Propane powered outboards

[Marnis]

Hi all,

I just purchased my first dinghy. I have a 2018 RT 31CB. I would like to hear fellow RT owners opinions or reviews about using a propane outboard instead of gas or electric.
Thanks,
Sonny

 

[Bruce Moore]

You'll find several threads discussing propane powered outboards, primarily the Lehr, here.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[knotflying]

I do not own one, but have always considered it. I have spoken to many people who have one and the reviews seem to be mixed. There are those that love them and those that hate them. It seems the ones that love them use them for short transport to and from shore. Those who use them for long endurance seem to dislike them. Every type, electric, gas, or propane is a compromise. Like everything else, pick your poison.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

as Lehr is the main sole supplier there hasnt been much competition or time for the tech to mature. with west marine providing the distribution network but not really a service network it seems when they go wrong - which does happen more it seems than has gas engines, its difficult to get repairs done. I was tempted but a few friends who were upset at their choice had me buying a 2.5hp suzuki instead.

 

[asm777]

Have a Lehr 5HP propane outboard that we've had for going on 5 years now. We probably use it 1-2 times per year so it really hasn't been worthwhile for us. Also, getting parts and service these days might be challenging... haven't really followed it but last I'd heard, Lehr Marine was getting out of the business. WestMarine no longer carries Lehr (looks like they have the new Mercury propane outboards which were announced last year (https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/new ... -reliable/).

We're planning to just use our Lehr until it falls apart or stops working... and then just buy a cheap electric outboard and battery for ~$200-300 and consider them disposable for our limited usage requirements.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

this was the rationale for me as well for the suzuki. it was only $700 at onlineoutboards. those 5hp propane mercuries are still $1700. which I personally find hard to justify for the 5-10 uses it gets a year.