For Worldwide Release - Marine Engines Caterpillar

For Worldwide Release: February 21, 2005
Release Number: M03PR05
News
Cat ® C32 Marine Propulsion Engine Provides Quick Acceleration and
High Reserve Power, with Less Weight and Space
Caterpillar Marine Power Systems announces the C32 marine propulsion engine, which
provides quick acceleration and high reserve power, with a relatively small footprint and
light weight. The engine’s light weight meets requirements for crew boats and other
marine applications where lower weight can be directly translated into fuel savings and
increased dollars.
With a high displacement (32.1 liters), the C32 delivers outstanding levels of torque,
providing noticeably better acceleration than its commonly used predecessors: the Cat
C30 and 3412E engines. This fast acceleration is especially well suited for pleasure craft,
lobster boats and patrol craft. Other applications include workboats, fishing boats,
commercial utility vessels and tugs.
The C32 employs the most advanced fuel system on the market today – Caterpillar’s
patented HEUI (Hydraulically actuated, Electronically controlled, Unit Injector) fuel
system. The C32 is configured as a V-12, twin turbocharged and aftercooled engine.
Modeled after the durable and reliable Cat 3412 engine, the C32 features a HEUI fuel
system that maintains high injection pressures across a broad range of rpms and
guarantees maximum fuel efficiency. Fuel consumption at the engine’s maximum rated
speed is 327 L/hr (86.4 gal/hr). See Table 1.
The C32 is IMO, EPA and EU compliant and features low emissions, with virtually no
smoke or soot.

The C32 has a flat power curve between its vessel cruising speed of 1900 rpm and its
maximum speed of 2300 rpm. This power band allows the engine to draw on reserve
power for easy acceleration.
Comparing maximum power outputs at 2300 rpm, the C32 delivers 7 percent more power
than the C30 and 18 percent more power than the 3412E. Yet, the C32 is similar in size
and weight due to its “V” block design, which provides for a compact engine package.
Pleasure and selected commercial marine applications benefit from this compact design
as well as the engine’s power-to-weight ratio of 1.52 kg/mhp (3.4 lb/bhp).
Requiring no sequential turbochargers or high-pressure fuel pumps, the Cat C32 is easier
to service and less complex than many alternative engines. Its new Electronic Control
Module (ECM) gives the engine superior levels of control, monitoring, and data input
and output capabilities. Faster processing capabilities of the ECM allow for the addition
of multiple inputs and outputs for future enhancements.
The C32 features a two-piece forged steel piston designed for extended wear and capable
of handling engine firing pressures without damage. The engine’s crosshatched hardened
liners feature longer life due to better oil retention on the liners, and its through hardened
crankshafts withstand higher cylinder pressures for longer life.
It is available in both keel cooled and heat exchanger cooling options and can be fully
integrated with Caterpillar’s Engine Vision Display (EVD), Marine Power Display
(MPD), Marine Analog Power Display (MAPD) and Multi-Station Control System
(MSCS).
Table 1. C32 Ratings and Fuel Consumption
Rating mhp bhp bkW Aspiration Cooling rpm U.S. L/h
System
gph
C 1421 1401 1045 TTA SC 2300* 73.1 276.7
E 1676 1652 1232 TTA SC 2300 86.4 327.0
L/h – liters per hour TTA – twin turbo aftercooled
SC – separate circuit aftercooled U.S. gph – U.S. gallons per hour
* The 1420 mhp rating can be operated from 2100-2300 rpm.
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About Caterpillar Marine Power Systems
Caterpillar Marine Power Systems, with headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, was created
to bring together all sales and service activities for Cat ® and MaK branded marine
products within Caterpillar Inc. This organization provides premier marine power
solutions (high and medium speed with outputs from 11 kW to 16,000 kW) and customer
service from a single source for the global commercial/ocean-going and pleasure craft
markets. The Caterpillar Marine Power Systems sales and service network includes more
than 1800 dealer locations worldwide and is well positioned to support the customers
wherever they are.
More information is available at www.cat-marine.com or www.mak-global.com.
About Caterpillar
For more than 75 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been building the world’s infrastructure and,
in partnership with its worldwide dealer network, is driving positive and sustainable
change on every continent. With 2004 sales and revenues of $30.25 billion, Caterpillar is
a technology leader and the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining
equipment, clean diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines.
More information is available at www.cat.com.
Editorial information for Editorial information for
Americas: Europe, Africa, Middle East
and Asia Pacific:
Monica Trepanier
Phone: +1 309 578-3985
E-mail: trepanier_monica_a@CAT.com
Ronald Brügmann
Phone: +49 40 2380-3104
E-mail: bruegmann_ronald@CAT.com
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