2.5hp Propane Powered Outboard...

Any thoughts on this propane powered outboard:

https://www.westmarine.com/lehr-2.5hp-propane-powered-outboard-short-shaft-13498993.html

The reviews are not great, but the price makes it very tempting. It seems to be slightly heavier than comparable gas-powered outboards, but slightly lighter-weight than, say, a Torqeedo electric with battery (and less than 1/6 the price of a Torqeedo)

I'm considering this for my Hobie Island. I probably would not use it much, but for some long-range trips it could be useful. And, did I mention, its cheap?

That motor looks very interesting. I kind of like the idea of the propane fueled. I clicked on the link and it looks like it not in stock and it looks like lehr outboards are not in business anymore. I also found 2.5 suzuki under $700 at

https://onlineoutboards.com/products/brand-new-overstock-suzuki-2-5-hp-df2-5s5-outboard-motor?currency=USD&variant=42152330494041&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=9b96cb3c1e35&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19545220727&gbraid=0AAAAAD_SDsXCa5r836fB3FNDtkPYug7rK&gclid=Cj0KCQiAm9fLBhCQARIsAJoNOctQXTN-nfpOP3qOBheggVvT7HJ8i1Y1sChhxGeX-ua3cziosLqqWQ4aAgwsEALw_wcB

I've been running 18lb thrust watersnake on my AI with 100 ah for many trips and I like it. About 2 mph at low speed and 3 mph at high speed without any wind or current. Of course I can still pedal and get faster speed when there is little to no wind to sail.

Thanks for the info Moo! I didn't realize that that popular Suzuki could be gotten so cheap, and that's super-tempting too. I have read that it is not too difficult to convert most small gas outboards to use propane as fuel, so that might be an option. It seems to me that propane would be preferable on an AI...

Save yourself the trouble, get that Suzuki, it is the champ.  Easy maintenance, easy to find fuel, you can go up to almost 9 mph on ur AI on a perfect flat day.

Save yourself the trouble, get that Suzuki, it is the champ.  Easy maintenance, easy to find fuel, you can go up to almost 9 mph on ur AI on a perfect flat day.

Yes, but propane is essentially 0 maintenance, which is what makes it tempting. Anyways, I'm now thinking that I'll probably wait another year to get motorized...

Sounds like they are lower maintenance, but most of it would be the same: you still have to flush the cooling system with freshwater after every use, and you still have to change the engine oil and lower unit oil periodically. Buying gas and fuel stabilizer is probably a lot cheaper than all the propane tanks you would go through. If you close the fuel shutoff while you are flushing the Suzuki and let it run until it stalls, that empties the carb and solves most of the issues with gunk buildup and smelly fuel leaks.

I would think the weight of propane tank would be a determent. Would need a long hose to move tank fwd to help balance boat weight. Very hard to find a long hose ???

Sounds like they are lower maintenance, but most of it would be the same: you still have to flush the cooling system with freshwater after every use, and you still have to change the engine oil and lower unit oil periodically. Buying gas and fuel stabilizer is probably a lot cheaper than all the propane tanks you would go through. If you close the fuel shutoff while you are flushing the Suzuki and let it run until it stalls, that empties the carb and solves most of the issues with gunk buildup and smelly fuel leaks.

This is spot on advice here!!

The dark side (powerboat ownership) has been trying to seduce me lately in the form of aches & pains and feeling like shark bait sometimes out there. So the concept of low-maintenance electric and now propane motors has got my attention as someone who isn't particularly mechanically inclined. You can get an adapter to refill the little propane tanks from your larger tank for the gas grill, which might improve the price of fuel.

For put-putting around Santa Cruz and Capitola in a small skiff, I feel like you could get away with one of those alternative motors and a standard electric trolling motor as a backup in case something goes wrong and you need to limp back to the harbor. It would be nice to be able to bring a buddy or the kiddo along more often.

I dunno. It'll probably be a couple more years on the plastic yacht, so increasing the frequency of skiff rentals looks like the way to go for now.

If anyone is interested in a barely used Yamaha 2.5 hp motor, I have one I would be fine getting rid of for cheap.  It needs flushing and a bit of work, but the condition is pretty good.   I think I used it twice after I purchased it on this forum with my AI.  I didnt really like having the motor (vibration, smell, noise), but it def got us to Mulligans a couple times... send me a PM if interested and Ill send pics.  I also have the adapter to attach to an AI that I could donate with it. 
 

I dunno. It'll probably be a couple more years on the plastic yacht...

I think I'm in the same (or similar), um, boat...