We successfully commissioned newly installed twin Baudouin 6M26.3 750Hp continuously rated heavy duty engines on 29th October 2020. The 55 foot cabin cruiser was previously powered by Caterpillar C12 715Hp leisure rated engines. The yacht had a maximum speed of 27 knots and a cruising speed of 22 knots with the Caterpillar C12 package. The new installation achieved a top speed of 28 knots and the rating allows the vessel to cruise at this maximum speed continuously.
Ratings:
Caterpillar C12 715Hp (Origin USA)
1/2 Hour out of every 6 hours at maximum speed.
Average Load Factor up to 30%
Annual usage 250 – 1000 Hours if load factor of below 30% is maintained.
Time before overhaul (TBO) 5000 Hours
Real-time fuel consumption of vessel per engine – 130 Litres/Hour
Baudouin 6M26.3 750Hp (Origin France)
Continuous at maximum speed.
Average Load Factor up to 80%
Annual usage 3000 – 5000 Hours if average load factor of below 80% is maintained.
Time before overhaul (TBO) 36,000 Hours
Real-time fuel consumption of vessel per engine – 122 Litres/Hour
Note: The maximum loading of engines at full speed was 92%. The average loading of 80% refers to the annual average based on full throttle, cruising, idling and trolling speeds. Generally speaking, in an application as discussed, the average easily falls below 80%.
General Observation
The repowering offered a unique opportunity to draw direct comparisons between the engine models illustrating the superiority of the Baudouin 6M26.3. The general consensus of both owners and operators reflected the exceptionally smooth running and ease of acceleration due to the common-rail configuration and high torque of the Baudouin 6M26.3.
The ability to cruise at maximum RPM delivering a boat speed of 28 knots was recognised as a remarkable achievement. Furthermore the lower fuel consumption and unmatched TBO along with an annual usage allowance of up to 5000 Hours was additional bonus. Typical annual usage for this yachts operation is 1500 Hours.
Unlike most popular brands such as MTU, Caterpillar, Cummins and Volvo which are factory marinised but are still truck based engines, Baudouin is designed from ground up as a marine engine allowing easy access to maintenance points in a marine vessel environment. Furthermore all components are designed with material choices geared specifically for the harsh marine environment. This is reflected by the long TBO period offered by Baudouin.
The 3 year factory warranty and comprehensive service backup provided locally offers operators ease of ownership.
