PROPANE POWERS NEW ECO-FRIENDLY 5 HP OUTBOARD FROM MERCURY.
I met up with Andy White of Mercury Marine at the 2019 Vancouver Boat Show to see their new 5 hp Propane Outboard Motor.
Okay! So propane outboards are not a radical new invention, but given the less than successful propane engines from a few years back - this does present a reliable option to gasoline from one of the largest manufacturers in the marine industry.
My first impression is that it actually looks like a ‘normal’ 4 stroke gas engine. Not the clunky screw in BBQ cylinder you buy at CanTire. Apart from the fuel connector, this unit has all the proven Merc components under the hood. Great news for repairs, spare parts and, well look and feel.
This one cylinder Four Stroke weighs just 59.5 pounds (27.2 kilograms) making it light and easy to carry or transport. It runs on the same propane used in your backyard BBQ.
It comes with a propane auto shut-off valve on the engine and in the fuel hose connector, a standard 6-foot (1.8-meter) fuel hose and a standard US POL connector on the tank side. A 20-pound (5-gallon) tank of conventional propane provides approximately 10 hours of boating at full throttle.
Propane power is a first for Mercury making this a very Eco-friendly engine that is easy-to-use, reliable and an intuitive outboard motor.
The standard 15” Shaft model retails for $1645.00 US., while the Sail-drive model - with a 25” Shaft - retails at $1740.00 US.
The 5 hp Propane Four Stroke sports an easy-to-reach shift lever on the engine and has six tilt positions with a shallow-water drive to set the outboard where you need it.
The Sail Power model also features a 12 Volt, 4 Amp / 50-Watt alternator charging system with a cable that allows sailors to charge a battery to run electronics or lights. It also has a reverse-thrust exhaust relief and high-thrust propeller to improve slow-speed handling and control.
Watch Full Interview with Andy at The Green Boater TV here.