BREAKING NEWS: Builders See +30% Better MPG w/Sharrow Props - 02/05/21
BoatTEST Newsletter February 5, 2021
Breaking News
Boatbuilders See 30%+ MPG Mid-Range
Improvement with New Sharrow Props
Recently, several premium boatbuilders and engine manufacturers, all of whom have been testing the next generation of Sharrow Props, have reported a 30% – or more – improvement in fuel efficiency at cruising-range speeds on outboard-powered boats. The boats range in size from 22’ to more than 40’ (6.7 to 12.19 m) and were tested with the new, custom configured MX-1S, MX-2, AX-2 and MX-1G Sharrow props in anticipation of the manufacturers being able to offer them as optional equipment on their 2022 models.
Independently, BoatTEST has sea-trialed several sets of these props on a 14,000-lb. 37’ (6,363 kgs./11.27 m) center console and found the same remarkable performance improvement. All parties report that the boats were able to get and stay solidly on plane at 2500 RPM and have lower bow rise getting on plane.
The next generation of Sharrow props is intended for owners who want peak performance, greater range, lower bow rise, improved backing and docking, and better all-around handling, according to CEO Greg Sharrow. Each propset is designed and machined for a specific boat model and power application, much like a bespoke suit made on Savile Row. But in this case, the props are machined to a tolerance of +/- .003” – which is more than 10 times the industry standard for outboard props.
In April, Sharrow Marine will begin shipping its cast stainless steel MX-1R props to early adopters around the world who ordered them last year. In fact, so many were ordered that production was sold out for all of 2021.
As a refresher course on the Sharrow props, and why they are capable of such outstanding performance improvements, let’s revisit our BoatTEST video and report based on 7 days of testing on the MX-1 prototype – testing that proved the concept. More...
See BoatTEST Video & Report Sharrow Marine Website
Features Video
Summit 54:
Large Flying Bridge for Entertaining
The Summit 54 is a new motoryacht from the owners of Kadey-Krogen Yachts that features a planing hull designed by Michael Peters Yacht Design. Regardless of the speed she’s traveling, if the weather allows, we can easily see the captain and crew spending most of their time underway on the flying bridge. It has a lounge that starts aft adjacent to the stairs and wraps all way around the front of the upper helm station. There’s a table with fold out sections and it’s all protected by a hardtop that’s 6’9” (2.06 m) off the deck. Designer J.C. Espinoza uses large windows to create the same open feel in the salon. More...
Captain's Report
Ocean Alexander 45 Divergence Coupe:
For Year-Round Entertaining/Adventure
Ocean Alexander 45 Divergence Coupe
In the 45 Divergence Coupe, Ocean Alexander merges the best attributes of the 45 Divergence center console with the enhanced versatility of an enclosed pilothouse and helm deck. She can cruise year round in any climate and we could see her as a tender to a superyacht that spends time the northern hemisphere. The enclosed helm deck has a spacious U-shaped lounge to port of the starboard-mounted helm. Below, she has a full-beam master aft with VIP quarters in the bow. In between are a salon, galley and private head with a separate shower. More...
Test Video
Manitou 23 Oasis SR VP:
Pontoon Boat w/Value and Performance
Manitou was one of the first manufacturers of performance pontoon boats and the company’s best seller for years has been the 23 Oasis SR VP. She’s designed to be an upscale do-anything family boat. A single engine helps keep her price point lower than Manitou’s Legacy and X-Plode series. The Oasis is available with twin or triple pontoons. If the owner opts for triples, the boat gets Manitou’s patented V-toon configuration with a 27” diameter center toon and 23” outboard toons with lifting strakes that give the 23 Oasis SR VP her sportboat-like handling. More...
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Test Video
Formula 34 Performance Cruiser:
Luxury, High-Speed Yacht Sleeps 6
Formula 34 Performance Cruiser
There just aren’t many boats that can be described as having a 48.3 mph top end, sportscar handling and the ability to entertain and sleep 6 people during a weekend getaway. That’s exactly what Formula provides in its 34 Performance Cruiser. She’s powered by twin sterndrives from Volvo Penta, MerCruiser or Ilmor Marine including diesels from Volvo Penta. All the drives have twin propellers and joystick control, so maneuverability around the docks is as precise as her handling when underway. Her cockpit offers open-air or protected lounge seating and Formula’s trademark luxury is felt throughout. More...
Captain's Report
Simrad NSS EVO3S:
High-Performance MFD
With competition among electronics manufacturers hotter than ever, the smallest feature can be the deciding factor for a consumer. Simrad’s iMX 8 high-performance processor could make that difference because it makes the NSS EVO3S one of the fastest working multifunction displays we’ve reviewed. Drag the chart off the screen and over to a new area and the rendering of the new page is there in a snap. Page transitions are twice as fast as the older EVO3. It even boots up 30% faster. More...
Photo of the Day
What better way to spend your birthday than on a Sea Ray.
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