When buying a boat with a warranty, have the engines surveyed by a company-authorized facility. Ask the service manager beforehand for something concrete showing that the service tech specifically looked for, but couldn’t find, anything that might negate warranty coverage. Even with a clean mechanical history, check original contracts. Some European boats might not include warranty coverage in the United States, or vice versa, and warranties may have been initiated before the original owner bought the boat, particularly a boat that had been in a dealer’s inventory or used in boat shows. Past charter service is another red flag for a pleasure-boat warranty.
When details are tended to, extended warranties do pay off. “Caterpillar’s attitude has always been ‘Let’s get this taken care of and make your boss happy,” says Capt. Triston Hunt. The 2005 sport-fisher he runs has had three engine overhauls covered. Hunt does warn, though, that Caterpillar tends to do only the minimum required to get the boat running. He suggests consulting an independent mechanic or surveyor to ensure the best possible repair. He documents any deviations from those suggestions in writing. “Don’t be afraid to call Caterpillar directly,” Hunt says. “Everything reasonable that I’ve asked for I’ve gotten.”
Extended warranty plans vary by manufacturer. Caterpillar’s prices are fixed for each model, regardless of horsepower. In 2012, five-year Platinum Plus extended service coverage for C32 engines ranging from 1,450 to 1,900 horsepower cost about $13,330 for up to 1,500 total engine hours or $22,230 for unlimited hours, per engine. That extends Caterpillar’s initial two-year warranty by three years with no deductible. Five-year Platinum Plus coverage for 930- to 1,150-horsepower Caterpillar C18 engines is $9,090 for 1,500 total hours or $15,150 for unlimited engine hours. Prices for most models fall by nearly 40 percent for four-year total coverage, and they drop more than 50 percent between four- and three-year plans. Cat also offers Platinum plans that cost and cover a bit less.
MTU’s extended protection coverage provides up to three years of additional service, mirroring the standard two-year warranty. Prices vary both by engine horsepower and engine hours. A $500 deductible per engine per service call covers anything a mechanic may turn up, from a simple fuel leak to a major overhaul. That includes all return trips until those service orders are closed.
There is some fine print to understand, though. “Warranty coverage includes travel and labor, but not plane tickets or overnight accommodations,” Schloemer says. Engine manufacturers also typically look to the closest source for repairs. “If you’re my customer in Palm Beach and something happens in the Florida Keys, MTU will still pay me for repairs, but it’ll likely only cover travel from the closest MTU dealer,” Schloemer says.
“No one likes to break down,” says Andrew Boyer, marine sales manager for MTU (now Tognum America), “but if you’re under warranty or have extended coverage, you’ve got peace of mind that the boat will be up and running with minimal cost.” MTU and other diesel manufacturers simply ask that engines are maintained to their specification.
“My maintenance is impeccable and I have records to back it up,” Hunt says. “Maybe that’s why I’ve never had questions about coverage.” The bottom line to ensuring warranty coverage, Hunt says: “Read and follow the manual.”
Learn more about extended warranties.
