propulsion

Lehr Propane Outboard

New Propane-Powered Outboard Introduced

Lehr, which last winter introduced two small propane-powered outboards to much acclaim at the Miami International boat show, has expanded its product line with a 9.9-horsepower model.

four stroke engines

It’s a Four-Stroke World

If you’re in the market for a new small engine, you have plenty of choices, but two-stroke technology isn’t in the mix anymore.

Diagram 1 The side tow method has several advantages, offering good maneuverability when docking and putting you close to the helm for easier communication. However, remember that the boat will be subject to leeway with this method; check your course often. Diagram 2 When docking using the side tow, maintain just enough speed to have steerage. As the boat nears the dock, engage reverse so the boat’s bow will move out and the stern will pivot in. Use the outboard to steer parallel to the dock and stop forward momentum. At slow speeds, the outboard will have much more steering effect than the boat’s rudder. Diagram 3 Backing into a slip using a side-tow arrangement requires good communication between the boat’s helmsman and the dinghy operator. If no one is at the boat’s helm, be sure that it’s securely lashed amidships.

Towing with your Tender

These three techniques help you safely move your boat when the engine, or the wind, doesn’t cooperate.

Areas of Potential Damage Sacrificial zinc anodes at the end of the propeller shaft and on the prop itself (1) and at the flange on the outdrive housing (2) protect the aluminum drive casing (3) from galvanic corrosion. Making sure that the anodes are in place during the season on whatever prop you have should be a vital part of your maintenance routine.

Beware the Unprotected Saildrive

Paying close attention to anodes and your sailboat’s bonding system will help prevent corrosion that can quickly cripple these power units.

Lehr Propane Outboard

New Propane-Powered Outboard Introduced

Lehr, which last winter introduced two small propane-powered outboards to much acclaim at the Miami International boat show, has expanded its product line with a 9.9-horsepower model.

four stroke engines

It’s a Four-Stroke World

If you’re in the market for a new small engine, you have plenty of choices, but two-stroke technology isn’t in the mix anymore.

Diagram 1 The side tow method has several advantages, offering good maneuverability when docking and putting you close to the helm for easier communication. However, remember that the boat will be subject to leeway with this method; check your course often. Diagram 2 When docking using the side tow, maintain just enough speed to have steerage. As the boat nears the dock, engage reverse so the boat’s bow will move out and the stern will pivot in. Use the outboard to steer parallel to the dock and stop forward momentum. At slow speeds, the outboard will have much more steering effect than the boat’s rudder. Diagram 3 Backing into a slip using a side-tow arrangement requires good communication between the boat’s helmsman and the dinghy operator. If no one is at the boat’s helm, be sure that it’s securely lashed amidships.

Towing with your Tender

These three techniques help you safely move your boat when the engine, or the wind, doesn’t cooperate.

Areas of Potential Damage Sacrificial zinc anodes at the end of the propeller shaft and on the prop itself (1) and at the flange on the outdrive housing (2) protect the aluminum drive casing (3) from galvanic corrosion. Making sure that the anodes are in place during the season on whatever prop you have should be a vital part of your maintenance routine.

Beware the Unprotected Saildrive

Paying close attention to anodes and your sailboat’s bonding system will help prevent corrosion that can quickly cripple these power units.

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