Dramatically Faster at On-Plane Speeds with Sharrow Propellers on this Sea Ray 320
4.4 MPH Faster at WOT
19% Better Fuel Efficiency at 34 MPH
The Sea Ray 320 OB model has a 10’7” (3.23 M) beam and weighs 14,566 (6,607 KG). This customer’s boat is equipped with triple Mercury 250s, first turning Mercury’s Rev 4, 14.625 x 19 stainless steel 4-blade propellers, then with Sharrow MX™ propellers in 15.5 x 19 models.
The Sharrow MX Propellers are faster at all rpm above 1000, and dramatically faster at on-plane speeds, including 16% faster at 4500 rpm, where most boaters run their outboards when on plane.
At WOT with the conventional 4-blade stainless steel Rev 4’s, the Sea Ray maxed out at 38.5 mph, while with the Sharrow Propellers, WOT speed was 42.9 mph. That's 4.4 mph or 11% faster at the top end.
The Sharrow MX propellers showed an advantage at all planing speeds, maxing out at a 19% advantage at just under 35 mph.
The “advance rate” is used here to measure how far the boat moves forward with each rotation of the propeller—a number nearer the pitch of the propeller shows a higher efficiency. The Sharrow Propellers had a higher advance rate at every rpm above idle, with a particular advantage between 3500 and 4500 rpm, the range where most boats are run most often.
Slip limits the efficiency of any propeller, since water is a liquid medium not allow a 100% grip with each revolution. The Sharrow Propellers had a dramatic advantage in reduced slip from 3000 rpm to WOT, particularly in the usual on-plane operating range.
The advance rate is used here to measure how far the boat moves forward with each rotation of the propeller—a number nearer the pitch of the propeller shows a higher efficiency. As this test shows, the Sharrow’s had a higher advance rate at every rpm above idle, with a particular advantage between 3500 and 4500 rpm, the range where most boats are run most often.
The Sharrow MX Propellers were a dramatic 25 percent more efficient at 3500 rpm than the Rev 4 Mercury propellers, 12% better at 4000, and 16% better at 4500. Greater efficiency equals better MPG, which not only means reduced fuel costs at the pump, but also greater range, allowing more time on the water between refills, more confidence in making long runs between gas docks.
Schedule your free Sharrow Propeller™ consultation
Connecting with our experts is the first step in selecting and building your custom Sharrow Propeller. We’ll discuss any issues you’re encountering with your current prop and get more details on how you’d like to optimize your time on the water. Then we’ll walk you through the order and customization process, including how each Sharrow Propeller is made to order and custom fitted to every boat.