Suit makes waves for Caterpillar

As preparations intensify for the 49th annual Detroit Boat Show that starts Feb. 10 at Cobo Center, another public spectacle involving boats and their owners is unfolding at the nearby federal courthouse.

The suit brought by James Jaikins against Illinois-based Caterpillar Inc. potentially affects more than 7,000 Caterpillar marine engines produced since 1996. Damages could easily exceed $100 million, lawyers say.