Sharrow props

[J&RCruising]

Anyone looked at upgrading their prop(s) to the new Sharrow prop? I was wondering if there would be a leap in performance vs. the standard prop Cutwater issues.

“Waterwings” 2018 CW 30 CB

 

[ixlr8]

Looks interesting, but a "3" bladed aluminum prop for $4500 or a "3" bladed SS prop for $9000 is a bit out of my price range!!

 

[Brian98133]

Looks interesting, but a "3" bladed aluminum prop for $4500 or a "3" bladed SS prop for $9000 is a bit out of my price range!!

Agreed! Even if I had an extra $9K lying around, it'd be a tough sell. Based on the specs, at my fav planing speed (28kts), the Sharrow gets about 1/2MPG better fuel economy. At some of the lower speeds, it's on par with the standard blade the Yamaha has.

So, the ROI would take years for me. The biggest thing I would love to know is how much quieter (less vibration) it is vs the standard 3-blade. Not sure it could be quiet enough to, again, justify the price.

Now, if it ever comes down to a reasonable $1K - $1.5K, then I'm in! :mrgreen:

 

[asm777]

Anyone looked at upgrading their prop(s) to the new Sharrow prop? I was wondering if there would be a leap in performance vs. the standard prop Cutwater issues.

“Waterwings” 2018 CW 30 CB

Ran across the articles about the Sharrow props not long ago and I've been wondering the same thing!

Out of curiousity, can you share your current performance numbers?

I used to think that 3500 RPMs was WOT on our 2016 CW 30CB but I've since heard that others get up to 3600 RPMs and I've seen our boat go up to 3550 RPMs recently. Cruise at 3200 RPMs has been around 17-20 knots depending on conditions and load with top speed about 24 knots @ 3550 RPMs (with one person on board and less than half tank of fuel).

Agreed! Even if I had an extra $9K lying around, it'd be a tough sell. Based on the specs, at my fav planing speed (28kts), the Sharrow gets about 1/2MPG better fuel economy. At some of the lower speeds, it's on par with the standard blade the Yamaha has.

So, the ROI would take years for me. The biggest thing I would love to know is how much quieter (less vibration) it is vs the standard 3-blade. Not sure it could be quiet enough to, again, justify the price.

Now, if it ever comes down to a reasonable $1K - $1.5K, then I'm in! :mrgreen:

Agreed! Hoping costs come down in near future!

For others who want to read up on this new prop:
https://www.boattest.com/Sharrow-Engineering-Propeller

I'm wondering whether performance increases on a diesel inboard would be similar to what the above test link shows for an outboard (planing at 3000 RPMs vs 3500 and 4000 RPMS for traditional propellers)... If we could cruise at same speed at lower RPMs, that's also probably better for engine longevity?

Any thoughts on whether the aluminum or stainless steel version would be better for our boats? (Ours lives yearround in a salt water slip if that makes a difference) You can get two aluminum ones for the price of one stainless!

 

[J&RCruising]

Asm777, I get about 3600-3800 rpm (depends on weight). My top speed is 28-30 kts though. One thing I did do to help with top end numbers is a Ceramic Pro coating over the entire boat...hull included. It made the boat significantly slicker in the water. Now the down side is I don’t have a painted hull bottom so every six months I pull the boat out of the water and clean the hull. It is easier to clean because it’s so slick.

Hope that give you an idea. I’m a big fan of Ceramic Pro Coatings

 

[asm777]

Asm777, I get about 3600-3800 rpm (depends on weight). My top speed is 28-30 kts though. One thing I did do to help with top end numbers is a Ceramic Pro coating over the entire boat...hull included. It made the boat significantly slicker in the water. Now the down side is I don’t have a painted hull bottom so every six months I pull the boat out of the water and clean the hull. It is easier to clean because it’s so slick.

Hope that give you an idea. I’m a big fan of Ceramic Pro Coatings

Woah. Is that with the D6-435? I had always thought the maximum RPM was 3500 until I learned others were getting up to 3600. If you're getting up to 3800...??

I'd be happy if my top speed was in the 28-30 kt range... what's your cruise? In real world use, I'm happy to get 18 knots but usually closer to 16 knots @ 3200 RPMs.

Do you have numbers from before applying the Ceramic Pro coating? I'm impressed!

 

[J&RCruising]

WOT on the boat last time I was out on the water was 3750 but only for a moment. I backed the throttle down pretty quick to about 3100. I also have a pretty well broken in engine, it has 525 hrs on it.