New Break-Through Propeller Design
is
Faster, More Fuel-Efficient, Quieter
It isn’t often that we see a new product that’s so revolutionary that it breaks completely out of the box to provide a substantially improved user experience. This is the case with the Sharrow Propeller, a loop prop design that has applications in both recreational and commercial marine, aviation, and many other industrial applications. By solving the problem of blade-tip vortices, which induces drag and thus slows a boat, leading to increased fuel consumption, the Sharrow prop has, in one giant step forward, improved most of the major metrics with which we measure boat performance.
In our testing of the Sharrow MX-1 prop, we found it to be 16% to 17% faster at idle and 1000 RPM, and 17% faster on plane. To find out which prop had the fastest top-end, you’ll have to watch the video. At every speed it was more fuel efficient than were the conventional props. The new Sharrow design is also quieter and has significantly less vibration.
Inventor Greg Sharrow spent over seven years and millions of dollars developing and testing his design, getting all of the parameters just right on this complex loop prop, which actually has what amounts to 6 blades on a “3-blade” prop. Owners of recreational vessels of all sizes and types stand to save hundreds of dollars in fuel, plus have an overall more enjoyable user experience with the Sharrow prop. A stainless-steel prop is on the way, we are told.
See the video, read the report...
|
Features Video
Hatteras GT 59:
Keeping the Skipper Company
The Hatteras GT 59 is without question a no-nonsense bluewater battlewagon. She does not isolate the skipper in his perch on the flying bridge while underway, which we like. There’s a large chaise with headrests ahead of the console as well as couch-type seating on either side. Removable ladder-back rests provide locations on either side for added line watchers to look aft. The premium Pompanette helm seats also have removable backs, another plus for serious offshore fishing where the captain needs a clear view into the cockpit and over the transom. The stainless-steel wheel is mounted bus-style on a Palm Beach base of high-gloss finished walnut.
More...
|
Test Video
Boston Whaler 190 Montauk:
Unsinkable CC w/Security Built In
Boston Whaler has long been known for its unsinkable hulls, but based on the ubiquitous old versions that we see around that are 30 or 40 years old, we’d say she might also be nearly indestructible. For those who will use this boat on lakes and rivers as well as big bays or off the beach, she is a jack of all trades. The new hull design, with a 16-degree deadrise at the transom, put the boat on plane in just 3.3 seconds in our tests, powered with a 150-Mercury FourStroke.
See the full test here...
|
Test Video
Cruisers Yachts 54 Fly:
Coastal Cruiser with Twin IPS Drives
The Cruisers Yachts 54 Fly, like many yachts with twin Volvo Penta IPS drives, has an almost completely flat fuel consumption chart, from 2000 rpm and 23.5 knots all the way up to WOT at 2540 rpm and 36.0 knots -- 0.5 NMPG in this case. This means the captain can set speed to suit sea conditions rather than cutting back to extend range during longer crossings, as must be done with conventional drive systems. In the case of the 54 Fly, the range with the 520-gallon (1,968 L) fuel capacity was between 220 and 235 NM, more than adequate for a coastal cruiser.
More...
|
Test Video
SUN TRACKER SPORTFISH 22 XP3:
Equipped for Fishing, Kids & Mom
The Sportfish 22 XP3 will be a favorite with families where fishing is the mission at dawn, followed by tubing, swimming and picnicking with family and friends from lunch until sundown. She has two swiveling fishing seats aft, plus a bait bucket and livewell under the stern seat. There are vertical rod racks, a tool holder, and a locking rod box here as well. Up front, she’s pre-wired for the optional bow-mount trolling motor. She is rated for 11 and there is a place for a Porta-Potty in relative privacy.
More...
|
Test Video
Aviara AV32:
Living the Good Life on the Water
The Aviara AV32 is all about enjoying the good life on the water, and she’s designed for bringing along lots of friends. Wrap-around seating in the cockpit, seats for six or more facing the swim platform and lots more up front mean no one gets left at the dock. All of this upholstery is covered in CoolFeel heavy-gauge vinyl so that it doesn’t get uncomfortably hot in the sun. The company says it remains up to 65-degrees cooler than standard vinyl in extended direct sun. There’s also an option to heat these seats, helping to extend the boating season in northern climates. Note the Sea-Dek flooring, easy on bare feet and also providing non-slip footing.
More...
|
|
BoatTEST.com, LLC
51 Bank Street, Suite 2A
Stamford, CT 06901
203-323-9900
[email protected]
|
|
All articles, Captain's Reports, video content or other
material which appear on BoatTEST.com and in its newsletters are accurate and factual
to the best knowledge of BoatTEST.com and its staff. All findings, beliefs, experiences
or endorsements presented are the honest opinions of BoatTEST.com or its contributors.
In compliance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255, BoatTEST.com advises its readers that the content
which appears in its newsletter or on its website may have been produced for compensation
or the prospect of future compensation. BoatTEST.com makes no claims for the veracity
or motivation of reader comments, Owners' Reports and other contributions which
are all clearly labeled as such.
|
|
