Caterpillar Ships C8.7 Supercharged Engines

 

Caterpillar Marine has shipped Cat® C8.7 supercharged diesel engines. The electronically-controlled C8.7 is capable of delivering an impressive 650 MHP @ 2300 RPM while meeting EPA Tier 3, IMO 2, EU Stage IIIA and RCD emissions requirements. In addition to internal validation activities, the C8.7 recently completed field testing on three sportfish yachts, ranging from 48 to 55 feet, accumulating over 7500 hours. Customers can order the C8.7 from the global Cat dealer network.

“We’ve been incredibly pleased with the development, testing and delivery of the high-performance C8.7 engine,” Bruce Strupp, Caterpillar Marine propulsion solutions manager noted. “The platform is currently being shipped around the globe for applications ranging from sportfishing vessels to large sailboats.”

The C8.7’s sophisticated fuel delivery system allows the use of a radial, belt driven supercharger in addition to a conventional turbocharger; this feature eliminates smoke and reduces lugging, while delivering phenomenal low-end torque and impressive fuel economy. Once the supercharger is no longer needed as the turbo takes over the boost function, an electromagnetic clutch disengages the supercharger to avoid becoming a parasitic load and allows the turbo to provide the maximum permissible boost pressure. This renders the new engine impervious to turbocharger lag and allows rapid transient response throughout the engine’s operating range. Maintenance and operation of the C8.7 is also simple thanks to left and right hand service options and an electric fuel priming pump to minimize both downtime and effort.

Along with traditional shaftline installations, the C8.7 is also designed to be integrated with the Cat Three60 Pod 650. The new Cat Three60 Pod 650 revolutionizes docking and slow-speed maneuvering for diesel-powered yachts and is specifically designed to be remarkably easy for customers to learn, with easy ‘push, twist and go’ maneuvering. The C8.7 can also be used with Caterpillar’s Three60 Precision Control maneuvering system.

A Cat C8.7 marine propulsion engine with the Cat Three60 Pod 650 will be on display at the Caterpillar booth at the 2015 Miami International Boat Show. Stop by Booth #79 to visit with our yachting experts. Follow us on our new Facebook page and Twitter using #CatMIA for up-to-the-minute information on Caterpillar Marine.