New Sharrow brand propeller

[Marnis]

Hi All,
About a year ago I viewed an article on boattest.com regarding a completely new design for a propeller by an engineer named Sharrow. The test results were quite impressive across all rpm ranges, fuel economy, vibration and cavitation, and several other categories. Testing was done at the University of Michigan and then on both outboards and inboards. Initially the propellers were being manufactured for commercial use only. Recently orders were being taken for pleasure boats. The estimated cost at this time for a stainless steel replacement is $2000.00. Based on independent testing, there does not appear to be any negative findings.
Do you know of anyone who has purchased one of these propellers?

Thanks,
Sonny

 

[JamesC28]

Looks very cool, but EXPENSIVE!!! But I guess it will pay for itself over time.

 

[Brian 27 OB]

I have a deposit on one for my F300 outboard. They should be shipping in the spring. I replaced the 3 blade that came on my R27 with a 4 blade Yamaha Offshore prop looking to reduce vibration. It didn't work. I am willing to give this a shot. They asked me for size and pitch of both of my previously used props so I hope they will actually go to production in the spring. Will update if get one.

 

[pleeson]

These appeal from a purely performance and efficiency point of view but they are going to have to start coming in at something less than ten times the price of a stock replacement to ever gain any acceptance.

 

[Daveruegger]

I have a deposit on one for my F300 outboard. They should be shipping in the spring. I replaced the 3 blade that came on my R27 with a 4 blade Yamaha Offshore prop looking to reduce vibration. It didn't work. I am willing to give this a shot. They asked me for size and pitch of both of my previously used props so I hope they will actually go to production in the spring. Will update if get one.

What size and pitch did you order or are they recommending, it seems like it takes the R27 awhile to get on plane (I’m sure all the weight I put in the boat does not help) it would be nice to find a prop that gets better hole shots and increase fuel mileage.

 

[Whynot?]

Hello
Just ordered a prop for our 2018 R23 200 Yamaha
Not thrilled with planning characteristics. She keeps falling off plane in rough water.

I found a prop company called PT Propeller out of Washington State. Going from a 14.5X14 3 blade stock prop to there OFS4 style 15.25 X12 4 blade prop. Good value with this company is the 30 day return which allows you test for proper WOT test.

Will keep you informed

Grateful

 

[Brian 27 OB]

What size and pitch did you order or are they recommending, it seems like it takes the R27 awhile to get on plane (I’m sure all the weight I put in the boat does not help) it would be nice to find a prop that gets better hole shots and increase fuel mileage.

I gave them the specs on the two props I have. They will send me their comments before manufacturing. I am not thinking this is a miracle prop. But it does appear in real world tests to help plane at lower speed and it should cut back on the vibrations below 3500rpm. The 4 blade vs the 3 blade was a decent upgrade for me so far but I am still have a couple heavy items we are adding to the boat.

 

[Rocky Lou]

I have a couple 4 blade PowerTech props on order now, dropping to 17 inch. The PowerTech factory is in Louisiana and they were hit by Covid and Hurricanes. My order was placed in August thru a another dealer, NettleProps in Texas and still has not arrived. I'm constantly falling off plane and will consider Sharrow if the PowerTech experiment fails. I'll also try dropfins for my trim tabs since that's a very inexpensive option.

 

[Rocky Lou]

I canceled the PowerTech props after waiting for almost 3 months and hearing a litany of issues the factory was facing. It seems unwise to be ordering from a company experiencing that many challenges. I also put deposit on two Sharrow Props. Sadly, Sharrow has zero customer and tech support. I got no reply to several emails and they don't even list any phone numbers on the website (that I found). However, given the 90 day 'buy and try', I suppose it's OK to be on the bleeding edge of technology. It's $4K/pair vs. $1K/pair (PowerTech), but, considering the $100K in engine cost, that's less than half the sales tax for arguably the most important part of the engines.

 

[Red-27]

I really like the look of those props. i just cant guarantee i wont hit a rock with all the places i want to go. i hope they come down in price once they really get production going.