Sharrow Props: + 91 Miles at 37 MPH on a SeaVee 390

Sharrow Marine continuous loop propellers have repeatedly proven superior at mid-range speed and fuel economy in tests against conventional propellers. That was again the case in a recent test of a SeaVee 390 center console powered by 3x Mercury Verado 350’s.

The SeaVee 390 has an LOA of 39’ (11.88 m) a beam of 11’ (3.35 m) and weighs 10,750 lbs (4,876 kg) without engines. She’s designed as a long-ranging blue water fish boat suitable for tournament competition as well as fishing charters and for the avid private angler.

Sharrow tested the boat first with the 14 5/8” x 19” Mercury 4-blade Revolution stainless steel propellers, then with Sharrow Marine 15.5” x 17” True Advance stainless steel propellers.

Sharrow propellers are noted for producing less noise and vibration than conventional props, not only making the boating experience aboard more pleasant, but also possibly making the boat more “fishy” due to less likelihood of spooking fish while at trolling speed.

The props also display a greater bite on the water at low speed, producing better handling at the docks, as well as more efficient operation when trolling.

On the SeaVee, the Sharrow propellers began showing better mpg at about 6 mph and maintained an edge all the way up to the mid-40’s. 

Better efficiency translates to longer range that can be dramatic in fast-trolling artificial lures for wahoo and marlin—at about 12 mph, the Sharrow’s produced a range of over 500 miles, while the conventional propellers delivered a bit over 300 miles. While the trolling portion of a trip might only last a couple of hours, less fuel use translates to money saved as well as assuring get-home capability, particularly if seas turn rough.

The range improvement at planing speeds is even more impressive. At around 36 mph—a typical speed offshore in rough conditions with the SeaVee--the Sharrow propellers delivered a range of about 431 miles, some 27% better than the conventional propellers. 

Sharrow was better at all speeds up to about 42 mph, at which the conventional props, somewhat higher pitched, slightly surpassed the Sharrow’s.

Sharrow propellers also almost universally put boats on plane quicker and hold them there at lower rpm. Faster planing is not only a plus for fuel use but also for safety, reducing the time bow rise can be a factor in forward visibility on many boats. The added grip on the water also helps plane off a boat when heavily loaded with gear and multiple passengers. 

On the SeaVee, the Sharrow’s pushed the boat 57% faster at 2500 rpm. At 3500 rpm, the Sharrow’s had a 30% advantage in speed, and maintained the lead through 4000 rpm, where they were 9% faster. Once again, the higher pitched Mercury props topped out slightly faster at WOT.

Bottom line is that Sharrow propellers on this boat, as on many others Sharrow has tested, show faster planing, better fuel economy and more range at cruising speeds among other advantages. Users report they are also quieter, produce less vibration and allow more positive control at idle around the docks.