The Cummins KTA19 is a renowned diesel engine celebrated for its robust performance and reliability in various marine applications. Its versatility and power have made it a preferred choice among numerous boat manufacturers and operators. Below, we’ll explore its use in recreational boats, commercial vessels, and other marine applications.

Overview Of This Article
- Boats That Use the Cummins KTA19
- Boat Manufacturers Utilizing the Cummins KTA19
- Hatteras Yachts
- Ocean Alexander
- Sunseeker Yachts
- Ferretti Yachts
- Azimut Yachts
- Commercial and Industrial Applications
- Fishing Vessels
- Tugboats
- Offshore Service Vessels
- Crew Boats
- Key Features of the Cummins KTA19
- Engine Design
- Cylinder Head
- Fuel System
- Cooling System
- Durable Construction
- High Power Output
- Considerations for Prospective Buyers
- Maintenance
- Fuel Efficiency
- Aftermarket Support
- Conclusion
Boat Manufacturers Utilizing the Cummins KTA19
Several esteemed yacht builders have integrated the KTA19 into their vessels, either as standard equipment or through repowering initiatives.
Hatteras Yachts
Hatteras Yachts has equipped models such as the Hatteras 60 Convertible and the Hatteras 100 Raised Pilothouse with the KTA19 engine, leveraging its power to enhance performance, reliability, and cruising range. These engines provide the torque needed for heavy, offshore-ready yachts.
Ocean Alexander
Ocean Alexander integrates the KTA19 into several models, including the Ocean Alexander 90 and the Ocean Alexander 120. Known for combining luxury with engineering excellence, these yachts rely on the KTA19 for dependable propulsion and long-haul efficiency.
Sunseeker Yachts
The British yacht manufacturer Sunseeker employs the KTA19 in some of its larger vessels, such as the Sunseeker 80 and the Sunseeker 86. These engines enable these yachts to maintain high-speed capabilities while handling demanding voyages with ease.
Ferretti Yachts
Ferretti Yachts, an Italian brand synonymous with luxury, incorporates the KTA19 into models like the Ferretti 830 and the Ferretti 881. The KTA19’s balance of power and efficiency makes it an excellent choice for long-range cruising.
Azimut Yachts
Azimut integrates the KTA19 into some of its larger models, including the Azimut Grande 27 Metri and the Azimut 80. These yachts benefit from the engine’s high torque and fuel efficiency, ensuring smooth and reliable operation.
Commercial and Industrial Applications
Beyond luxury yachts, the Cummins KTA19 is widely used in various commercial and industrial marine applications due to its durability and heavy-duty performance.
Fishing Vessels
Commercial fishing boats benefit greatly from the KTA19’s reliability and fuel efficiency. These engines are designed to handle the rigorous demands of long fishing trips, ensuring dependable performance over extended periods.
Tugboats
The KTA19 is a popular choice for tugboats, thanks to its high torque output, which is essential for maneuvering large ships and handling demanding towing tasks. This makes the engine a trusted workhorse in busy harbors and shipping channels.
Offshore Service Vessels
Offshore support vessels, which operate in challenging and often harsh environments, rely on the KTA19’s robust construction and consistent performance. These vessels require engines that can handle heavy loads and operate continuously without failure.
Crew Boats
In regions like the Gulf of Mexico, crew boats used the KTA19 extensively. Early models often featured six-cylinder, 700-horsepower KTA19 engines before transitioning to larger engines for additional power. The KTA19’s versatility ensured it remained a go-to option for this type of marine application.
Key Features of the Cummins KTA19

The KTA19’s popularity is attributed to its combination of rugged construction, advanced technology, and efficiency. Below are the features that make this engine a favorite for marine operators.
Engine Design
The KTA19 features a rugged in-line six-cylinder configuration, which is ideal for heavy-duty applications. The engine includes:
- Replaceable Wet Cylinder Liners: These liners extend engine life and make rebuilds easier and more cost-effective.
- Heavy-Duty Crankshaft: Built to withstand high torque loads without compromising durability.
Cylinder Head

The cylinder head in the Cummins KTA19 is specifically engineered to optimize airflow, cooling, and durability. Its design contributes significantly to the engine’s high performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance. A standout feature of the KTA19 is its individual cylinder head design, where each cylinder liner is paired with its own cylinder head. This approach offers several advantages:
- Four-Valve Configuration:
Each cylinder head features four valves per cylinder, improving airflow and combustion efficiency. This design enhances power output, ensures complete fuel combustion, and reduces harmful emissions.
- Individual Cylinder Head Per Liner:
Unlike engines with a single cylinder head covering multiple cylinders, the KTA19 utilizes one cylinder head per liner. This design:
- Simplifies Maintenance:
If a specific cylinder requires servicing, only the corresponding cylinder head needs to be removed, reducing downtime and repair complexity.
- Minimizes Costs:
Replacing or repairing a single cylinder head is more cost-effective than dealing with a monolithic head that covers multiple cylinders.
- Improves Cooling and Sealing:
Individual cylinder heads allow better control over cooling and ensure an optimal seal between the head and the liner, contributing to improved engine efficiency and reliability.
- Simplifies Maintenance:
- Integrated Cooling Passages:
Each cylinder head is designed with internal cooling passages to efficiently dissipate heat. This prevents overheating and ensures consistent performance even in high-load or continuous-duty applications.
- Robust Construction:
Made from durable cast iron, each cylinder head is built to withstand high combustion pressures and prolonged operation in demanding environments. The rugged construction ensures longevity even under challenging marine conditions.
- Ease of Maintenance:
The modular design of the individual cylinder heads makes servicing straightforward. Mechanics can isolate and service a single cylinder without disturbing the others, minimizing downtime and simplifying repairs.
Fuel System

Equipped with the Cummins PT Fuel System, the KTA19 delivers precise fuel metering for optimal performance. This system includes:
- Step Timing Control (STC): Ensures smooth acceleration under load and adapts to varying engine demands.
- CENTRY Electronics (Optional): Enhances fueling precision, particularly in more advanced configurations.
Cooling System

The KTA19 offers versatile cooling options to suit different marine environments:
- Keel-Cooled Systems: Ideal for shallow waters or environments with high debris content.
- Engine-Mounted Heat Exchangers: Ensures effective temperature management and protects critical components from overheating.
Durable Construction
The KTA19’s durable construction features:
- Forged Steel Crankshaft: Provides exceptional strength to handle high power outputs.
- Cast Iron Pistons: Ensures long-lasting performance even under continuous-duty operation.
High Power Output
With power ratings ranging from 500 to 700 horsepower, the KTA19 delivers sufficient power for a wide variety of marine vessels, from luxury yachts to industrial workboats. The high torque at low RPMs ensures reliable performance even in challenging conditions.
Considerations for Prospective Buyers
For those considering vessels powered by the Cummins KTA19, here are some important factors to keep in mind
Maintenance
- Regular valve and fuel system adjustments are essential for ensuring long-term reliability.
- The availability of replaceable wet liners reduces the cost and complexity of major overhauls.
Fuel Efficiency
- While powerful, the KTA19 is also designed with fuel efficiency in mind. Operators should consider this feature when planning for long-range voyages or commercial operations.
Aftermarket Support
- Cummins provides extensive global support, ensuring that spare parts, rebuild kits, and professional servicing are readily available. This makes the KTA19 a practical choice for both recreational and commercial operators.
Parts Catalog for Cummins KTA19
At Diesel Pro Power, we provide a comprehensive range of aftermarket parts for the Cummins KTA19 engine, designed to enhance performance, reliability, and longevity. Our catalog includes:
- Overhaul Kits for Cummins KTA19: Complete kits to refresh your engine, restoring power and efficiency and extending its lifespan.
- Fresh Water Pumps for Cummins KTA19: These pumps keep your engine cool by circulating fresh water through the cooling system, crucial for long hours of operation.
- Raw Water Pumps for Cummins KTA19: Essential for marine applications, these pumps draw seawater into the system to regulate engine temperature, preventing thermal damage.
- Cylinder Heads for Cummins KTA19: Engineered to handle high pressures, these cylinder heads support efficient combustion and reliable power output.
- Fuel Pumps for Cummins KTA19: Fuel pumps ensure optimal combustion by delivering fuel at the correct pressure, enhancing engine smoothness and fuel economy.
- Aftercooler For Cummins KTA19: Aftercooler is used to cool the compressed air before it enters the engine’s combustion chamber, enhancing combustion efficiency and improving overall engine performance by reducing the temperature of the air intake.
- Injectors for Cummins KTA19: Precision-engineered injectors ensure fuel is delivered correctly to maximize power, efficiency, and reduce emissions.
- Oil Coolers & Oil Lubricating Pump for Cummins KTA19: These components help maintain oil viscosity by cooling the oil and pumping it through the engine for lubrication.
- Turbos for Cummins KTA19: Designed to boost airflow into the combustion chamber, turbos enhance power and efficiency, ideal for heavy-duty applications.
- Crankshafts for Cummins KTA19: Our crankshafts convert engine power into rotational motion, ensuring reliable performance under demanding conditions.
- Camshafts for Cummins KTA19: These control the engine’s valve timing, crucial for efficient combustion and maintaining optimal performance.
- Gaskets for Cummins KTA19: High-quality gaskets prevent leaks, maintain compression, and ensure overall engine efficiency and durability.
Conclusion
The Cummins KTA19 is a testament to Cummins’ legacy of engineering excellence. Its blend of power, reliability, and efficiency has earned it a place in diverse marine applications, from luxury yachts and fishing vessels to tugboats and offshore service vessels. With proper maintenance, the KTA19 continues to deliver exceptional performance and meet the rigorous demands of the marine industry.