New LEHR 25HP Liquid Draw Propane­ Powered Outboard

While down at the Miami International Boat show in mid-February I had the opportunity to preview LEHR’s slick new 25HP Liquid Draw Propane Powered Outboard. The new LEHR 25 is not only cleaner burning than traditional gas or diesel motor, it is engineered and built for long term performance and reliability in a harsh marine environment.

Here are the details from LEHR:

Lower Maintenance

Propane outboards don’t just run stronger and up to 50 times cleaner, they are easier and less expensive to maintain, as well. Propane combusts completely and cleanly, reducing engine oil deposits and extending scheduled maintenance intervals. The lubricating properties of engine oil are further enhanced because propane, unlike gasoline, does not act as a solvent. With no gasoline to gum up the carburetor or fuel lines, there is no need to run the motor dry at the end of the day. Nor is there any need to winterize the outboard before long periods of storage. Affordable propane fuel is produced in America, widely available and, perhaps most importantly, weighs substantially less than gasoline.

Powerful

This 2 cylinder, 498cc SOHC 4 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 many advantages of propane power. These advantages include easy electric or pull starting (with no troublesome choking or priming), maximum acceleration/performance with 110 octane fuel and superior efficiency that delivers more miles (and boating fun) between fuel stops. Along with all this, boaters get the satisfaction of fueling their on water excitement with an engine that produces zero evaporative emissions and no marine pollutants.

Reliability

Under its sleek cowl, the LEHR 25 is packed with innovative features, including an optional internal, fully sealed Lithium Iron battery available on Electric Start models. LEHR is the only outboard manufacturer to offer this breakthrough, providing fast, reliable starting while eliminating the need for heavy, potentially hazardous lead-­acid batteries. In addition, having this lightweight (>2 pounds) battery integrated into the engine simplifies rigging and saves valuable deck space, whether it’s an inflatable tender, tiller steered fishing boat or fleet of rental pontoon boats. LEHR’s optional Lithium Iron battery offers several important performance and reliability advantages over traditional batteries, as well. This 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 extremely low discharge rate make it ideal for seasonal use. Continuously recharged by the LEHR 25’s 6 amp/80 watt alternator, this battery ensures instant starts in all types of conditions. This innovation is also offered on the company’s portable 9.9 and 15 hp outboards.

Like every LEHR outboard, the new LEHR 25 is engineered and built for long term performance and reliability in the harsh marine environment, with stainless steel drive, shift and prop shafts and corrosion-­‐resistant materials throughout. All LEHR outboards are backed by the company’s 3 year warranty, which includes the optional internal Lithium Iron battery.

The new LEHR 25 Propane Outboard is scheduled for public availability beginning May 2015 through West Marine retail centers and other LEHR outboard dealers across the U.S. and Canada. MSRP for this new outboard will begin at $4,295.

To learn more about the new LEHR 25 Propane Outboard — or the company’s complete line of propane powered outboards from 2.5 to 25 hp — contact LEHR, Inc. at 310.839.9009 or visit www.golehr.com.