Are propane out boards worth considering?

[Pete Meisinger]

The early generation (Coleman) propane outboards really got bad reviews. I'm not certain how much, if any they have improved.

Propane fueled internal combustion engines have been around literally forever. Someone should be able to get it right.

I am certain you can find lots of answers here on TF.

pete

[Shrew]

Tohatsu, Mercury, Lehr all make them. You avoid water, ethanol, and having to stabilize fuel. They report a reduction in CO2 output.

The idea running out of propane gives me the willy's. plenty of on-water gasoline options. propane sometimes requires taking a walk.

[backinblue]

Originally Posted by cardude01

Sorry. I was attempting a joke there.

I also bought this Epropulsion outboard to replace a fairly new 3.5 Tohatsu outboard that required constant carb overhauls to run correctly, and I always use fuel stabilizer in the gas. I just could not rely on it anymore.

I got the joke! I also own an eProp. The advantages over gas are the same as propane, so I would look at electric rather than propane. I also replaced a new Merc after 1 season. I used nothing but ethanol-free fuel bought for a premium at Home Depot. Still had carb issues and difficulty starting. Last I checked, the eProp website had some real-world tests of dinghy trips approaching 20 miles I think. For casual use at anchor, getting to shore or beach it's perfect. Really depends on how you plan to use it. The fact that it breaks into two ~20lb components is something you won't find in any other motor type.