Sharrow Marine - Showdown in Paradise by BoatTEST.com

Recently, BoatTEST tested a 57’ (17.37 m) catamaran powered by a pair of 300-hp OXE diesel outboard engines. We evaluated her with custom Sharrow props and conventional 5-blade wheels made by one of America’s best outboard prop manufacturers. The video is important for anyone needing high-torque diesel power.
For more, visit boattest.com/Sharrow-Propeller
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[@darthkek1953]

A catamaran in paradise, OXE outboards, and Sharrow props. Yep, nicely done.

[@battlehymn6389]

Diesel Outboards have been the standard in the US Military for many, many years (they are made by Mercury). It has to do with the increased flammability of gasoline and the logistics for resupply. I remember asking about a year ago how you thought a Sharrow would perform paired with a diesel outboard and you've answered (better than I suspected). Fantastic video sir, thank you.

[@vmev1516]

What US Military boats have you seen diesel outboards? I haven’t seen one yet…

[@SouthAuckMarine]

That's a 3.0L optimax petrol engine converted to diesel application. Not entirely a new platform, and doesn't have a long lifespan.

[@andykerr3803]

@@vmev1516 It uses diesel, but needs a sparkplug. They exist. The military has had simple kerosene conversions since the 80's I converted my Johnson, a few Omc parts. It was available as a kerosene model from the dealer. Kerosene is also safer for fires, it depends what price you get on the different fuels.

[@ignasanchezl]

Those Optimax diesels are 2 strokes that have none but one of the advantages of diesel and all the disadvantages of 2 stroke. The Oxe are 4 stroke turbocharged automotive diesels, thermal efficiency revolves around the 40% mark.

[@davidblalock9945]

That’s some interesting food for thought. From the use of outboard motors to avoid costly engine refits. To the efficiency of the Sharrow prop.

[@blank-void]

How about doing a test on something like the Nordhavn Coastal Pilot or similar size trawler.

[@TChalla007]

Thinking the same thing. I'd love to see this on the new Bering 75

[@ironmike742]

How many test do you have to see before you realize that the props are better? Would you like to donate some money for another test? You guys are funny

[@TChalla007]

@@ironmike742 You guys? Not that serious brother, just curiosity. What's funny is that you just had to comment.

[@TheMikesylv]

@@TChalla007 man you guys read my mind

[@davidodonovan1699]

This is very exciting. Well done everyone. God bless you all.

[@TheCasinoBuds]

So excited to see these make their way across the industry

[@roberttorres809]

Wow, just wow!

[@davidodonovan1699]

Very professional and exceptional brilliance in making and editing this video, as usual from Boat Test. Fantastic work.

[@BoatTEST]

Thank you David! And thanks for watching!

[@davidodonovan1699]

@@BoatTEST you're all very welcome. It was my pleasure.

[@dannylewis3995]

I enjoyed this video…. I’m currently planned my boat for the great loop and island hopping the Bahamas. I want a 20 x 60 ft catamaran with 4 OXE diesel outboards on it. And now it sounds like I need to add these props to my list as well. I believe these diesel outboards are going to be big for the future of boating and I’m always excited to see there application on any boat!! Thank you for this one…. Great work!!

[@davidallen9526]

Beyond interesting, this test is captivating. Since your last demonstration of this prop Ive entertained thoughts of how it would do when introducing to different hulls and weight requirements. . Well Skipper, you've certainly provided that. Bravo Zulu Sir! Next step would undoubtedly be in the trawler type hulls. Most boats of this class would have a significantly larger diameter with a bit less pitch or twist. More like a conventional screw if you will. Captain Steve, you've blown this one out of the water my friend. Congratulations to the engineering and production teams of this unique population device. Its nearly the same quantum leap from conventional props to jet propulsion. Are we now are being introduced to a new category? Keep Dreaming, Keep Achieving.

[@autonomous_collective]

Sharrow and MIT have both been working on toroidal propellers which have shown incredible results.

[@jeffreywatson3534]

Awesome! So happy to see a true physical advancement in powertrain technology that results in efficiency gains. Nice one sharrow!

[@davidodonovan1699]

Well done captain Steve

[@tatito27]

Amazing design & engineering!

[@thejayvodlexperience7856]

amazing results

[@jeffhammond9091]

Yest there was. Shoupe is planning on soon taking his passangers to the BVI which will require running 5 hours a day at 18 knots, and he operates about 300 days a year. So, the fuel savings will add to over $60k per year, the first year, not including time at slower speeds, but most of his time is spent at 18 knots. The custom-made Sharrow props cost $10k each, $20 k total. So, his ROI will be 300% the first year, then it's all gravy.

[@georgedoolittle9015]

Where an item such as this matters is in reliability, control at idle, docking and ability to maintain amongst many other items as well i imagine. This also has a plumb bow which is in my view the most efficient ever fielded upon the water for a conventional hull. There are different hull shapes that can add buoyancy and control as well to the catamaran design and just as importantly ways to dramatically increase livability inside without the need for much in the way of power draw (fans for cooling and heating of the interior windshield similar to how a US School Bus works by way of example or most spectacularly the Tesla HVAC system that they use for their vehicle Fleet.) The holy grail now well underway in the USA are battery/hybrid designs which simply if not eliminate the deminimus the need for fuel at idle which is where the money in the Bank comes from as now you're in theory truly set for the World of Caribbean live-aboard. Even better of course is adding even if modest mainstay for create a motor sail option as well which if traversing between the Windward and Leeward Islands could absolutely revolutionize transportation for The Island Life.

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

That price is still truly prodigious given the need to impact the majority of the boats in use. Whilst it may be viable for new million dollar plus vessels it will not make a significant technical and environmental impact on the boating business unless they are willing to allow companies to build pre optimised designs under licence..as OE products. Or they can adopt significantly different manufacturing processes and materials possibly.🤔... such as 3D printing allowing optimised props to be printed to pre determined variable parameters to order as required using the same machine capital. This is already done in high performance Autos, Aircraft and for remotely manufacturing components independent of conventional logistics and stockings issues. Put simply one type of machine could produce the majority of their products ...and each could be tailored to its target motor and vessel type etc. as required🇬🇧🤞🏼 They will inevitably find themselves facing competition in the massively growing Electric powered area from the likes of the Italian Deep speed water jet pods...and retractable rim driven outboards or thruster pods in the less performance orientated end of the market ... where energy efficiency and volumes need to be equally high.

[@jeffhammond9091]

Sharrow is way ahead of you and has been using 3D wax printing for years. Sharrow props are particulely successful on high torque applications such as electric motors and diesels. The costs of manufacturing these complex props is high so they probably will not replace off-the-shlf conventional props any time soon. @@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

@@jeffhammond9091 Good to hear but thats just for producing moulds or prototyping .. but im betting that 3D printing and using Basalt composite would produce the props better and Cheaper. Go to the end of this but the whole thing is relevant to boats. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2a5YaCOhMefi5I as a material for reducing costs.. you can also impregnate the surface layers with copper to build in antifouling.

[@ralfsoldner8912]

Wonderful boat test video, great topic. Would be interesting to see how the Sharrow props work on a hydrofoil boat (re. Aquila 36s) and further increase efficiency.

[@ZZPxFTW]

the pitch efficiency was the most startling statistic you guys came up with.

[@chrisbethmann3955]

Great job captain

[@0nthewater]

Would really like to see same test on older single and/or dual engine diesel Trawler. Maybe even an electric sailboat with regen would be cool test also. Excited about this tech. Great job with the videos

[@davidodonovan1699]

9:37 Wow. That's amazing

[@thomasautengruber8369]

I just love to see new technology like this! Put them on ips drives next

[@ShaanGNas]

I don't know much, but that was lit, amazing, fascinating, 🤯 mind froze!! 🔥

[@Piratedavessaltylife]

I can't say the 5k price tag is worth the savings in gas on a weekend center console. The price is ridiculously high on these props for an average boater. It has its applications. Commercial boats definitely can save fuel with these and make more profits. Excellent video.

[@Retadin]

Wish they would make these for us lower HP outboard users.

[@mervynmontague1811]

Interesting and informative 💎

[@kn6123]

Very very cool 😎 I would like to see some numbers doing a similar test on a monohull, like a cc.

[@al1411]

The Sharrow props are probably as good as regularly shown on this channel, their customer service is far from that efficiency though. I had ordered a propeller in 2020 and cancelled the order in 2022 after a lengthyand annoying history of not getting e-mails answered. When I managed to get an answer they were very friendly though. At the end I even got the deposit back. The customer service was so dreadful that at some point I thought it could be a scam. I hope for them that they sort this out as efficiently as they propulse.

[@Amphictyon1]

Fascinating design. The largest gain in hydraulic efficiency appears to be coming from zero tip loss (that's why so little cavitation shows up) because there are NO blade tips. Thus, the entire blade is 'grabbing' and nothing is 'slinging free', to put it in laymen's terms. Just fascinating. I'm sure the tankers and freighters will start employing them; damn the torpedoes and hang the first cost; what they spend in diesel, huge Sharrows will still pay out, I'll wager.

[@gerritcoetzee9075]

Nice to learn. Is it an option for a sailboat? Or is there also significant drag from this type fix propeller?

[@demonhunter8533]

Great ..... Time for a change of prop ....

[@madrabbit9007]

As I said in another video I'd love to see this tested on a sail boat. I have no doubt it would perform better while under power but what if any negatives would there be when under sail. Most sailboats have a prop that fold up but this one couldn't as far as I can tell. In the end the question would be do the gains under power negate the losses under sail? Hope y'all do that test.

[@Kiteboarding316]

These props cost more than the average sail boat lol.

[@madrabbit9007]

@@Kiteboarding316 I’m not talking about a 10 foot sail fish. I’m talking 50 plus foot blue water sailers.

[@Kiteboarding316]

@@madrabbit9007 fair enough

[@Prototheria]

I have no idea how much a custom one off Sharrow would be, but it'd be a hell of a lot more expensive than a mass produced folding/feathering prop, and since there isn't much of a difference at lower speeds, the cost would never pay for itself. And on a sailboat? I'd be more concerned with engine off performance because if you're going to motor most of the time, you might as well just get a trawler or motoryacht. Hell, even a 53' Hatteras at hull speed gets around 1NMPG with a genny running all the appliances and AC, and draws about two feet less and has about three times as much livable space as the typical sail boat of the same size.

[@Mandurath]

All things considered, no reason why a folding Sharrow couldn't be designed. Though I imagine the cost would only really be worth it on already significantly expensive boats.

[@davereid-daly2205]

Brilliant !!!!!!!!

[@R8GT]

When Sharrow falls in line with conventional prop pricing, then everyone will jump on these. This is the problem with an engineering company versus a sales and marketing company. They don’t get it quite yet. Tried to help them numerous times but no return calls;(. Good luck Sharrow! I’m still a believer.

[@Kiteboarding316]

Right! I don't understand how they've come to the conclusion that their R&D of the new mouse trap merits a 1000% increase in price. I keep seeing videos that market this to the average population but unless you've got Freeman money these aren't for you.

[@Prototheria]

​@@Kiteboarding316 The cost delta lies within the time to design, and the process and volume of manufacture. Conventional props are mass produced using investment casting, while the Sharrows are custom designed to order and are CNC machined from billet. I'm speculating here, but I imagine it takes 15-24 hours to machine a Sharrow, and the $500,000+ machine used can only process one prop at a time. So, half a mil for the capacity to produce one prop per day, whereas Yamaha casts roughly 150 props per day. That doesn't account for the consulting and CAD time each custom Sharrow prop requires. You could machine a prop in your home on a $200,000 CNC setup, or cast one using a small forge, a 3D printer, and free CAD software for about $2500.

[@Kiteboarding316]

@@Prototheria that still doesn't make this a consumer product. This a hyper specialized commercial use prop.

[@jstefa2]

they partnered with yamaha motor company for mass production and availability for OEM motors.

[@davidrox4591]

Casting works.

[@SolarizeYourLife]

I just can't believe how much smaller the sharrow prop is...

[@SpatialGuy77]

G’day Capn Steve, I love your stuff, I haven’t missed one in years. This one though, has me scratching my head 🤔. Where on earth did you dig up the extremely high drag 5 blade prop? It was never going to be effective with the fine lines of that hull. That’s the elephant in the room… What about the props the motor was supplied with, or one with similar numbers to the Sharrow? I’ve seen your earlier videos on the Sharrow and they are far more convincing as to the benefits of Sharrow technology. Anyways, thanks for yet another one. Now get back my outstanding GB85 and find some ‘proper’ rough water. Maybe a one hour video on a weekend trip in it. Oh man, even though I’m a Riviera fan, I am in serious love with that GB. May your nights be red. Capn Mike. 🇦🇺

[@wake2skate1]

For the wake comparison you showed us the conventional props at 4000 rpm but the the Sharrow at 2600 rpm. Smells a bit fishy, or is it just low tide?

[@DerdOn0ner]

Before it was mentioned in the video I was like: hold up, is that a BMW logo I spy there on these outboards?

[@ladykay8]

I'm interested in who made the Voodoo, I love the front loading steps that fold up. Saw this on a cat in HI, but I haven't been able to find out who makes them.

[@MrSweetHart6976]

Very cool technology What would be the chances of you guys testing this prop on some type of electric outboard, to see how much more run time you can get on a charge?

[@Capt_Rick]

Still waiting for a Straight Shaft/ V-Drive boat to be done.. Offered my vessel 6 months ago as a test subject.. based in CT..

[@peterkramer7288]

Any idea what the application - if any - there would be to smaller more widely used motors in the recreational sector?

[@1320fastback]

We just got back from St John after spending two weeks there. The only boating I did was renting a dinghy to go snorkeling and stop by Lime Out 😂

[@gerritcoetzee9075]

Then one more question: is the prop maybe less prune to line/rope fouling? This will be a big additional advantage point.

[@trussmonkey5910]

Sharrow just needs to reduce their price point by a little bit. $5000 for a prop is really expensive. If that price was cut in half this purchase would be a no brainer.

[@adamdavis4690]

How about you test one out in Alaska? Be happy to lend you a boat

[@richardk552]

Would love to see this tested on solar powered boats and trawlers.

[@JP-iq7pu]

I curious as to how much if at all would help say like a Kady Krogen, Nordhavn, Outreef and other LRC boats that are disgned more so for sub 11knots.

[@sdvten]

All it shows is that one pair of sharrow props performs better than that one pair of conventional props on that particular boat. Even in more conventional outboard powdered applications some props perform much better than other props on the same boat. When you start getting into rather niche applications like in this situation prop selection can often be much more difficult and many sets of props have to be tried or even made. That is how even some production props came about in the first place, like the Mercury ECO.

[@danjamesking]

Impressive

[@holgere.]

This prop design IS more expensive to manufacture, without a doubt! When produced in larger numbers in the future the price will come down a bit but will still be far above a conventional design. However, the savings in fuel will justify the additional purchase costs for boats that are intensively used, as well as for specific purposes that require silent running, less vibrations or speed.

[@jakeringer3153]

Would have been nice to add a more standard prop into the test to prove that 5 blade custom made prop was optimal... I'd like to see a comparison between the Sharrow prop vs one of the new dual prop outboards (same boat and hp)!

[@jeffhammond9091]

The 5-blade prop in the test was superior to the 4-blade that the Voodoo had been fitted with since its start.

[@michiganengineer8621]

Love the technology behind the Sharrow props. Unfortunately I don't think they could make a set for the Mercury 600 or the Yamaha 425 XTO dual props. I wonder how they'd do on something that normally moves much slower, like a Greenline or Silent 60 hybrid.

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

I would be fascinated to see what they could do if added to A Silent yatch's vessel in terms of increased cruising range/efficiency/speed from the stock 135 and 250kW motors.. Its a question others have asked but have they investigated their ability's to hydro generate or not if fitted to an electric motor sailer/sailing vessel.

[@d.z.7485]

Any idea when/if Sharrow will make props for dual prop I/Os?

[@chrisstephens2734]

These props are wildly exciting; really appreciate your in-depth coverage. Is anyone putting them on lower-rpm, cruising-oriented vessels yet? Will they provide the same 30% improvement in fuel economy?? Could be a real game-changer in the long-range cruising world!!

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

Even more so if they could 3d print them to optimal performance... especially with electric conversions.

[@Prototheria]

Doubtful as all the instrumented comparison tests I've seen of the Sharrows indicate that there is very little to be gained below planing speed. Quite often when sizing props to bigger, heavier boats, there's a need to fine tune the pitch in order to get the engines to run WOT at their spec RPM and I'm not sure how you'd repitch a Sharrow. Unless they're going to offer every diameter in one inch increments and every pitch in half inch increments, and would let you try out multiple props to find the right one, I don't see them ever being taken seriously for the heavy inboard stuff. And again... we come back to the minuscule gains in efficiency at low speed never paying for the cost of the props in fuel and/or time savings, not to mention down time to fix a bent one. Any prop shop can work on a bronze or nibral prop, but I think a Sharrow would have to go back to the factory to be straightened, if that's even possible.

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

@@Prototheria Thats not what they have found on previous tests where its been the low and mid range thats shown the greatest improvements. Producing an optimised prop for a motor and hull combinations is possible if they have enough computer test data.. to model it, then 3D print the actual props but it would still probably make more sense to licence manufacturers to produce props to match their engines. At high speeds your probably better off going down the water jet route... Where you also gain more control and the ability to brake.

[@Prototheria]

@@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665 Would you mind linking me to a few of these tests? I must have missed them and if I'm wrong, I'd like to correct my knowledge.

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

@@Prototheria The earlier tests were done by the same body...but i will see what links ive saved...they were testing on a deep V sports boat from what i remember.. 🤔 My interest was peaked because if they can offer a mid and low range increase in efficiency for electric motors in the 20%+ range then that could have a dramatic effect on say a Silent yatch's solar cat on a passage.

[@billpawley2849]

Hmm, most interesting! In my dreams, I wish to have a nice Cat for offshore fishing, cruising, and just to get away from it all. In reality, I have an 18.5 foot center console Lowe Jon Boat powered by a 90hp E-Tec. Wonder how the Sharrow Prop would work on that?

[@9d10man]

Hi BoatTest! I have a Lagoon 560 sailcat with 2 x yanmar 110hp motors. We would be happy to participate in a test of the Sharrow props on our boat. Very curious how they would perform on a sailcat.

[@hardset-vi3ze]

At 40.5 mPG savings what is the break even analysis for the Sharrow props? In other words cost of props divided by the savings in fuel???

[@mrabrasive51]

The masses won't buy them until the price is more affordable.weekend boaters that only travel 40-50 miles cant justify the cost.

[@georgedoolittle9015]

I was just researching ceiling fans actually and I simply don't understand why such a critical item is lacking in every cruiser model I've ever seen reviewed...speaking of propellers.

[@paterson00]

Are we able to buy them yet? I have a Four Winns Vista 288 I'd love to put them on

[@gerritcoetzee9075]

This propeller looks safer, less dangerous than traditional fix props. Is that possible?

[@terryogletree2128]

5K plus is a good argument against 2 or more outboards

[@monkeymoney7830]

How do they test on tritoon boats with bigger motors.

[@keithhughes2104]

Hi Capt.Steve, are the Sharrow props suitable for use on IPS drives?

[@jeffhammond9091]

IPS props are dual props which will require special engineering and tooling. All it takes is someone willing to pay for it, we imagine.

[@Seektruth-59]

Hey Sharrow, when is the cast prop coming. I’ve been spreading the word yet still not in production and gas prices are skyrocketing. We could use some help here so chop chop, get on it.

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

Thats the problem .... sort of the Tesla approach to the need for Electric vehicles. I understand the complexity of working out the optimal prop and then having to make numerous variations ... and the complexity of the manufacturing process.. thats why i see the best way to respond to the wider market and general need would be to use 3D printing Metal for high performance but perhapse novel composites for the volume moderate to lower performance end of the market .. like displacement hull vessels motor sailors cabin cruisers .. sailing cats that may have to push long distances on crossings if they hit the doldrums. Any electric motor powered boat would benefit as endurance and efficiency are huge deals for most users.

[@Seektruth-59]

@@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665 yeah, they need to capitalize on this before the copyrights expire.

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

@@Seektruth-59 Patents can be renewed ... but im not sure how that goes in the US.. its not cheap if your not selling anything but at these prices who knows.🤷🏻‍♂️

[@artpatronforever]

Stealth props for submarines don't stop working when run shallow depth, who knew.

[@bcbarc7044]

This is fascinating! How do these props do on IO's? Which Sharrow prop would you recommend on a 300 Merc on a 21' bass boat? Are they available yet? I couldn't tell from the website. Thanks!

[@AB-80X]

I'm guessing that you're probably running your prop semi-surfaced on that boat. So no, these are not for your boat.

[@noamharel4075]

The Noel a plaid has each one produces an average of 3,333 nm of touque

[@doudlaskeilwitz1648]

what about 2 prop same shaft counter rotating that be test.

[@brianboyle8390]

Maybe you could have done a comparison on price? Really doesn’t matter how much better they are if the price point is too high.

[@chrisH-uv5wx]

You’re missing the point. These are new props are much more expensive upfront, but the long term fuel savings are where you save money

[@Xrayg219]

looks like they are 5 k each and include a 5 year warantee and 1 year accidental damage .

[@threadready8078]

A fuel savings of $40/hr means they've paid for themselves at 250 hours (@ $10k for the pair). For a charter boat like this, that's under 6 months. Makes it a no-brainer.

[@nickwinn]

Love the video and amazing testing... however 5k for a prop is crackhead territory...

[@jstefa2]

yamaha motor company signed a deal with them to offer props for sale and to be fited to their OEM outboards.... and i think they also have a partnership with yanmar marine via yamaha for the same reason... in a year or 2 these props will be everywhere.

[@gkingsley69]

I'm getting 35% prop slip on my displacent cat. Sure would be nice to have an extra 10k kicking around....

[@kevinsgarage]

I think a lot of people would like to see a review of the sharrow prop on an alpha/bravo or Volvo out drive.

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

Typo ? Sharrow or Shadow?

[@kevinsgarage]

@@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665 sharrow (autocorrect)

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

@@kevinsgarage 😉👍🏼 Just checking it happens to me a lot 😂 and ive tried turning it off.

[@jimquantic]

Their website says for engine 150 hp and up. I have a 115--are they saying they don't even recommend one for my engine?

[@lmichael5034]

One question - Does the Sharrow prop put more stress on Engine since there is less slippage? I have a small Robalo R227 with Yamaha 200HP and would be interested in knowing if it would harm engine in any way due to prop biting the water better? I get good fuel with stock prop but I'd love to try a Sharrow prop out.

[@lmichael5034]

Kind of like the same idea of putting big tires on a truck - that taxes the drive train

[@JayneCobbsBunk]

As shown in the video, the sharrow prop is smaller with less pitch. I imagine the same would be required on a smaller outboard to match the load on the drivetrain relative to a standard prop.

[@nimrodquimbus912]

Each blade loop is really like 2 blades conventional.

[@marcusgarcia504]

Its 5k, but honestly. I need it.

[@jdsolberg7613]

Unsure why anyone would want to use anything else. Do they have a dual prop application?

[@shoresharp8349]

For the price of those props they better be worth the gains.

[@longfellow5276]

Should nane that boat Planet Eater 1.

[@jasonk1938]

At the $40/hr fuel savings, was there an estimated ROI time for the upgraded prop?

[@BoatTEST]

Yest there was. Shoupe is planning on soon taking his passengers to the BVI which will require running 5 hours a day at 18 knots, and he operates about 300 days a year. So, the fuel savings will add to over $60k per year, the first year, not including time at slower speeds, but most of his time is spent at 18 knots. The custom-made Sharrow props cost $10k each, $20 k total. So, his ROI will be 300% the first year, then it's all gravy. - Jeff Hammond ( wrote below)

[@ammogiant824]

@@BoatTEST lol no reason to cost that much

[@aco2518]

You'd think they'd use a torque wrench on such an expensive prop lol. I certainly would.

[@mwilson8374]

Omg thats a gunboat cat body, full carbon racing/cruiser cat. What have they done to it lol

[@MrBoogaloo86]

"I'm curious about Sharrow props on IPS pods and inboards."

[@carlwestfall2006]

Guessing not Interested in selling very many with that super high price. Would sell 5x with a reasonable price like $2500

[@evangatehouse5650]

Hmm, the Sharrow prop didn't get to full engine RPM. The OXE engine has a redline of 4000-4200. Also - who SELECTED the conventional outboard prop? If Sharrow supplied them, they might simply be the wrong diameter/pitch, chosen deliberately to make the Sharrow one look better. If Boattest supplied them, who is your prop designer? What are their qualifications?

[@TheStaniG]

Im always skeptical when the competitor is "some well known brand or supplier" and doesnt actually have a name to pin to it for exactly this reason.

[@TheOriginalItchyman]

I know Sharrow is quite a lot more efficient, but I'd like to see how a conventional 6 blade would compare to a "3 blade" Sharrow, because a "3 blade" Sharrow is technically a 6 blade prop.

[@roberthawxhurst3717]

Could be most rig'd test ever......My college statistics professor is spinning in his grave. Obviously Sharrow got a very optimized oddball boat/engine combination here...The use of a 5~blade cavitating like hell prop to compare says it all

[@zutidad3867]

Why not do a test on a bass boat with a 300 R mercury or 350R mercury

[@adamfrbs9259]

How does MIT get a patent, but only 1 guy uses it in a private business boating world? Seriously, I don't understand how that works or happens.

[@Kiteboarding316]

I have no dispute this is a great prop but let's talk about the massive elephant in the room here. The cost of these things is astronomical. I'd be fine paying 2, 3, even 4 times the cost of a standard prop to get those gains, but these things are around $5k mark. So until they find a cheaper production method these things are simply not for the average consumer. This is an extremely boutique or commercial product.

[@ryanulmer9065]

Why not do 3 blade vs 3 blade. And not 5 blade vs 3 blade ??????

[@jttcotm318]

At $5000/prop, this catamaran operator might see a payback in about 5 months of operation assuming 4 hours/day at 18 knots.

[@charlieodom9107]

20 grand is a lot of money for 2 props! These aren't exactly something many people are going to be able to justify the cost to buy.

[@Jo-Jo8vs]

It would be interesting if these new props also work on larger commercial vessels.

[@kaseyc5078]

Gee I love the “requirements” were just a tad slightly lower than the boat performed. The staging of this “test” is quite blatant

[@jeffhammond9091]

Oh, ye of little faith! 18 knots is a typical speed that commercial vessels of this type like to run as it is a reasonable compromise between speed, fuel consumption, and passanger comfort. Let's not forget the requirements of improved backing down and elimination of vibration. And , of course, improved fuel economy over both the 5-blade and previous 4-blade was a given.

[@imtheonevanhalen1557]

$5k for a prop?......could buy a lot of fuel to make up for that

[@ignasanchezl]

I really dont understand the need to sell the prop so much with the checklist bs and epic music, if the numbers are real they should speak for themselfves.

[@BoatTEST]

It makes it fun!

[@MrJerobona]

$5K plus tax, per prop... for the Sharrow