The big advantage I can see is that propane, as a fuel, does not contain ethanol that will attract water or separate over time, leading to a wrecked engine. They mention a lot of advantages, but seem to have left that one out. On the other hand, propane explosions are spectacular and may be one of the biggest dangers cruising boaters face. Propane is heavier than air and will sink, filling the container. On an M15 or M17, that would be the entire boat to the sheer line. If you had that much propane on board, you would want it in a contained propane locker set to drain overboard. Even the little guys. With propane, you don't get second chances. Most marinas are not setup to handle/offer propane, but probably could be, or else venders would likely begin to offer the tank trade stations. On the other hand, based on how I normally use a motor, which is to get in and out of the marina, I could function on a 5# tank all summer long. Interesting concept. On Jan 4, 2013, at 6:42 PM, Tom Jenkins wrote:
It seems unlikely that a 4-cycle running on propane would get more hrs/gallon than a gas engine, because propane cars typically get a little worse mileage than gas vehicles (fewer BTU/gal). I think I read a review of the LEHR that suggested one hour per quart at 1/2 throttle (1/2 hour at full throttle) is about right, so we are in the same ballpark. The interesting thing is that canisters of propane can be purchased widely (sporting goods stores, big box retailers, and some markets), whereas gasoline needs a gas station.
Frankly, I have rather extensive up-close-and-personal propane experience, having backpacked many one and two-gallon tanks into the high country to run a winter tent-based research operation. It is much less scary than gasoline, and can be used for light, heat, cooking, and maybe a jury-rigged jet pack :-)
On Jan 4, 2013, at 3:59 PM, W David Scobie wrote:
I agree that for the M17 the 5HP LEHR becomes a real option.
At the Annapolis Sailboat Show in October I talked with the LEHR rep about the motors (mostly pushing for a long shaft 2.5HP) and asked what the range for the 2.5HP. I can't remember the exact running time the rep quoted (running time, hours, is a better measure than distance IMO). i do remember that the range with a one pound canister (the little coleman types) was longer than i can get from a gallon of gas using the Honda 2HP - i can get about one-ish hour per quart of gas (equals a range of about four hours) running the honda at 1/2 throttle.
5 gallon Lite Cylinder horizontal tank (12.4" dia x 18" long) would fit in the aft wet locker, so you could have a gas drain and a route for the hose to the motor, and a lot of range.
i agree Tom. just a bit of saw-all work to the rear cockpit locker followed by some fiberglass one would be set!
:: Dave Scobie
--- On Fri, 1/4/13, Tom Jenkins <tjenk@gte.net> wrote:
Jim and Dave,
The info you passed along about LEHR engines is quite valuable for an M-17 owner, since the 5 hp long shaft would be a nice fit. I have stored up to a dozen canisters at a time onboard my various boats for stove and lantern fuel, and it's easy to find cubbyholes for them. It's a long shot, but it's possible that the 5 gallon Lite Cylinder horizontal tank (12.4" dia x 18" long) would fit in the aft wet locker, so you could have a gas drain and a route for the hose to the motor, and a lot of range. Certainly one or two 1 gal steel tanks would fit, and a bunch of quart cylinders.
Tom
On Jan 4, 2013, at 7:06 AM, W David Scobie wrote:
sadly the LEHR 2.5 is _not_ available in a 20" shaft ... only the 5HP has 15" and 20" shaft options.
i've talked to the LEHR reps a few times last year about the need for a 20" shaft in the 2.5HP for the small boat market ... they have no interest and have 'plans to make the long shaft version.' if a 2.5 20" came out i would quickly get two - one for S17 AIR BORN and a second for M15 JUSTUS ... and maybe a third for Moore 24 HAPPY THOUGHTS.
the hope is enough folks ask for a 20" 2.5 they may change plans ... but the bean counters likely don't see sailboats as a market for the motors (i bet they only see inflatable dinghies).
:: Dave Scobie
--- On Thu, 1/3/13, Jim Dahlquist <jimdahlquist@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Tom,
Here is an add for a Lehr 2.5HP propane outboard engine. It is also available in long shaft (20"), and 5hp:
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|215570|1794283|1964825&id=1959942 It takes a good chunk of money, but I think it may
be worth
it to me. It is light weight, requires no winterizing. It has no carburetor, and the propane can't spill. I guess it could leak and explode if stored in a cabinet, but I think that is a low and manageable risk compared to flamable gasoline. I am not planning to but anything before spring though. Maybe a competitive model will show up, or a newer version, or a sale.
I am thinking 2.5hp will be enough in normal conditions. But wondering about windy conditions.
I am very interested in any thoughts or info about the propane engines.
Thanks.
Jim Dahlquist (M15) jim@dhlqst.com Palatine, IL