| Vessel Make: | Catamaran |
|---|---|
| Vessel Weight: | 12T |
| Old Engines: | CAT C7.1 ACERT |
| New Engines: | FPT NEF 450 |
| New Engine Power: | 450HP @ 3000rpm |
| Vessel Gearbox: | ZF 301A 2.0:1 ratio |
| Cruise Speed: | 22kn @ 2300rpm |
| Max Speed: | 32kn |
The Challenge:
This Power Cat 40 Catamaran with Surface Piercing Drives recently faced a major setback when seawater entered the cylinders of one engine due to aftercooler failure on one of it’s twin CAT C7.1 ACERT marine engines, leading to a catastrophic engine failure. With parts for older engines becoming increasingly scarce and expensive and the labour costs associated with a rebuild, the vessel’s owner needed a more practical and cost-effective solution.
The Solution: Repowering instead of Rebuilding
Instead of investing in an expensive rebuild – costing 80 – 90% of a brand new engine, the decision was made to repower with two state-of-the-art FPT NEF 450 marine engines. These engines matched the horsepower of the previous CAT C7.1 ACERT engines but come with significant advantages:
- Cost Savings: The rising costs of parts and labour made a rebuild nearly as expensive as a full repower, without the benefits of new technology.
- Lighter Weight: Each FPT NEF 450 engine is 160 kilograms lighter than the old CAT engines, reducing overall vessel weight and improving speed and efficiency.
- Performance Boost: With the new engines, the Catamaran now cruises comfortable at 22 knots and reaches a top speed of 32 knots.
- Modern Technology: Unlike rebuilding the outdated CAT C7.1 engines, repowering introduced the latest advancements in marine engine performance such as the common rail injection system, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
Enhanced Control with Flexball Throttle Controls
To further enhance the vessel’s handling, we installed Flexball electronic throttle controls, delivering precise and responsive engine control and the ability to SYNC the engine throttle controls together from one lever. This upgrade ensures smoother operation and improved maneuverability, perfect for demanding marine environments.
The Results:
The repower not only saved time and money but also transformed the vessel’s performance. Lighter engines led to better speed and efficiency, and with modern technology at the helm, the Catamaran is now more reliable than ever.
Choosing a repower over a rebuild has given this vessel a new lease on life, proving that upgrading to modern, efficient engines is the smarter investment for long-term reliability and performance.
Need advice on repowering your vessel? Contact THT Today!
