Friday, March 13, 2015
Clean power company Lehr LLC (Los Angeles) unveiled its new 25-hp propane outboard to the boating public recently at the 2015 Miami International Boat Show, bringing clean, efficient power to a range of boats that include pontoon craft, fiberglass and inflatable yacht tenders, rigid inflatable boats, aluminum fishing boats, small center-console skiffs, and other vessels. To accommodate a range of boat styles and applications, the Lehr 25 is available in 15-in. and 20-in. shaft lengths with various options for manual/electric starting, tiller/remote control, and power tilt and trim.
The two-cylinder, 498cc, four-stroke outboard is Lehr’s most powerful engine to date and the largest factory propane outboard available. Its launch introduces a new class of boats—and boaters—to the advantages of propane power. These advantages include easy electric or pull starting with no choking or priming, maximum acceleration and performance with 110-octane fuel, and efficiency that delivers more miles between fuel stops. Along with this, boaters get the satisfaction of fueling their on-water experience with an engine that produces zero evaporative emissions and no marine pollutants. “We’re very excited about our new 25-hp model and what its introduction will mean to the boating industry worldwide,” said Capt. Bernardo Herzer, CEO and founder of Lehr. “As we continue to expand our line, more boaters will experience the benefits of propane power and will realize that great performance and doing great things for the environment can go hand in hand.”
According to Herzer, a liquid-draw fuel system is key to the Lehr 25’s performance. Specialized liquid-draw tanks work in concert with a heated evaporation system that rapidly changes the state of the fuel from liquid to gas. The fuel delivery system, which includes stainless steel fuel lines, prevents the fuel from freezing and ensures a steady, precise supply of vaporized propane to fuel the engine. Under its cowl, the Lehr 25 features an optional internal, fully sealed lithium ion battery available on electric start models. Having the lightweight battery integrated into the engine simplifies rigging and saves valuable deck space, whether the craft is an inflatable tender, tiller-steered fishing boat, or fleet of rental pontoon boats. The optional lithium ion battery can hold an unloaded charge for an entire year without compromising service life. Its overall lifespan is up to twice that of lead-acid batteries, and the low discharge rate makes it ideal for seasonal use. Continuously charged by a six-amp, 80-watt alternator, the battery ensures instant starts in all types of conditions. The battery is also available on Lehr’s 9.9- and 15-hp outboards.
The Lehr 25 is offered with optional 22-lb (5.3-gal.) or 31-lb (7.5-gal.) liquid-draw composite tanks designed for marine use. The lightweight tanks feature an opaque design that allows boaters to see at a glance the amount of fuel inside. Testing shows fuel consumption rates of 1.1 gal./hr at 3000 rpm and 2.5 gal./hr at 5000 rpm. Several other tank options are also available, among them aluminum and steel tank options in a range of sizes to suit the needs of a variety of craft.
The two-cylinder, 498cc, four-stroke outboard is Lehr’s most powerful engine to date and the largest factory propane outboard available. Its launch introduces a new class of boats—and boaters—to the advantages of propane power. These advantages include easy electric or pull starting with no choking or priming, maximum acceleration and performance with 110-octane fuel, and efficiency that delivers more miles between fuel stops. Along with this, boaters get the satisfaction of fueling their on-water experience with an engine that produces zero evaporative emissions and no marine pollutants. “We’re very excited about our new 25-hp model and what its introduction will mean to the boating industry worldwide,” said Capt. Bernardo Herzer, CEO and founder of Lehr. “As we continue to expand our line, more boaters will experience the benefits of propane power and will realize that great performance and doing great things for the environment can go hand in hand.”
According to Herzer, a liquid-draw fuel system is key to the Lehr 25’s performance. Specialized liquid-draw tanks work in concert with a heated evaporation system that rapidly changes the state of the fuel from liquid to gas. The fuel delivery system, which includes stainless steel fuel lines, prevents the fuel from freezing and ensures a steady, precise supply of vaporized propane to fuel the engine. Under its cowl, the Lehr 25 features an optional internal, fully sealed lithium ion battery available on electric start models. Having the lightweight battery integrated into the engine simplifies rigging and saves valuable deck space, whether the craft is an inflatable tender, tiller-steered fishing boat, or fleet of rental pontoon boats. The optional lithium ion battery can hold an unloaded charge for an entire year without compromising service life. Its overall lifespan is up to twice that of lead-acid batteries, and the low discharge rate makes it ideal for seasonal use. Continuously charged by a six-amp, 80-watt alternator, the battery ensures instant starts in all types of conditions. The battery is also available on Lehr’s 9.9- and 15-hp outboards.
The Lehr 25 is offered with optional 22-lb (5.3-gal.) or 31-lb (7.5-gal.) liquid-draw composite tanks designed for marine use. The lightweight tanks feature an opaque design that allows boaters to see at a glance the amount of fuel inside. Testing shows fuel consumption rates of 1.1 gal./hr at 3000 rpm and 2.5 gal./hr at 5000 rpm. Several other tank options are also available, among them aluminum and steel tank options in a range of sizes to suit the needs of a variety of craft.
