Engine Makers and More Help with Hurricane Harvey Response

Major marine engine manufacturers are among those companies stepping up to help in the wake of catastrophic flooding and devastation from Hurricane Harvey in Southeast Texas.

The Caterpillar Foundation, affiliated with the maker of big marine diesel engines, announced a $300,000 donation to the American Red Cross and has been sending generator equipment to help with cleanup efforts.

“In addition to the Red Cross donation, Cat dealers across the country, including three in Texas, are once again activating in the face of disaster,” company CEO Jim Umpleby stated in a press release. “We are in close contact with them as they first provide for the safety of their employees, and continue to make available generators of all sizes, which are in high demand. Caterpillar has also begun sending power generation equipment from other parts of the country to the storm-ravaged areas and started staging equipment for the cleanup efforts that will soon come.”

Mercury Marine, which makes the outboard engines used on many tenders and skiffs, donated 30 outboard engines and 10 inflatable boats to the Texas command center for relief operations. The company also donated an engine to Boots on the Ground, a nonprofit group that helps veterans provide emergency and primary medical care; and Mercury's Land 'n' Sea company sent 100 life jackets to Houston.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has been impacted by Hurricane Harvey,” John Pfeifer, Mercury Marine president, stated in a press release. “There is a need for boats and engines in the recovery efforts, and we will do whatever we can to help with those relief efforts.”

Evinrude issued a press release stating that it had sent equipment and resource support too.

“Our Evinrude E-TEC engine with Jet Series lower unit is ideal for maneuvering through debris-filled waters to help rescue personnel get where they need to go quickly and safely,” Olivier Pierini, the company’s director of global marketing and strategic planning, stated in a press release.

Evinrude is also matching, dollar-for-dollar, any employee donations to the American Red Cross.

Yamaha’s Marine Prof Fishing Staff used their own boats to help rescue stranded Harvey victims, according to multiple reports, while Brunswick Commercial & Government Products—owned by the company that makes Boston Whaler, Sea Ray and more—donated a trio of 15-foot inflatable boats for use by first responders and local law enforcement in Texas.

“We hope this small gesture will assist with relief efforts in the unprecedented aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and the tropical storm that continues to dump rain on coastal Texas,” Boston Whaler President Nick Stickler said.

Lowe Boats, which makes aluminum fishing skiffs and bass boats, sent about a dozen Rougneck boats to Texas to help. Bass Pro Shops, too, donated boats: It sent 80 Tracker boats for use in rescue and recovery efforts, and gave $40,000 worth of supplies to rescue organizations.

"The contributions support Convoy of Hope, a Springfield, Missouri-based humanitarian organization, and the American Red Cross," Bass Pro Shops stated in a press release. "Donated supplies include protein-rich foods like Uncle Buck's Premium Jerky and peanuts for those in the field."