• Propeller Test: Sharrow vs. Standard Prop on Robalo R302

    Robalo R302 Center Console / Twin Yamaha 300HP Outboards

    One of the most critical aspects of every center console’s performance is at what RPM the vessel gets on plane. It is here that the Sharrow Propeller's performance is remarkable. It can be seen clearly in the charts that the boat is nearly on plane at 2500 RPM and 15.4 mph.

    The conventional props tested on the Robalo R302 were stainless steel 15.25” x 19” (38.73 cm x 48.26 cm). The Sharrow props were 15.04” x 19” (38.02 cm x 48.26 cm).

    At about 2800 RPM, the boat is firmly on plane (typically about 17 mph for these types of boats) with the Sharrow props and 25.4 mph at 3000 RPM. With the conventional stainless steel props, the boat has not yet been able to climb over its bow wave.
    At 3500 RPM, where most engines produce their most efficient performance, the R302 equipped with the Sharrow Propeller goes 58% faster than the boat with conventional blades (32.5 mph vs 20.6 mph). This also means that the boat can stay solidly on plane at about 800 RPM less than it can with the standard props.
    The Sharrow Propeller gets more miles per gallon (MPG) than the conventional props at all speeds, except at WOT when both prop designs are equal.

    Cruising Speed Efficiency: For a boat such as the Robalo R302 center console, cruising speeds are generally considered to be from 20 mph to 35 mph, where the range is maximized and comfort, depending on sea state, is best. Here we see MPG improvements from 15% to 29% for the Sharrow props over the conventional units.

    In the Range chart above, we see that at 25.4 MPH, the R302 can travel 109 miles (29%) farther than it can with conventional props.

    The actual number of miles of increased range the Sharrow props deliver at cruising speeds is significant. Note that at 33 mph, the Sharrow props have 62 miles greater range.

    At the cruising RPMs of 2500, 3000, and 3500, the R302 equipped with Sharrow Propellers will get you to your destination 33%-38% quicker at the same rpm when compared to conventional propellers. This benefit also results in a quieter ride (as much as 80% quieter) due to lower RPM and lower cavitation levels.

    True Advance™ is a design feature within all Sharrow Propellers™ that contributes to the incredible efficiency and performance of the Sharrow Propeller™. It allows our propellers to achieve their maximum advance rate and efficiency much earlier on in the RPM and speed range of a boat compared to standard propellers. The benefits of Sharrow True Advance™ include:

    • Unmatched Efficiency
    • Greater Range
    • Superior Fuel Economy
    • Increased Load Capacities
    • Faster Speeds (up to 10 MPH FASTER) at Cruising RPM’s
    • Enhanced Handling and Maneuvering
    • Up to 50% More Reverse Thrust for Greater Stopping Power
    • Lower Emissions / Reduced Carbon Footprint
    • Quieter Operation
    • Less Driver and Passenger Fatigue
    • Longer Engine Life
    • Can be Utilized on Virtually any Propeller Driven Craft




    In the charts above, we see that the R302 equipped with a set of Sharrow Propellers is .2 MPH faster on the top end and faster during acceleration to 30 MPH as well.
    Comments 8 Comments
    1. stan merck's Avatar
      stan merck -
      What is the conventional prop?
    1. LoneWolfMerc's Avatar
      LoneWolfMerc -
      Quote Originally Posted by stan merck View Post
      What is the conventional prop?

      The stainless steel 15.25” x 19 was mentioned in the beginning of the article 3 blade I presume. I'm guessing for copyright issues the model and manufacturer was left out.
    1. blacktruck's Avatar
      blacktruck -
      Was this a paid ad? All the Sharrowtests so far are paid ads?
    1. KIRCHNER's Avatar
      KIRCHNER -
      Its trickery, b.s. dont believe it. a play with words. 2 boats going 25 mph, how can 1 go 100 miles further?
    1. fatlenny's Avatar
      fatlenny -
      Quote Originally Posted by KIRCHNER View Post
      Its trickery, b.s. dont believe it. a play with words. 2 boats going 25 mph, how can 1 go 100 miles further?
      "The Sharrow Propeller gets more miles per gallon (MPG) than the conventional props at all speeds, except at WOT.....we see that at 25.4 MPH, the R302 can travel 109 miles (29%) farther than it can with conventional props."

      This is not a play on words, It is about efficiency at the mentioned speed in the tests they did. When you use less fuel, you get more MPG. The conventional prop took an additional approximate 700 rpms to do 25 MPR, you will not go as far burning more fuel.
    1. davidson02's Avatar
      davidson02 -
      The conventional propeller requires an additional 700 RPMs to achieve 25 MPR. Using it will result in burning more fuel and traveling less distance.

      prayer warrior
    1. KIRCHNER's Avatar
      KIRCHNER -
      ITS such B S. LISTEN 2 boats going 25 mph, one goes 75 miles further???? so its going 100 mph. go buy one let me know how much money you wasted
    1. KIRCHNER's Avatar
      KIRCHNER -
      it shows at 3500 rpm std prop, the test boat only goes 20 mph. when pigs fly. maybe 10 people in the stern and full trim
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