Tohatsu's 5hp LPG four-stroke outboard
The 5hp 'Propane' will be ideal for yachties, tenders, and the caravan crowdAfter determining there is a market for a small portable outboard that runs on LPG, Tohatsu has produced its new 5hp 'Propane' four-stroke for the tender, yacht, caravan and off-road sectors.
These outdoor adventures usually have a source of LPG onboard, so a four-stroke outboard that runs on 'gas' may alleviate the need to carry a second fuel source.
Quite a lot of European boats also have LPG gas stoves and bottles in dedicated lockers. Not that LPG outboards are new, mind you, but this is Tohatsu's first foray into the market.
THE 5HP PROPANE
Tohatsu says its so-called Propane range of outboards will retain all the standard features of its petrol MFS5C. In other words, as we understand it, there will be just one power offering producing 5hp at this point.
This 5hp, available only in Tiller Handle, with come in 15in, 20in and 25in shaft lengths. The latter two models will be offered in the Sail Drive configuration with High Thrust Propeller and Battery Charging System.
The Japanese engine maker says it compact, yet impressive outboard will
run for a full five hours at WOT on a single 5kg propane tank, without
sacrificing engine performance.
LPG OUTBOARDS
Of course, LPG outboards have been around with several manufacturers already offering 2.5-25hp production 'LPG' outboards and there are conversions for outboards up to V6 225hp models.
But Tohatsu makes that salient point about the synergy with the camping market, while also reminding of the benefits of LPG as fuel source, which includes things like low emissions, improved economy, reduced maintenance, and other fuel-related issues.
Tohatsu's new LPG outboard was nominated for an innovation award at the 2017 Miami International Boat Show.
We understand there will be a local market release date announced in due course.
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Tohatsu.
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