Many marine engine manufacturers make good-quality engines. An abundance of features and specifics for each engine makes searching through the options confusing. Start by choosing the best manufacturer to reduce the options. Caterpillar (CAT) meets all the criteria of a quality manufacturer by maintaining a history of excellence in power, performance, longevity, and quality. CAT marine engines lead the industry for their quality, power, flexibility, longevity, and reduced emissions.
Quality
CAT is well known for manufacturing high-quality engines. Using only the best parts from the finest vendors all over the world, they ensure that each engine manufactured meets strict quality standards. Each engine is then thoroughly tested and must meet rigorous standards before reaching the market bearing the CAT name.
Caterpillar has spent over 80 years developing and refining their engineering processes, leading to some of the finest quality marine engines. Few other manufacturers can claim to have as rich a history as Caterpillar.
Power
CAT manufactures several marine engines with models ranging in performance from 280 to 22529 bhp. CAT marine engines are powerful, and their engineered power adapts to many targeted applications causing demand for CAT across all marine industries.
Flexibility
CAT marine engines adapt to many conditions on and offshore. A wide variety of CAT marine engines can be used for:
- Commercial fishing
- Tug and salvage
- Ferry and cruise
- Dredge
- Cargo
- Inland waterway
- Offshore
- Recreational boating and yachting
CAT maintains the industry’s most extensive range of marine engines.
Longevity
Many people own and run CAT engines for years or even decades.. No engine runs forever, but some of CAT’s models operate as though they might. Their lasting power is primarily due to their strict quality control standards. Other manufacturers make good engines, but few can approach the same level of longevity as a CAT.
For proof of the longevity of CAT marine engines, look no further than the Norman, an 80-year-old barge still running strong on a 43-year-old CAT engine. The pre-World War II-era barge runs on a CAT D343 engine, the predecessor of the well-known CAT 3406 engine. Using its 43-year-old CAT engine, the barge has earned a reputation as the fastest dredging vessel operating in Northern Ireland.
Emissions
Because the marine industry is a significant contributor to global emissions levels, CAT is at the forefront of developing newer, cleaner technology to reduce emissions. CAT now offers a variety of marine engines that comply with strict global emissions standards, create fewer emissions than ever before, and use less fuel to operate. CAT also developed the Dynamic Gas Blending (DGB) engine to help advance environmental goals for the industry. CAT is committed to developing solutions to advance sustainable technology for engines.
Used Or New?
You’ve decided to buy a CAT marine engine based on CAT’s long history of reliability, power, versatility, and commitment to reducing emissions. The next decision is whether to buy new or used. The quality and longevity of your average CAT engine result in a significant presence on the used market. Because these engines can last for years, buying a well-maintained used engine is a practical choice. Buying used will save quite a bit of money.
If you’re looking for a marine engine that balances performance, sustainability, and longevity, then CAT is a fantastic choice. Many fine manufacturers are on the market, but it’s hard to go wrong with a CAT engine.
Choosing the right marine engine out of a sea of thousands isn’t easy. At Depco Power Systems, we stock new and used marine engines from industry-leading manufacturers like CAT. Contact us today so we can help you find the right marine engine for your job.
