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US firm Lehr, Inc., the company that patented the use of propane canisters to fuel small engines, has announced the world's first OEM marine outboard engines that run on environmentally friendly propane.

The company will be showcasing the new engines at the Miami International Boat Show from February 16-20.

Previously available for vehicles, forklifts and large equipment, Lehr's latest products aim to address the need for the use of cleaner fuel alternatives in the marine market segment.

According to Lehr, the new propane outboards will be available to consumers at an overall cost of operation lower than current gasoline-powered models, thus saving money.

The first two engines are 2.5 HP and 5 HP with higher HP models to be released in the future.

Commenting on the benefits of using US-produced propane, Lehr pointed out that it was a cheaper fuel option and that it does not "go bad" with time, thus avoiding the fuel-related maintenance and repairs associated with ethanol-added fuels. A summary of the benefits highlighred by Lehr have been provided below.

*Up to 50% lower fuel cost and more cost effective to use and maintain.

*No gasoline polluting the water.

*No ethanol or fuel-related issues.

*Eco friendly with zero evaporative emissions.

*Easy start with no choke, no priming, no carburetor gum-up & no winterizing.

*Powerful 4-stroke engine *110 octane fuel.

Founded in 2004, Lehr is dedicated to a cleaner planet through environmentally-friendly technology. Led by its founder and CEO, Captain Herzer, the current slate of the company's research is focussed on the use of clean burning propane across a broad range of industries and applications.

Lehr was granted the first of many patents to power small engines using propane in 2008. The Lehr propane-powered Eco Trimmer was awarded the EPA Clean Air Excellence Award for helping to improve the nation's air quality, and breakthrough products of the year awards, including Popular Mechanics and Popular Science.

The EPA and CARB set strict new standards for gasoline marine engines and fuel systems in order to reduce the amount of gas fumes, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and smog-forming pollutants.

"Applying Lehr's technology to a marine solution is both timely and critical for our planet and its water supply. Propane has long been recognized as a green energy source that reduces emissions, protects the environment and reduces our dependence on foreign oil along with a reduction of the spillage of gasoline into the water supply through careless refuelling," the company said.