Propane outboard

[jim rosenthal]

What he said on the gasoline problem. I just bought ten gallons of aviation gasoline for my mower, pressure washer, motorcycle, etc. All the fuels with ethanol in them gum up the engines and they don't take long to do it.

 

[34Hatt]

Purchased it. Will give running details after this weeks cruise. I also picked up weaver davits to mount the dinghy on the swim step. Those should be installed tomorrow.

I just saw this but if I wanted a small hp motor I would look into one of these

http://www.jamestowndistributors.co...=Torqeedo+Travel+1003+Electric+Outboard+Motor

You can always find a way to charge them they even have a solar option and come with two battery's and the range is pretty dam good.

 

[MikeP]

I looked at a Torqueedo a few months ago but the power was insufficient for our dink - there was no way it would get up on plane - we need about 8HP to do that reliably with two aboard.

I'm sure the propane outboard will work great; I don't think anyone can argue against the operational function - propane has been powering engines used on everything from farm combines to forklifts to city busses for many years so the only issue for an outboard is just the convenience difference between gasoline/propane. Certainly it will eliminate any of the gasoline issues associated with clogging carb jets/fuel longevity, spilling fuel, etc. In further thinking about it, the only potential downside really, I guess, is just the fact that gasoline is available literally anywhere/any marina whereas propane is not. But some minimal planning should obviate the issue/concern.

Let us know how you like it, we have been talking about getting a new outboard...

 

[34Hatt]

I looked at a Torqueedo a few months ago but the power was insufficient for our dink - there was no way it would get up on plane - we need about 8HP to do that reliably with two aboard.

I'm sure the propane outboard will work great; I don't think anyone can argue against the operational function - propane has been powering engines used on everything from farm combines to forklifts to city busses for many years so the only issue for an outboard is just the convenience difference between gasoline/propane. Certainly it will eliminate any of the gasoline issues associated with clogging carb jets/fuel longevity, spilling fuel, etc. In further thinking about it, the only potential downside really, I guess, is just the fact that gasoline is available literally anywhere/any marina whereas propane is not. But some minimal planning should obviate the issue/concern.

Let us know how you like it, we have been talking about getting a new outboard...

Mike I think you need to read his first thread again

Like I said small HP 2.5 hp propane or electric isn't going to get anything on plane!

I am considering a 2.5 Lehr propane outboard. With the little use it will get it seems to be a great way to go. Anyone have one?

 

[MikeP]

"Mike I think you need to read his first thread again "

That's way to far back to re-read!

You are right it was clearly stated at the beginning re low HP.

 

[Finalee]

Time to make the motor ready for its first use out of the box was 30 minutes. It comes ready minus fuel and crankcase oil. It started on The fourth pull , it is like a diesel in that the air must be pushed out of the line the first time, each start after is one pull. It does what I wanted. It pushed a 9.9 Pelican along just fine. Very light, and stores with minimal wipe down. Have not tried cooking burgers on it yet.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Full report expected. Also on the Cuisinart option or whatever it was.......

 

[Finalee]

Put 2 hours on the motor . It ran stronger the more it ran. Changed bottle after 1.5 hr. Easy! We have put it away til the next trip. I am leaving the new can installed . I am curious to see if it will still have PSI next week.

Finding propane no problem. I bought extra in Cape Charles for 3.70 a can. The nice part is that it can be stored in my top dresser drawer.

To heavy to mix cake batter.

 

[Vincentc]

Fred,

Thanks for the report.

$2 / hour fuel cost sounds reasonable. Not having to carry gasoline on a diesel boat or deal with the issues of gasoline going bad in the engine or in the tank has a lot of value. Just carry a few spares, perhaps in zip lock bags and watch for rust. I do not imagine that propane will spoil.

Any assessment of the quality of the outboard of idea who manufactures it?

Regards

 

[Finalee]

I have heard its Chinese. No markings however. Too early to tell how it will hold up. It will probably only see 24 hours a year . I am storing in its original box . With gas this would not be possible due to the gas eating up the styrofoam.