Lehr 9.9 propane outboard as a kicker?

[slvrlng]

Since I mix my gas because the VRO is disconnected I am thinking about one of these as a kicker.
What do you think? Yes I know its Chinese, but it looks like a viable option.

http://golehr.com/new/lehr-9-9-flyer/

[Circle Hooked]

I do like the idea but Lew since you premix already find yourself a good ole made in USA Jonnyrude to match the big one

[RickK]

I guess I'm confused - what does premixing your fuel have to do with a propane fueled kicker.  Are you going to hook up your BBQ tank to your kicker?

[slvrlng]

I don't want a 2 stroke kicker. Personal preference. So, the only choice is a 4 stroke or this. This is a cool idea and I can use the tank for the grill if we camp.

[slvrlng]

If i get a 4 stroke I would have to have a tank full of gas on the deck, which I don't want.

[wingtime]

Lewis, a kicker with a separate fuel supply is a much better fail safe than one sharing the main fuel tank. So a fourstroke with its own tank is a good idea.

[GoneFission]

You can run a 4 stroke on 50:1 premix without a problem.  The only real issue could be for extended run times at idle, but I doubt if you would do that very much, and you could always kick the plugs up a heat range for that.  

[pigbike]

They should of built a small grill on top of the engine. If you break down and it takes hours to get back in, at least you can eat.

[Capt Matt]

Kickers are for walleye fisherman
Gonna do some back trolling?
Capt Matt

[slvrlng]

Slow trolling for kings and mahi. My 175 does not like running below 1100 rpms for extended periods and that equals around 5 to 6 mph as Skoot will attest.

EDIT: The idea of a kicker is mainly for a backup to get home.

Here is another video of the 9.9 I found running from LA to Catalina. 26 miles in what looks to be a 15 foot aluminum skiff with a chase boat. 2 gallons of fuel used in a hour and a half.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNr3U1E89WE

[seagate]

E mail them see if they have a kit to convert a johnson to propane from there last post they have kits to convert other motors.That would be cool

[GoneFission]

Again, you don't need to convert to smelly propane.  A 4 stroke motor will run just fine on a TC-W3 oil with a 50:1 premix.  I will not coke the cylinders or foul the plugs in a modern 4-stroke engine that is properly tuned.

[RickK]

They should of built a small grill on top of the engine. If you break down and it takes hours to get back in, at least you can eat.

I think that should be an option on that motor.  mmmmm, can smell the ribs already  :pig:

[Circle Hooked]

The idea of a kicker is mainly for a backup to get home.

Lew the idea of a kicker is a great idea which ever one you choose, I have had my 15 on my boat for 10 years now, unless I'm with other boats I don't go offshore without it, and I do have towing.

[fitz73222]

Lew,

I think its a pretty cool little engine. The technology has been around for many years in other applications. I've taken a propane powered engine apart; an old 250 six cylinder Chevy that was in a local propane service truck. The engine must have had 300,000 miles on it and you could eat off of the inside of the cylinder head; it was that clean, the valves were perfect. It just leaked so much oil like they all did, it had to come apart to be re-sealed. I guess the only thing that I would research is that is it really a salt water engine from a materials standpoint or is it ESKA/Ted Williams quality with a propane powerhead. Do you buy these factory direct or is there a dealer network? What's the warranty? How do you get parts? Are they US built?; that would be a nice change. Can you get a 20" shaft that would get you deep enough in the water on your transom? If it met my criteria; I'd buy one for shits and giggles.