2007 Marine Engine Roundup Page 2

Inspiration is a funny thing. At one time boatbuilders looked to on-road engine designs for the newest technologies. Then, as the popularity of boating exploded, they discovered powerplants designed just for marine applications, whether hanging off the transom or rumbling under the deck of an inboard cruiser. But as many of us know, everything works in cycles, and for 2007 a number of engine

By Mike Smith

January 1, 2007

Diesel Engines

Caterpillar

Although a company rep says Caterpillar will likely launch something later in the year, the engine manufacturer had nothing new to report at presstime.

Caterpillar
(309) 578-6298

Cummins MerCruiser

CUMMINS MerCRUISER QSD 4.2

Cummins MerCruiser has extended its Quantum (QSD) line to include three new engines for the 2007 model year: the 2.0, 2.8, and 4.2. Available with ratings from 115 to 350 hp, all are EPA- and IMO-certified and feature high-pressure, common-rail fuel systems that reportedly reduce smoke, sound, and vibration, turbochargers, plus raw-water aftercoolers for improved throttle response and performance.

Cummins MerCruiser
(800) DIESELS

Iveco

The Italian engine builder recently launched the V08 ENT M11, the first marine diesel in its new Vector line. This eight-cylinder engine is rated 1,100 hp at 2300 rpm and features four valves per cylinder and high-pressure common-rail fuel injection.

Iveco
(630) 260-4226

Lugger

LUGGER L1276A2

Lugger’s latest is the L1276A2, an in-line six that’s based on a heavy-duty, cast-iron, industrial engine block; it is rated at 525 hp at 2100 rpm. Some of this turbocharged and aftercooled engine’s noteworthy features include electronic fuel injection, a freshwater cooling system with two thermostats for added safety and faster warm-ups, and a cupronickel heat exchanger. Lugger says the L1276A2 meets the EPA Tier II and IMO emissions requirements.

Lugger By Northern Lights
(206) 789-3880

MAN

For 2007 MAN will continue expanding its line of six-, eight-, and 12-cylinder common-rail engines, which range from 800 to 1,500 hp.

MAN
(954) 946-9092

MTU

MTU says its 2007 line of 12-, 16-, and 20-cylinder Series 4000 engines will feature reduced emissions while providing increased power: per-cylinder performance has increased by more than 26 percent, according to the company. All 2007 engines will meet Tier II requirements and “prescribe a significant reduction in nitrogen oxide.”

MTU
(313) 592-5000

Volkswagen Marine

VOLKSWAGEN MARINE TDI 225-6

This well-known automaker is breaking into the marine industry with a line of direct-injection, turbocharged diesels aimed at the smaller-boat market, primarily water-ski craft. The largest is the TDI 225-6, a V-6 that delivers 225 hp at 4200 rpm, weighs only 717 pounds, and measures 30″Lx30″Wx27″H; five-cylinder 150- and 165-hp models are also available. Perhaps most noteworthy about the 225-6 is its “piezo-controlled” injection system, which Ring Power, Volkswagen Marine’s U.S. distributor, claims results in shorter switching times and more precise injection. The five-cylinder models are even biodiesel-ready. Prices range from $9,708 to $30,260.

Volkswagen Marine
(813) 671-3700

Volvo Penta

Volvo Penta has two new models to add to its award-winning IPS line, the IPS350 and IPS600. The turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder 350, based on the Volvo Penta D4-260 that launched in 2004, delivers 260 hp at its maximum rating of 3500 rpm. The IPS600 is based on the company’s D6-435 and gets 435 hp at 2500 rpm. Both engines exceed U.S. Tier II and EU emissions requirements and, according to the company, consume up to 30 percent less fuel, and produce 50 percent less vibration than competitive engines. They also feature Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system, which integrates the engines, controls, and instrumentation; electronic shift and throttle controls are standard.

Volvo Penta
(757) 436-2800

Westerbeke

WESTERBEKE 170-T6A

Westerbeke reports two new engines: the 120-T4A and 160-T6A. The company says the “most important challenge facing the marine industry is meeting tomorrow’s strict emissions standards,” so it’s little surprise that both engines, which are part of its Century Series line, are Tier II-compliant. The 170-T6A cranks out 173 hp at 2200 rpm, making it both the highest-horsepower and the lowest-rated-rpm engine in Westerbeke’s lineup. The 120–a 4.3-liter, 126-hp, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel–weighs 838 pounds, 188 pounds lighter (and smaller) than its 120-hp predecessor.

Westerbeke
(508) 823-7677

Yanmar

Yanmar is launching 150- and 180-hp four-cylinder models in its 4BY series and will offer both in inboard and stern-drive configurations. It will also debut the 220- and 260-hp 6BY six-cylinder engines, also available as inboards and stern drives. All four engines are direct-injected and meet EPA Tier II requirements and EU comprehensive emissions regulations set for 2006.

Also new is the redesigned, mechanically controlled, turbo-charged, 110-hp (at 3200 rpm) 4JH4-THE, which the company claims provides ten percent more power in a smaller package than its predecessor. It weighs 478 pounds and consumes an average of less than six gallons per hour, according to Yanmar. It features an improved fuel-injection system with electric-stop solenoid, enhanced pistons, a new heat exchanger and intake manifold, a maintenance-free oil cooler, and an 80-amp alternator. Optional digital instrumentation provides a tachometer, hour-meter, and alarm for low-battery voltage, high-coolant temperature, and low oil pressure.

Yanmar
(847) 541-1900

This article originally appeared in the January 2007 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.