Lehr Propane Outboard
Lehr, which last winter introduced two small propane-powered outboards to much acclaim at the Miami International boat show, has expanded its product line with a 9.9-horsepower model. The 9.9 is available with electric start and comes in both a long- and short-shaft version.
The four-stroke engine burns approximately a gallon of propane per hour wide open (4,600 rpm) or about .44 gallons per hour at 3,000 rpm. Using a typical 20-pound tank of gas, similar to what you have on your barbecue, the engine will run for about 5 hours. Slow it down to cruising speed and you can motor for about 14 hours on the same tank. Suggested retail price for the 9.9-horsepower outboard starts at about $3100.
Lehr (www.golehr.com) turned heads in Miami by introducing the first propane-powered small boat engines with two models, a 2.5- and a 5-horsepower outboard. Propane is easy to find, is less expensive than gasoline, and there are fewer emissions than with a gas-fired two- or four-stroke engine.
