Finning UK & Ireland (Finning), the sole distributor of Cat® marine engines in the UK and Ireland, has supplied two high-performance engines for Judith R, a beautifully restored 1935 luxury commuter yacht originally commissioned for Barney Balaban, President of Paramount Pictures, and registered to 1 Times Square New York.

The restoration has taken ten years to complete, with Finning supplying two Cat C12 diesel engines for the yacht, delivering a reliable and responsive solution that guarantees a smooth and steady drive.

Bought in 2004 by David and Susanne Williams, Judith R was stripped out and had her engines and batteries removed at Harleyford Marina in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. The yacht was then shipped by river in 2006 to Wootens Boatyard in Cookham Dean, Berkshire, to be restored to her original condition.

At 57 feet long, the commuter yacht is steeped in Hollywood history. Judith R was named after Balaban’s daughter, a film star who grew up amongst the glitterati of the American movie world of the 1940s and 50s. She was Matron of Honour for Grace Kelly, dated Montgomery Clift, was married to Golden Globe winner Tony Franciosa and counted Rosemary Clooney, Harry Belafonte and Sammy Davis Jr. among her friends.

Built by Robinson Marine, Judith R cost $60,000 to buy originally and has seen substantial investment during its ten-year restoration period. An impressive example of an Art Deco yacht, every detail has been restored to its former glory, including saloon artwork, the original compass and chrome fittings.

Owner David Williams said: “There were two key reasons why we partnered with Finning. Firstly, Judith R is an American icon with an utterly unique history and we wanted a renowned American brand to match. Cat seemed the perfect fit. Secondly, the C12 engines finally give Judith R the power she needs to utilise the design of the hull, capable of travelling up to 30 knots while maintaining very stable control.

“We are absolutely delighted with the engines that Finning supplied. They have provided an excellent service and we could not be more pleased, with the engines delivering a performance fitting of the famous Hollywood movie moguls of the past that used to travel on her.”

Steve Berry, Marine General Manager at Finning, adds: “Staying true to the spirit of the yacht, the owners David and Susanne were keen to fit a proven and trusted American engine, with Caterpillar being the obvious solution. The C12 engines offer excellent performance, great reliability and low operating costs – a great combination benefitting this wonderful vessel.

“Advanced electronic controls also ensure the engine is noticeably quieter during operation than competitor models, so passengers on Judith R can enjoy every moment of the luxury travel experience. Put simply, the C12 engines offer a modern solution to a classic yacht.”

For more information on Finning Power Systems, please visit http://www.finningmarine.co.uk. To find out more about Judith R, please visit www.judithr.co.uk

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