Friday, February 15, 2019
Mercury Marine (Fond du Lac, Wis.) has just introduced a 5-hp propane four-stroke outboard motor to its lineup that “delivers no-hassle portability, reliability, and convenience running on alternative, clean-burning fuel, whether it’s powering aluminum boats, inflatables, or sailboats.”
The 7.5-cu-in.-displacement outboard weighs 59.5 pounds and produces 30% less exhaust emissions compared to gasoline versions. The motor comes standard with an automatic propane shut-off value on the engine and in the fuel hose connector. The standard 6-ft fuel hose threads quickly and easily to the outboard and comes with a standard U.S. POL connector on the tank side. A 20-lb tank of propane provides about 10 hours of boating at full throttle.
“This is Mercury’s first outboard to run on clean-burning propane fuel,” said Jim Hergert, Mercury Marine’s category manager of outboards 60 hp and lower. “Propane doesn’t degrade or contain ethanol, so you don’t need to worry about what type of fuel to run or how fresh it is. The pressurized fuel system eliminates priming, making the outboard easier to start, and the auto shut-off valves are there for safety. In short, it’s a very eco-friendly, easy-to-use, reliable, and intuitive outboard.”
Starting is made easy with a manual choke, which enriches the fuel-to-air ratio for fast and reliable starts, particularly when the engine is cold. Auto decompression reduces the pull force when using the starter rope. The 5-hp four-stroke includes an easy-to-reach shift lever and has six tilt positions with a shallow-water drive. Sail power models are designed for boaters who use a small outboard to pilot their sailboat. Available in 20-in. and 25-in. shaft lengths, additional features include 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. A reverse-thrust exhaust relief and high-thrust propeller improve slow-speed handling and control.
(SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, February 11, 2019)
The 7.5-cu-in.-displacement outboard weighs 59.5 pounds and produces 30% less exhaust emissions compared to gasoline versions. The motor comes standard with an automatic propane shut-off value on the engine and in the fuel hose connector. The standard 6-ft fuel hose threads quickly and easily to the outboard and comes with a standard U.S. POL connector on the tank side. A 20-lb tank of propane provides about 10 hours of boating at full throttle.
“This is Mercury’s first outboard to run on clean-burning propane fuel,” said Jim Hergert, Mercury Marine’s category manager of outboards 60 hp and lower. “Propane doesn’t degrade or contain ethanol, so you don’t need to worry about what type of fuel to run or how fresh it is. The pressurized fuel system eliminates priming, making the outboard easier to start, and the auto shut-off valves are there for safety. In short, it’s a very eco-friendly, easy-to-use, reliable, and intuitive outboard.”
Starting is made easy with a manual choke, which enriches the fuel-to-air ratio for fast and reliable starts, particularly when the engine is cold. Auto decompression reduces the pull force when using the starter rope. The 5-hp four-stroke includes an easy-to-reach shift lever and has six tilt positions with a shallow-water drive. Sail power models are designed for boaters who use a small outboard to pilot their sailboat. Available in 20-in. and 25-in. shaft lengths, additional features include 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. A reverse-thrust exhaust relief and high-thrust propeller improve slow-speed handling and control.
(SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, February 11, 2019)
