Cummins and Konrad Marine unveil most powerful, long-life diesel sterndrive package

The Cummins QSB 6.7 Konrad Marine sterndrive package was displayed at IBEX 2015

Cummins and Konrad Marine confirm that they have added 480-hp and 550-hp ratings to the diesel sterndrive packages they jointly offer.

The 480-hp rating is approved for both recreational and commercial applications. The package offers 37 percent more horsepower and 129 percent more torque than gasoline outboards, and 46 percent more horsepower and 54 percent more torque than other diesel sterndrive products sold into the commercial space. The 550-hp rating is currently intended for recreational applications. An impressive 875 lb-ft offers 162 percent more torque than outboards, and significantly more than any other diesel sterndrive offered in the recreational space.

“These power ratings, coupled with the inherent advantages of diesel, start a very compelling conversation,” says Julie Heifner, Global Business Development Manager – Konrad Marine. “Add to this the exceptionally long life of this package, and the fact that Konrad sterndrives can be rebuilt up to seven times to full integrity versus being replaced, and you have a solution with an extremely low cost of ownership compared with that of outboards or traditional inboards. This creates a very viable diesel alternative for larger vessels, and as customers will discover, a lucrative one with a long list of advantages."

A wide variety of packages are available utilizing one of six sterndrive models and nine variations of the QSB6.7 engine, so installations can be optimized to meet the customer’s top priorities. For example, if efficiently managing heavy loads is the goal, four dual-prop models are available with carrying capacities up to 18,500 lb (8.4 metric tons) per drive.

Offering components from gauges to props in predefined, fully integrated packages simplifies configuring, ordering, installation, service and support, and ensures consistent and successful applications – and a single point of contact for the builder.

“Joining the Konrad sterndrive with our QSB6.7 at 550 hp provides a durable, lower-cost-of-ownership package that offers better maneuverability than a surface-piercing drive for midsized go-fast boats,” says Scott Malindzak, General Manager – Recreational and Light Commercial Marine. “There isn’t another diesel sterndrive package out there that can match our horsepower and torque.”