big engines, but remain compact enough for installation in restricted engine room space common to small vessels. They feature a heavy-duty, cast-iron, deep-skirted block with an integral crankcase that provides regid support for the forged steel alloy-hardened crankshaft while minimizing engine weight. The engine's small size, multi-directional exhaust outlet capabilities and various possible intallation angles allow for a great deal of flexibility for both new installations and repowers. The Cat 3000 engines are marinized by Sabre Engines Ltd. of Wimborne, England, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. with 30 years experience in the production of small diesel marine propulsion engines.

Westerbeke's Century Series Also launched last fall was Westerbeke's Century Series, a complete new line of engines and generators that has been added to the top-end of the company's existing offerings. The new units are intended for use in megayachts, larger auxiliary sailboats, trawler yachts and workboats. The four new engine models in the series carry ratings of 80, 110, 120 and 170 hp, running at 2,400-2,500 rpm. the new generators are rated at 35, 45, 55 and 80 kW at 50 Hertz. Each is powered by a 4.3 or 6.5 liter diesel engine. The higher rated engines are turbocharged, while the others are naturally aspirated. All the Century Series systems are compact and light-weight. All feature cupro-nickel heat exchangers mounted directly to the underside of the water-jacketed exhaust manifolds, and cast aluminum piping to minimize the use of hoses. They all offer keel cooling and dry exhaust, as well as a new painting system designed to protect the systems from the harsh marine environment. The Century Series is expected to provide a long working life because they are engineered to deliver a full performance at low rpms. Each is equipped with low oil pressure and high coolant temperature alarms and is pre-wired for plug-in connection to an Admiral-grade instument panel. Several transmission options and reduction ratios are available to meet specific installation requirements. Other options include larger alternators, refrigeration compressor mounts, 24-volt electrical systems and ungrounded electrical systems. In an effort to further minimize noise and vibration , the company uses fluidlastic isolation mounts. Sound Guard enclosures are made with self-supporting panels that attach to the generator base with no increase to the length or width of the unit. The Sound Guards feature alternate rear panels, and one version is available with a removable plate to accept and optional power take-off or electric clutch.