New Sharrow Prop for 9.9 – 30-HP Outboard Engines
Earlier this week, Sharrow Marine announced the introduction of its smallest prop yet – the Sharrow AX™ for outboard engines from 9.9 to 30-hp. With this announcement, Sharrow’s revolutionary prop design is now available for the entire outboard engine spectrum from 9.9-hp to 450-hp.
Purpose-built for anglers and recreational boaters, the AX delivers the same efficiency, control, and quiet performance that has redefined boating across larger horsepower classes.
According to the company, the key benefits of the Sharrow AX™ are:
- Precise trolling control – hold track at low speeds
- Effortless maneuverability – reverse, dock, and spin and with authority
- Quieter rides – dramatically reduced vibration and noise
- Greater fuel efficiency – maximize range and run time
- Proven reliability – CAD-CAM built for precision and strength
The First Shall be Last!
Ironically, when Greg Sharrow started experimenting with his revolutionary concept, it was only natural that he start with low-horsepower engines on small, expensive boats to prove the concept. Before investing the vast sums of money required to make large stainless steel props, his first props were made of aluminum, and were small. It was actually on low-horsepower outboards that the remarkable performance of his loop design was discovered and confirmed in scientific tests -- both on boats and in the University of Michigan test tank.
Now, with all of the larger prop designs out of the way, Sharrow could concentrate its resources on developing relatively inexpensive props with ultra-slim margins.
The very first Sharrow prop that BoatTEST tested in 2019, was an aluminum prop made for a 150-hp engine on a small Bayliner. The performance recorded then of remarkable fuel efficiency, and vastly improved boat handling, has proved to hold true over 6 years of testing on hundreds of different boats powered by outboard engines up to 450-hp.
Reduced Vibration
BoatTEST has not yet tested the new AX prop, but based on past performance, we have little doubt that the AX props will duplicate the performance achieved by the larger units. In fact, because outboards between 9.9 and 30-hp are all 2 or 3-cylinder engines, their vibration is a fact of life, and because Sharrow props grip the water, rather than spin through it, they naturally reduce vibration underway.
Powerful Reverse, Better Tracking
Low hp outboards are notoriously lousy in reverse. The reason is that like all conventional outboard props, they are made to go forward, not reverse. That, plus their small surface area, means reverse is problematical, and increase the rpm only make them cavitate. Sharrow props solve that problem because their 3-blade loop design actually has 6 blades gripping the water.
For much the same reason – the Sharrow prop “grip” – when trolling at low speeds the walking-effect is greatly reduced. This means fewer steering adjustments are needed and both hands are free to handle light fishing gear.
30% Greater Range from a 6-Gal. Fuel Tank
Typically, a small aluminum fishing boat with a 20 to 30-hp outboard, has a a red, 6-gal. fuel tank. Full, it will weigh about 36 lb., and, depending on speed and load, will be enough for 50 miles or so. If Sharrow’s usual 30% improvement in fuel efficiency holds true, boats with Sharrow props will have far greater range at no penalty in weight.
Now Available
The Sharrow AX is available now in aluminum for leading 9.9 – 30 HP outboard platforms, with pricing starting at $795, and a lead-time of 6-8 weeks.
“With the launch of the Sharrow AX, we’re proud to introduce our technology to the small-engine market,” said Greg Sharrow, Founder and CEO of Sharrow Marine. “Whether used as a primary prop on a small outboard or as an auxiliary kicker for trolling, the AX offers smoother handling, quieter operation, and unmatched fuel efficiency.”
The propeller can be purchased directly at: www.sharrowmarine.com/store/p/ax.