New 300hp diesel launched

The new 6.6-litre Perkins M300C is claimed to offer a considerable increase in delivered power, torque and noise reduction compared with similar output engines on the market. It is also said to boast excellent fuel economy and service cost savings. The M300C is the most powerful engine in the current Perkins marine engine line-up. It is based on the Perkins 1100 Series engine, the marine version being built at the Wimborne Marine Power Centre, the former Sabre Engines factory that is now part of Caterpillar Marine Power Systems.

The wastegated turbocharged, charge-air-cooled M300C is intended to meet the most exacting environmental and performance standards, satisfying the requirements of the EU 97/68/EC Stage IIIA emissions legislation and the EPA 40 CFR Part 94 Tier 3 off-highway emissions regulations.

It also meets the Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention, and current inland waterways environmental regulations. The M330C is designed for reliability and a favourable power-to-weight ratio. Perkins says it has achieved this through maximum power output being delivered at a comparatively low 2,400rpm. By designing the engine to minimise noise at source, the company claims that it has established a new benchmark for noise pollution throughout its speed range by reducing engine noise levels by up to 5dB(A). It also lays claim to significant vibration reduction.

The fuel and air supply systems have been tailored for fuel economy and low heat rejection. Frequent computerised checks throughout the production process ensure that build quality is consistently maintained and each engine is factory tested before it leaves the plant.

Standard gearbox options for the new engine are, from Twin Disc, the 2.43-1 reduction MG-5065 SC and the MG-5065 A, the 2.88-1 reduction MG-5075 SC and the MG-5075 A, and the 2.46-1 reduction MG-5075 IV. ZF Marine transmissions are the ZF 286, the ZF 286A and the ZF 286 IV that are available with all reduction ratios. Full engine power is available via an SAE B power take-off drive. With a compact footprint, the M300C is said to offer simple installation and low maintenance, with 500-hour service intervals, a 500-hour or once-yearly oil change, and with single-side servicing from either side, it is expected to appeal for both new-build and repower. The engine is targeted at a wide range of propulsion applications including passenger ferries and sight-seeing boats, pilot boats, harbour launches and workboats.