CATERPILLAR POD & JOYSTICK SYSTEM

[nabeelah]

For Worldwide Release: September 2011
Release Number: M11PR7

Caterpillar Announces the Introduction of a Comprehensive Range of Propulsion and Maneuvering Solutions for Pleasure Craft
Caterpillar Marine Power Systems to Offer Joystick and Pod Systems for Marine Engine Platforms

Caterpillar Marine Power Systems is pleased to announce the introduction of innovative Joystick and Pod solutions for marine propulsion for pleasure craft. Cat dealers will now offer integrated propulsion and maneuvering solutions for customers in addition to the legendary Cat® marine engines. The Cat Joystick and Pod systems will feature proprietary Twin Disc QuickShift® transmission technology. The Cat dealer network will provide its unrivalled support for these products around the World.

“We spend a lot of time listening to our customers so when they began requesting complete systems solutions from Caterpillar, we went straight to work,” said Richard Case, Caterpillar’s Vice President for Marine and Petroleum Power. “Matching Caterpillar’s superior power systems with the Cat dealer network’s unequalled global product support capabilities enables us to serve as a unique single-source provider of pleasure craft propulsion and maneuvering system needs across a wide power range. We look forward to providing the marine market with Cat propulsion systems.”

The Joystick solution features cutting-edge technology designed to integrate vessel components including the engines, transmissions, thrusters and propellers into a single source of control. Vessels featuring the customizable Cat Joystick system will benefit from a greater ease of maneuverability and docking as well as more responsive vessel steering at low speeds. The Cat Joystick solution will be available as a complete packaged solution through the Cat dealer network. The package will be available to order in 2012.

All Pods offered by Caterpillar will incorporate the maneuverability elements of the Joystick system. Engineered to be integrated with Cat marine engines, the Cat Pod system incorporates yacht owner and builder requested features, such as improved fuel economy, reduced noise and vibration, optimized operating costs and “plug and play” installation. Yacht builders will also benefit from the Cat Pod system as installation costs and time will dramatically decrease. Beginning in 2014, the Pod will be offered for Cat marine pleasure craft engines operating below 1,000 mhp.

“The unique aspect of the solutions we are developing for pleasure craft applications is the ability to leverage Twin Disc technology with the renowned Cat power and performance. We are proud to collaborate with a true innovative, industry leader and look forward to capitalizing on the combined strengths of Twin Disc and Caterpillar,” noted Nigel Parkinson, Caterpillar Marine Power Systems Managing Director. “We are introducing the Pod and Joystick solutions with both yacht owners’ and builders’ needs in mind. Our goal is to provide a superior experience for both and these new solutions will undoubtedly help us to continue to meet these goals.”

Customers will be able to order the Joystick and Pod solutions from the global Cat dealer distribution network. Cat dealers will also provide stellar product support and service on both systems after the sale.

[seapower]

It's still a "Zuess" pod drive, just with a Cat name on it. I could and well may be wrong (without seeing the pod itself), but it sound's like they just came up with a way to put there name on it, legally. Year's back they had "CAT" gear's that were nothing else but TwinDisc with a CAT label (at a CAT price). I'm not knocking the practice, but it's all smoke and mirror's, in my opinion. Frank

[nabeelah]

Thanks Frank,well said.To me looks like its Twin Disc doing the pods this time to counter the ZF 4000 pods in that big HP range but the ZF 4000 has a limit of maximum 1200hp,this from Cat/Twin Disc looks to be bigger??? Lets see what they bring about.Still straight shafts + props will have a fair amount of share no matter how many innovations come about.

[billschwabe]

It is the Twin Disc EJS rebranded and you can either go with the ZF pods or conventional shafts OR single shaft! and bowthruster. One with a single inboard is being done nearby right now and we are doing a twin inboard on a 37' express with the new CAT 6.4L V-8's. Finishing up the hull now so it'll be early next summer before splashing (Big rock?) but I will keep everyone posted as we go. Going to be a neat project I think.

[Avenger]

CAT 6.4L V-8s?

Please, dear Lord, don't tell me they're rebranding that Navistar POS.

[nabeelah]

Hi Avenger,
Its this one in the link below :

NEW CATERPILLAR 6.4L ENGINE

[billschwabe]

Yes, that is it,
CAT is saying they fixed the bugs with the Navistar on-road engine but it is being built at the same plant in England (gulp). The owners son has one of those in his truck and just spent a fortune repairing a problem after low miles. This may change their minds. Either way it would have full CAT warranties and service so the first years shouldn't be an issue but resale might later. Anticipated delivery dates are close now so we're looking real hard at C7's now as an alternate. Little less power but still plenty for a 37. Here's a couple of pics as she sits now, should I start a build thread guys?

[seapower]

Look's like you already have started a build thread. Don't stop now!!!! I think a pair of Cummin's in that rig, would do a wonderful job and help the re-sale. Just sayin', Frank

[billschwabe]

Well, we wanted to try pods but they are too tall to fit under the cockpit deck so the next best option was the EJS setup. I know that can be done with any engine, and I do like Cummins, but buying the whole package from a single source does make sense for getting things serviced. Just went through that yesterday, working on a "package repower" with gear problems. Engine supplier, who also supplied the gears, said they couldn't do anything to fix the gears, and they used to have that gear brand decal on their trucks!

[nabeelah]

Billschwabe,
The EJS can be done with only a twin shaft set up isnt it?