Konrad Marine News

The propulsion system is a critical part of all patrol craft. There are different types of propulsion systems available for use on these craft, and selecting the “best” one for the application at hand is not to be taken lightly. You will note that I used “best” in quotes, which I’ve done to hint at the subjective nature of the decision. Propellers, waterjets, sterndrives, outboards – they are all commercial off the shelf technologies which are mature and used in different patrol craft applications.

Konrad Marine has launched several iterations of its signature sterndrive since unveiling its first units in the 1990s. Konrad’s latest lineup, the 600B series, was rolled out in 2014, with the first drives delivered to customers at the start of 2015 and strong market uptake ever since. Featuring the larger gears first introduced in its 600 series, Konrad’s 600B drives also include a new larger transom with integrated steering.“The biggest change when we developed the 600B series drive was our heavy-duty transom assembly,” says Fred Sparling, senior application engineer.

At his core Ken Konrad is an innovator and engineer, looking at problems and seeing solutions. Walk around Konrad’s manufacturing and testing facility for even a short time and it is easy to see that Ken Konrad, owner and president, possesses a sharp intellect and an engineer’s mind, as he clearly revels in sharing insight on business and manufacturing practice that goes in each of his company’s rugged stern drive units. While Konrad has quickly established itself as a quality name in the commercial stern drive sector, it is still a newer business line within the company’s overall scope.

Less than one year after announcing the formalization of their relationship, Cummins and Konrad Marine confirm they have added 480 and 550 horsepower ratings to the diesel sterndrive packages they jointly offer. The 480 rating is approved for both leisure and commercial applications. The package offers 37% more horsepower and 129% more torque than gasoline outboards; and 46% more horsepower and 54% more torque than other diesel sterndrive products sold into the commercial space. The 550 rating is currently intended for leisure applications. An impressive 875 ft. lbs. offers 162% more torque than outboards, and significantly more than any other diesel sterndrive offered in the leisure space.

Sterndrive specialist Konrad Marine formally entered a partnership with diesel engine manufacturer Cummins Marine to jointly offer a complete propulsion package to the commercial, military and recreational maritime markets, a partnershipo announced October 9 at the Workboat Show in New Orleans. The package combines Cummins’ new QSB 6.7L diesel engines (230-425 hp)and Konrad Series 600 sterndrives to present a full propulsion offering, ultimately providing customers with a simplified, tested option from a single source.

Konrad Marine announce that they have formalized a relationship with Cummins Marine, jointly creating a propulsion "package" which is now available for the marine marketplace worldwide. The package, announced at the current 2013 International Workboat Show, utilizes the new Cummins QSB 6.7L diesel engines with Konrad Series 600 stern drives. It will be sold primarily through Cummins distribution channels with active participation and support from Konrad Marine. The companies will jointly qualify…

Konrad Marine has implemented its unique Total Gear Cutting System, a system which the manufacturer touts as a clear strategic advantage in the manufacture of its reliable sterndrive systems. The framework for the system is the Gleason Phoenix(R) II, 600HC - a modern bevel gear cutting machine. Highly specialized, integrated programming makes it one of only three in the world with its unique capabilities. Augmenting this framework and its programming with Konrad's experience in design, tooling, machining, and proprietary manufacturing processes creates the Total Gear Cutting System.

Hudson, Wis., on the border of Minn., with a population just over 12,000, is home to Konrad Marine, a manufacturer of stern drives for commercial applications such as patrol boats, fishing vessels and water taxis. “We do the design right here in Hudson,” owner and founder Ken Konrad said. “I’m a mechanical engineer myself. Konrad, a local to the area, saw some of the world before returning to his stomping grounds to build his business. “After graduating from high school I went to college for a little while and dropped out.

2011 marks Konrad Marine's 20th Anniversary of bringing stern drive technology to the commercial, recreational, and military marine marketplaces. The company recorded the highest sales volume in their 20-year history at the close of 2010. February 2011. In addition, Konrad Marine was recently awarded the honor of being named Business of the Year 2010, by the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce. Konrad Marine was selected for this award based upon innovation in their industry, quality of service, involvement and support in their community.