Jim and Dave, The info you passed along about LEHR engines is quite valuable for an M-17 owner, since the 5 hp long shaft would be a nice fit. I have stored up to a dozen canisters at a time onboard my various boats for stove and lantern fuel, and it's easy to find cubbyholes for them. It's a long shot, but it's possible that the 5 gallon Lite Cylinder horizontal tank (12.4" dia x 18" long) would fit in the aft wet locker, so you could have a gas drain and a route for the hose to the motor, and a lot of range. Certainly one or two 1 gal steel tanks would fit, and a bunch of quart cylinders. Tom On Jan 4, 2013, at 7:06 AM, W David Scobie wrote:
sadly the LEHR 2.5 is _not_ available in a 20" shaft ... only the 5HP has 15" and 20" shaft options.
i've talked to the LEHR reps a few times last year about the need for a 20" shaft in the 2.5HP for the small boat market ... they have no interest and have 'plans to make the long shaft version.' if a 2.5 20" came out i would quickly get two - one for S17 AIR BORN and a second for M15 JUSTUS ... and maybe a third for Moore 24 HAPPY THOUGHTS.
the hope is enough folks ask for a 20" 2.5 they may change plans ... but the bean counters likely don't see sailboats as a market for the motors (i bet they only see inflatable dinghies).
:: Dave Scobie
--- On Thu, 1/3/13, Jim Dahlquist <jimdahlquist@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Tom,
Here is an add for a Lehr 2.5HP propane outboard engine. It is also available in long shaft (20"), and 5hp:
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|215570|1794283|1964825&id=1959942 It takes a good chunk of money, but I think it may be worth it to me. It is light weight, requires no winterizing. It has no carburetor, and the propane can't spill. I guess it could leak and explode if stored in a cabinet, but I think that is a low and manageable risk compared to flamable gasoline. I am not planning to but anything before spring though. Maybe a competitive model will show up, or a newer version, or a sale.
I am thinking 2.5hp will be enough in normal conditions. But wondering about windy conditions.
I am very interested in any thoughts or info about the propane engines.
Thanks.
Jim Dahlquist (M15) jim@dhlqst.com Palatine, IL