Caterpillar to Unveil New Pod Solution

Caterpillar Marine will unveil a significant product milestone at the 2013 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, introducing the Cat® Three60 Pod 650, which is specifically designed for the new Cat C8.7 electronically controlled marine propulsion engine.

The new Cat Three60 Pod 650 revolutionizes docking and slow-speed maneuvering for diesel-powered yachts. Available in spring 2015, the pod is specifically designed to be remarkably easy for customers to learn, with easy ‘push, twist and go’ maneuvering.

“The introduction of the new pod solution is an exciting launch and represents our continuing commitment to provide integrated propulsion packages to our customers,” Bruce Strupp, Caterpillar Marine Propulsion Solutions Manager noted. “Strategically we are dedicating resources to develop products and services that provide comprehensive and innovative systems solutions for our customers and are pleased to launch the new pod at the Fort Lauderdale boat show.”

The Cat Three60 Pod 650 incorporates proprietary technology providing vessel operators with access to full or incremental power in any direction as well as smooth shifting from forward to reverse. The pod joystick and lever head provide smooth operation and high confidence when maneuvering utilizing two modes: lever mode and joystick mode. The lever mode controls the pod propeller drive trains using the lever head, while pod vectoring is controlled by the digital steering helm. In joystick mode, the joystick controls engine speed, gear and pod angle using intuitive fingertip movements of the joystick for slow vessel maneuvering.

The new pod is specifically designed for the Cat C8.7 turbocharged/supercharged diesel engine. Developed in tandem with Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT Industrial, S.p.A.), the compact C8.7 delivers an impressive 650 mhp @ 2300 RPM while meeting EPA Tier 3, IMO II, and EU Stage IIIA emissions requirements.

The C8.7’s sophisticated air handling system allows the use of a radial, belt driven supercharger in addition to the 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.

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Press Release, October 30, 2013