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Everything You Need to Know: Boat Propeller Types

Table of Contents

Most boats are driven by propellers and there are many kinds and sizes. The optimal choice of propeller will depend on boat type, length, weight, use, and engine power. The right propeller will enhance efficiency by lowering drag, provide greater torque for faster planing speeds, and optimize performance at top speeds.

Many props are made of aluminum and are lightweight and affordable. These are good for smaller boats and tighter budgets. Stainless steel propellers are better for larger and high-performance boats due to their strength and durability but they’re more expensive. Bronze propellers are strong, rigid, and corrosion-resistant and are the priciest.

Propellers can have anywhere between two to six blades . Two-bladed props are used with smaller engines. They’re highly efficient but tend to produce vibration and aren’t powerful enough for heavier vessels. Sailboats and trolling motors often use two-bladed propellers. The higher the blade count, the more balanced the prop and the greater the thrust but also the greater the drag. Large five and six-bladed propellers are usually used with commercial boats, large yachts and ships.

Let’s go beyond materials and blade count and look at the types of propeller .

Post summary:

• Fixed propellers 
• Variable pitch propellers 
• Folding propellers 

Feathering propellers

• Dual-props 
• Surface-piercing propellers 
• Specialty propellers

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Fixed pitch propellers & controllable pitch propellers 

Fixed propellers, commonly referred to as fixed-pitch props, are a fundamental part of a boat’s propulsion system. These propellers have blades with a set angle that cannot be adjusted while the boat is running. Most props are fixed and have a constant blade angle. They’re easy to install and repair and are less expensive than others below.

On the other hand you have controllable Pitch Propeller’s (CPP ), these props are characterized by an adjustable angle. The pitch can be manipulated while the boat is in motion to optimize performance while running at different speeds. They can be more difficult to service and are expensive to purchase and install.

Folding propellers

Folding propellers are a popular choice among boaters looking for enhanced performance and maneuverability, which makes it perfect for sailing . Under sail, you will want to reduce drag as much as possible so they often opt for a folding prop where the blades fold back against the hub when not motoring.

Pro tip : Folding props allow for improved sailing speed and efficiency when the engine is not engaged.

Another way to reduce drag for sailboats is to use a feathering prop. If you’re using feathering propellers, the blades don’t fold but rather angle or rotate the blades to minimize the surface area presented to the water flow when the boat is under sail.

Dual props look as if there are two props in one. These counter-rotating props have several advantages including improved thrust, faster acceleration, better stability and handling even in reverse, and increased efficiency for better fuel economy. 

They can be used on smaller boats with outboards or larger boats with stern drives or inboard engines. They can be expensive. Mercury, Suzuki and Volvo offer dual prop solutions.

Surface-piercing propellers

Designed to run partially out of the water (Surface Drive System), these props are often used with high-performance or racing powerboats because they decrease drag through the water. Boaters who crave maximum velocity and agility often opt for surface-piercing propellers, but they may require expert installation and maintenance to ensure safe and effective performance.

Toroid propeller

A new design has been introduced by Sharrow Marine where the prop blades are actually loops rather than flat blades. The purpose is to reduce vibration and increase speed at a given RPM. 

Now, for the exception–locomotion through the water can also be achieved via a jet drive that uses forced water rather than a propeller to drive a boat. Jet boats can be small or large and the benefit of jet drives is that they can usually be taken into shallower waters than prop-driven craft.

Knowing which boat propeller is best 

The wrong prop can create uncomfortable vibration, limit top speeds regardless of engine RPMs, create sluggish acceleration, and cause cavitation or excessive water aeration.

But, the right propeller will optimize performance including higher top speeds, create a smoother ride, and provide a more fuel-efficient solution. When deciding on a propeller, we recommend seeking a professional to know all your options. In the meanwhile, you can read more about propeller’s right here :

• What Is Propeller Pitch?
• 21-pitch Prop Vs. 19-pitch Prop
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How Does Motorboat Work? (A Guide To Its Mechanism)

Have you ever seen a motorboat out on the water and wondered how it works? Or perhaps you’re considering taking up motorboating as a hobby? Whatever your reasons, understanding the mechanism of a motorboat is essential to your safety and enjoyment out on the water.

This guide will cover the basics of motorboat operation, including an overview of the different types of motorboats, the components of a motorboat, and how it actually works.

Plus, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of motorboating and provide some safety tips to get you out on the water with confidence.

So, let’s get started and explore the wonderful world of motorboating!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

A motorboat is powered by an internal combustion engine which uses fuel to create energy that powers a propeller.

The engine is connected to the propeller by a shaft, and the engine controls the speed of the propeller.

When the engine is turned on, the propeller spins and creates thrust which pushes the boat forward.

The boat is steered with a rudder, which is connected to the engine.

By using the rudder, the driver can control the direction of the boat.

What is a Motorboat?

A motorboat is a type of boat that is powered by a motor.

This motor can be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.

This motor is used to turn a propeller located at the back of the boat, which then propels the boat forward.

In addition to providing the power to move the boat, the engine also powers other components on the boat such as lights, pumps, and other electrical systems.

Motorboats are a great way to explore the water and can be used for a variety of activities such as fishing, waterskiing, and simply cruising around.

They are great for taking a leisurely trip with friends and family or for more adventurous pursuits such as exploring the open waters or fishing.

Motorboats come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and power levels.

The size and power level of the motorboat will determine the type of activities that it can be used for.

For example, a larger and more powerful motorboat will be better suited for waterskiing and other high-speed activities, while a smaller and less powerful motorboat may be better suited for fishing or cruising around in calmer waters.

No matter what type of motorboat you choose, it is important to understand how a motorboat works and how to properly maintain and operate one.

With proper maintenance and operation, a motorboat can provide years of enjoyable and safe boating experiences.

Types of Motorboats

Motorboats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from large yachts to small dinghies, and each type of motorboat has its own unique features and benefits.

Yachts are typically larger and more luxurious boats that are used for leisure and entertainment activities such as cruising, fishing, and swimming.

Dinghies are smaller and more economical boats that are used for shorter trips and fishing on smaller bodies of water.

There are also other types of motorboats that cater to specific uses such as racing boats, houseboats, and pontoon boats.

The type of engine used in a motorboat will depend on the size and purpose of the boat.

Larger boats will typically use an internal combustion engine, which is more powerful and efficient than an electric motor.

Smaller boats and dinghies will often use an electric motor, which is quieter and more efficient than an internal combustion engine.

Both types of motors have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider the size and purpose of the boat before deciding which type of motor to use.

In addition to the type of motor used, it is also important to consider the type of fuel the boat will use.

Diesel and gasoline are the two most common types of fuel used in motorboats.

Diesel is typically more efficient and has a lower emissions output, while gasoline is less expensive and easier to find.

It is important to consider the type of fuel that is available in the area where the boat will be used and to make sure it is compatible with the engine.

Components of a Motorboat

A motorboat is powered by an internal combustion engine, or electric motor, and consists of several key components.

The most important of these components is the engine, which runs on gasoline or diesel fuel to power the boat.

The engine is usually connected to a drive shaft, which is connected to a propeller at the rear of the boat.

This propeller is what moves the boat forward and is the main source of propulsion.

Other components on the boat include the steering wheel, throttle, and fuel and electrical systems.

The engine is the heart of the motorboat and is responsible for powering all the other components.

It is connected to the drive shaft, which is connected to the propeller.

The engine also powers the lights, pumps, and other electrical systems on the boat.

The fuel system is responsible for delivering the fuel to the engine and is usually either a carburetor or fuel injection system.

The electrical system is responsible for powering the lights, pumps, and other electrical components on the boat.

The steering wheel is used to control the direction of the boat and is connected to the rudder.

The throttle is used to control the speed of the boat and is connected to the engine.

The fuel and electrical systems are also connected to the engine and are responsible for supplying the necessary fuel to the engine and powering the lights, pumps, and other electrical components.

The propeller is the main source of propulsion and is connected to the drive shaft, which is connected to the engine.

All of these components work together to provide the boat with power and propulsion.

The engine is the main source of power on the boat and is responsible for powering the other components and propelling the boat forward.

The fuel and electrical systems are responsible for supplying the necessary fuel to the engine and powering the lights, pumps, and other electrical components.

The steering wheel, throttle, and rudder are used to control the direction and speed of the boat.

Finally, the propeller is the main source of propulsion and is connected to the drive shaft, which is connected to the engine.

How Does a Motorboat Work?

A motorboat is a type of boat that is powered by an engine.

Most motorboats use an internal combustion engine or an electric motor to propel them through the water.

The engine converts its power into a rotational force which turns a propeller located at the stern of the boat.

This propeller then creates thrust, pushing the boat forward through the water.

The engine also powers other components on the boat such as lights, pumps, and other electrical systems.

With a motorboat, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, waterskiing, and simply cruising around.

This makes them a great way to explore the water and have fun.

In order to understand how a motorboat works, we must first look at the components that make it up.

The main component of a motorboat is its engine.

This is the power source that drives the boat forward and powers other components.

The engine is typically located in the stern of the boat, and is connected to the propeller via a shaft or drive system.

The propeller is an important part of the motorboat’s propulsion system.

It is the component that provides the forward thrust that pushes the boat through the water.

The propeller is connected to the engine via a shaft or drive system, and is typically located at the stern of the boat.

The motorboat also contains other components such as the steering system, which is used to turn the boat in different directions.

This is typically done using a rudder or a wheel, and is connected to the engine via a cable or linkage.

The motorboat also contains other components such as lights, pumps, and other electrical systems.

In summary, a motorboat works by using its engine to turn a propeller located at the stern of the boat.

This creates thrust, pushing the boat forward through the water.

This makes motorboats a great way to explore the water and have fun.

Pros of Motorboating

Motorboating is a great way to enjoy the water and explore the outdoors.

Motorboats come with a variety of benefits including the ability to travel at faster speeds, the ability to cover larger distances, and the ability to access remote areas that may not be accessible by other means of transportation.

Motorboats are also a great way to have fun and relax with friends and family, as they provide ample space to move around and enjoy activities such as fishing, waterskiing, and simply cruising around.

Motorboating is a relatively easy activity to learn, as most motorboats are equipped with user-friendly features such as power steering and automatic trim tabs which make controlling the boat easier than ever before.

Motorboats also come with a variety of safety features such as navigation lights, flares, and life jackets, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

Finally, motorboats are a cost-effective way to enjoy the water, as most motorboats are relatively affordable, and the cost of fuel and maintenance is relatively low compared to other forms of transportation.

Additionally, motorboats are relatively easy to store and maintain, and depending on the size of the boat, can be stored in a garage or even on a trailer, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the water without breaking the bank.

Cons of Motorboating

The primary downside of motorboating is the cost associated with it.

An internal combustion engine is quite expensive, and if you plan on using your motorboat for a variety of activities, the cost can quickly add up.

Additionally, the cost of fuel and maintenance can be high, especially if you dont take the time to properly care for your motorboat.

Another potential downside of motorboating is the noise pollution.

The sound of an engine can be quite loud, and can be disruptive to nearby wildlife and other boaters.

Additionally, the engine can be quite smelly, as it emits exhaust fumes, and this can be unpleasant for people in the area.

Finally, motorboating requires a certain level of skill and knowledge.

It is important to understand the basics of operating a motorboat, and to know basic safety and navigation rules.

Without this knowledge, it is easy to get into trouble on the water, and potentially put yourself and others in danger.

Safety Tips for Motorboating

With motorboating being a popular way to explore the great outdoors, safety is of the utmost importance.

The following tips can help make motorboating a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

First and foremost, it is important to wear a life jacket while motorboating.

This is especially true for children and non-swimmers, as the waters can be unpredictable and a person can be thrown overboard unexpectedly.

Inflatable life jackets are available for extra comfort and convenience.

It is also important to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding motorboating.

Different areas have different rules and regulations that must be followed, so it is important to research these before heading out on the water.

It is also important to check the weather before heading out.

Strong winds and choppy waters can create hazardous conditions, so it is important to make sure the conditions are favorable before heading out.

Additionally, check the fuel level before heading out and make sure the boat is properly stocked with supplies in case of an emergency.

Finally, it is important to stay alert while motorboating.

Be aware of other boats in the area and pay attention to the direction of the waves.

If the waves are crashing against the side of the boat, it could be a sign that the boat is too close to shore.

It is also important to stay aware of your surroundings and be prepared to act quickly if necessary.

By following these safety tips, motorboating can be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Be sure to stay alert, follow local laws and regulations, and wear a life jacket to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Final Thoughts

Motorboating is a great way to explore the waters and take part in activities like fishing and waterskiing.

With the right knowledge and safety precautions, motorboating can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Now that you know how a motorboat works and the benefits and risks associated with it, all that’s left to do is get out there and have some fun!

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Sharrow MX-1: This toroidal boat propeller could be top of the props

Hugo Andreae takes a look at a revolutionary new toroidal boat propeller said to be faster and more efficient than rivals

A radical new toroidal boat propeller is being touted as the single biggest advance in propeller design since the 1930s. Claimed to deliver significant fuel savings across all different types and sizes of craft as well as faster planing, higher top speeds, superior handling and reduced vibration, it sounds almost too good to be true.

However, extensive sea trials carried out by US website boattest.com on the new Sharrow Propeller MX-1 seem to confirm all of the above and show efficiency gains of between 9-15% over comparable 3-blade propeller designs.

The tests were carried out on a 20ft Bayliner VR5 sportsboat fitted with a standard Mercury 150hp outboard engine, comparing Sharrow’s new tipless MX-1 against two market leading boat propellers .

Not only was it the fastest of the three (41.7 knots vs 40.8 knots and 39.0 knots) and the most efficient (4.6mpg @ 32 knots vs 4.2mpg and 4.1mph), it also planed earlier and outperformed them both at every 500rpm increment from idle speed to wide open throttle.

Each blade of the Sharrow MX-1 forms a single ‘tipless’ loop

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This is crucial, as propellers that are designed to give the highest possible top speed often struggle at low to medium revs, and vice versa. So how is Sharrow Engineering claiming to have cracked the conundrum that has stymied so many others?

Tip troubles

As ever it seems to be a combination of inspiration and perspiration. The inspiration came from its inventor and CEO of Sharrow Engineering, Greg Sharrow, a music graduate, who originally set out to solve a very different problem.

He wanted to use camera drones to film performers in action but soon found that their microphones would pick up the noise of the drones. He realised that most of this noise was not being created by the drone’s tiny electric motors but by the propeller tip vortices.

Visible tip vortices on an aeroplane propeller. Photo: Rachel Sloman / Flickr

These swirling pockets of turbulence are caused by high-pressure air on one side of the blade rushing round to meet the low pressure air on the other, creating induced drag, noise and vibration. The same principle applies to boat propellers, where the tip vortices are even more pronounced and can lead to cavitation, when water is momentarily vapourised by the sudden change in pressure creating bubbles.

Greg reasoned that if he could reduce or even eliminate these tip vortices, it should lead to a quieter, more efficient drone. His light bulb moment came on a dog walk when the idea of a tipless blade, that loops round to rejoin the propeller hub like a strip of twisted ribbon, first popped into his head.

It took a further seven years of intensive research and development, substantial investment, 23 worldwide patents and a switch in focus from drones to boats before Sharrow Engineering unveiled its first production toroidal boat propeller at the Miami Boat Show in February.

Since then it has already won an award for innovation and the company says it is now in discussion with a number of major propeller and engine manufacturers.

Article continues below…

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Crucially, although its first offering, the MX-1, is a 15in diameter propeller with pitches from 15in to 21in designed for planing craft powered by outboard or sterndrive engines of 100-450hp, it can and already has supplied custom made propellers for much larger craft, including one for a 65ft planing motoryacht.

It has also modelled and simulated tests on toroidal boat propellers up to 9.87m in diameter for displacement trawler yachts , container ships and even super tankers, all of which have shown similar theoretical efficiency gains. Much of this modelling and prototype work was carried out by the University of Michigan’s Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory and involved scale tank testing to prove its findings.

Furthermore, speaking to MBY , Boattest.com’s founder and president Jeff Hammond, confirmed it wasn’t just the performance data that astounded his two test captains but the transformation in the boat’s cruising refinement and handling. Both captains reported less vibration, quieter running and exceptional grip in turns.

This appears to be due to a number of different dynamic advantages, including the Sharrow propeller’s ability to draw in more water from the side, the extra traction of what amounts to a six-bladed design and the exacerbated effect of the reduction in induced drag during turns.

Price point

The only obvious drawback is price. Currently, every MX-1 propeller has to be milled from a solid billet of metal, which helps explain the price of $4,500 for an aluminium MX-1 or $9,000 for a stainless steel one.

However, as Greg Sharrow pointed out in an interview with MBY : “The first Dyson vacuum cleaner cost $10,000, now you can buy one for a couple of hundred.” He also confirmed that in the longer term a move to series-production casting could reduce the price of the MX-1 significantly.

Until we can sea trial one of these new Sharrow Propellers for ourselves we won’t know for sure whether the claims being made for it are as game changing as they seem. Although we have every confidence in boattest.com’s findings, they were only performed on one boat, and unlike Motor Boat & Yachting ’s sea trials , its tests are paid for by the manufacturer.

However, the science and the data do point to a significant breakthrough. We look forward to verifying it in the future with our own sea trials.

First published in the June 2020 edition of Motor Boat & Yachting.

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The right prop will get the best performance out of your boat. Matching the propeller to your application, whether cruising, water skiing or performance, maximizes the power from your engine. It also helps with handling and acceleration. Use this guide to learn how different propeller designs affect efficiency, power, and speed and then learn how to choose the correct prop for your boat and application.

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2024 Pursuit OS 445: An Overview

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Keeping a vigilant eye on your surroundings is essential when out on the water. Debris in the water or shallow water can cause significant damage to your boat prop. The propeller, or prop, is a crucial component of a boat’s propulsion system. However, boat props can be vulnerable to damage from rocks, debris, or other underwater obstacles, resulting in costly repairs and impacting the boat’s overall performance.

This article will discuss the repercussions of damaging your boat prop. Additionally, we will show you how to handle a broken boat prop and give tips on mitigating the damage.

What to Expect When You Damage Your Boat Prop

Damaging your boat prop can happen within an instant. Here is what to look for if you think your boat prop is broken and what you can expect in the future.

• Increased vibrations: Damaged boat propellers can cause increased vibrations in the propulsion system. This increased vibration can put a lot of stress on the engine and other components, causing additional damage.
• Increased fuel consumption: Nothing is worse than running out of gas while on the water. When your boat prop gets damaged, it can increase drag, which leads to higher fuel consumption and reduced range.
• Costly repairs: After returning to the dock, you may find that the boat prop will need significant repair.

How to Handle the Repercussions of Damaging Your Boat Propeller

The first thing you need to do after damaging the boat prop is to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether the boat is safe to operate. Additionally, if you notice that the propeller is severely damaged, you must take your boat to a certified marine mechanic before operating your boat again.

If you are fortunate enough to have minor damage to your propeller, it may be possible to continue using your boat. However, you will need to take extra precautions to ensure you do not do any more damage to the propeller. This precaution includes reducing your speed, avoiding rough waters, and closely monitoring your boat’s performance and stability.

Here at BoatingWorld, we believe it is better to be safe than sorry. No matter what kind of damage your boat prop has, you should always seek a consultation with a certified marine mechanic. A marine mechanic can assess the damage and recommend the appropriate repair or replacement.

If you are interested in learning about the working mechanics of your boat, like the boat prop, we recommend that you check out BoatingWorld today!

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The Future of Boating

The SHARROW MX™

SHARROW by VEEM Propeller

More command of the vessel when docking, provides up to 30% greater range, planes at 500-1000 lower rpm, significant speed increase at mid-range rpms, up to 30% more efficient cruise, noticeably less vibration, up to 50% more reverse thrust, dramatic noise reduction, superior handling in tight turns at high speeds.

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Over 2X more stern lift

Trusted by the Best

“Our testing and our investigation into the prop’s development has convinced us that there is a new prop design that not only excelled in our tests, but may well make many non-loop propellers obsolete.”

— BOATTEST.COM

Very happy with the performance. I’m saving as much as 40 gallons of gasoline on our typical offshore trip. With the price of fuel today, that is significant. We enjoyed working with all of you at Sharrow Marine. Jon A. 36’ Twin Vee / Twin Yamaha 300 HP

There is a new prop design that not only excelled in our tests, but may well make many non-loop propellers obsolete. BoatTEST.com

Love my Sharrow props! Mid-range has improved dramatically. Getting on plane is great. Operates efficiently. It has dramatically changed and improved the overall profile of my boat. Juan V. Pursuit OS 325 / Twin Yamaha 300 HP

Doing absolutely great so far. Saving money on gas. Robert P. 23’ Boston Whaler / Single Mercury 350 HP

This beautiful work of art is actually the biggest propeller innovation since the 19th century

I t’s a rare occasion when a piece of engineering transcends its pure industrial function and becomes art. And it’s even rarer when that metamorphosis is the byproduct of a quest for better performance and efficiency. Sometimes, though, math and fluid mechanics produce beautiful things, like nature does.

That’s exactly the case of the Sharrow CX , an object that looks like a glossy sculpture in MoMA’s permanent collection, but is actually something much more mundane: a counter-rotating propeller for boats.

It features a “tipless” design, which means instead of leaving the blade tips free as regular propellers do, the Sharrow CX connects its six blades—which are grouped in two triads—back to the propeller shaft in a smooth, twisted curved surface. The overall design looks like a perfectly metallic gift bow frozen in time.

Discovery by accident

Greg Sharrow—founder and CEO of Sharrow Engineering and Sharrow Marine—invented the original Sharrow propeller in 2012. Its genesis, as he tells me via email, is a rather curious one. While working in music production after graduating from Boston’s Berklee College of Music, Sharrow was interested in creating an ultra-quiet drone that he could use in live music performances.

Often, drones create a loud noise that comes from the blades. This is due to something called cavitation, which describes a natural phenomenon that occurs when blades spin at high velocities. At sea, cavitation happens when blade surfaces ‘cut’ through the fluid, creating low-pressure zones that turn into vapor bubbles that pop. The result is the loud noise you can hear on boats equipped with propellers.

Sharrow knew that one of the sources of cavitation are the tips of the propeller’s blades, so he began to experiment with reducing (and ultimately eliminating) the tips through iterative design.

“During the R&D and design process [for the drone propellers], it was faster to do testing in the water because I could manufacture prototype propellers at a much smaller scale due to the increased density of water vs. air,” he explains. Testing them for aerial use would have been much more expensive, and this happy detour to save money and time led to a surprising observation: the tipless folding propeller designs drastically reduced cavitation.

He noticed other clear advantages too: “It results in better performance, improved fuel economy, reduced noise and vibration, and reduced wear and tear on the engine,” he says. A few patents later, Sharrow had what he claims is the first major design change for propellers since the 1830s.

The new contra-rotating version

Sharrow’s earlier propeller design (a finalist in the 2023 Innovation by Design awards) rotated the blades go in a single direction. The the new CX propeller, now available for pre-order, has two sets of blades that go in opposite directions.

Other contra-rotating propellers both for marine and aeronautics applications exist, but, according to Sharrow, his company’s special tip-less twisted shape “can harness the torque of a motor more efficiently than standard blades, which is particularly important in situations with contra-rotating propeller blades.” In other words: it uses more of the force created by the engine, thus boosting the fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and reliability of the design. Sharrow says the regular Sharrow design is 30% more fuel-efficient and 80% quieter than standard propellers.

While the company is not sharing exact figures “because these depend on factors such as boat size, engine specifications, and operating conditions,” he told me that rigorous third-party testing has validated the benefits of the Sharrow Propeller in the CX version. He also claims that the new CX version also provides precise handling and maneuvering, even in tight spaces or adverse conditions. “This translates to a smoother, more enjoyable boating experience, with more control of the boat and enhanced safety.”

The company says that the loop-shaped design could be used anywhere, not just in water. “The technology can be used in many applications, including aerospace, aeronautic (drones), HVAC, pumps and renewable energy,” Sharrow says.

The problem with manufacturing

For now, these propellers seem to have only one problem—they take time to produce. “We are planning to increase manufacturing to 200,000 units per year within the next five years to meet the overwhelming demand we’re experiencing,” he says.

Unlike typical propellers, which are made with molds, Sharrow says that his company uses a proprietary manufacturing method that makes each propeller custom for each boat and motor configuration. “Each propeller is made-to-order, not pulled off the shelf like traditional designs,” he says. “Our application engineers assess model, fit, and performance to select the perfect prop for each customer’s boat and motor combination.” From there, they CNC machine each stainless steel propeller to the customer’s specifications in their Detroit factory. Once the propeller is complete, they have to do a custom fitting to ensure the performance figures.

This high-touch manufacturing method seems to be increasingly more popular and crucial for every industry, especially as we enter the era of AI-driven engineering . I have no boat, and I’m not planning to get one anytime soon, but these are so pretty that I sure would love to have one of them at home, just to marvel at the wonderful beauty of engineering.

What we know about the container ship that crashed into the Baltimore bridge

• The ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday was the Singapore-flagged Dali.
• The container ship had been chartered by Maersk, the Danish shipping company. 
• Two people were recovered from the water but six remain missing, authorities said.

A container ship crashed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing its collapse into the Patapsco River.

A livestream showed vehicles traveling on the Francis Scott Key Bridge just moments before the impact at 1:28 a.m. ET.

Baltimore first responders called the situation a "developing mass casualty event" and a "dire emergency," per The Associated Press.

James Wallace, chief of the Baltimore Fire Department, said in a press conference that two people had been recovered from the water.

One was uninjured, but the other was transported to a local trauma center in a "very serious condition."

Wallace said up to 20 people were thought to have fallen into the river and some six people were still missing.

Richard Worley, Baltimore's police chief, said there was "no indication" the collision was purposeful or an act of terrorism.

Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, declared a state of emergency around 6 a.m. ET. He said his office was in close communication with Pete Buttigieg, the transportation secretary.

"We are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration," Moore added.

Understanding why the bridge collapsed could have implications for safety, in both the shipping and civil engineering sectors.

The container ship is the Singapore-flagged Dali, which is about 984 feet long, and 157 feet wide, per a listing on VesselFinder.

An unclassified Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency report said that the ship "lost propulsion" as it was leaving port, ABC News reported.

The crew notified officials that they had lost control and warned of a possible collision, the report said, per the outlet.

The Dali's owner is listed as Grace Ocean, a Singapore-based firm, and its manager is listed as Synergy Marine, which is also headquartered in Singapore.

Shipping news outlet TradeWinds reported that Grace Ocean confirmed the Dali was involved in the collapse, but is still determining what caused the crash.

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Staff for Grace Ocean declined to comment on the collision when contacted by Business Insider.

"All crew members, including the two pilots have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries. There has also been no pollution," Synergy Marine said in a statement.

The company did not respond to a request for further comment from BI.

'Horrified'

Maersk chartered the Dali, with a schedule for the ship on its website.

"We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected," the Danish shipping company said in a statement.

Maersk added: "We are closely following the investigations conducted by authorities and Synergy, and we will do our utmost to keep our customers informed."

Per ship tracking data, the Dali left Baltimore on its way to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, at around 1 a.m., about half an hour before the crash.

The Port of Baltimore is thought to be the largest in the US for roll-on/roll-off ships carrying trucks and trailers.

Barbara Rossi, associate professor of engineering science at the University of Oxford, told BI the force of the impact on one of the bridge's supporting structures "must have been immense" to lead to the collapse.

Dr Salvatore Mercogliano, a shipping analyst and maritime historian at Campbell University, told BI: "It appears Dali left the channel while outbound. She would have been under the control of the ship's master with a Chesapeake Bay pilot onboard to advise the master.

"The deviation out of the channel is probably due to a mechanical issue as the ship had just departed the port, but you cannot rule out human error as that was the cause of the Ever Forward in 2022 just outside of Baltimore."

He was referring to the incident two years ago when the container ship became grounded for a month in Chesapeake Bay after loading up cargo at the Port of Baltimore.

The US Coast Guard found the incident was caused by pilot error, cellphone use, and "inadequate bridge resource management."

Claudia Norrgren, from the maritime research firm Veson Nautical, told BI: "The industry bodies who are here to protect against incidents like this, such as the vessel's flag state, classification society, and regulatory bodies, will step in and conduct a formal investigation into the incident. Until then, it'll be very hard for anyone to truly know what happened on board."

This may not have been the first time the Dali hit a structure.

In 2016, maritime blogs such as Shipwreck Log and ship-tracking site VesselFinder posted videos of what appears to be the stern of the same, blue-hulled container vessel scraping against a quay in Antwerp.

A representative for the Port of Antwerp told BI the Dali did collide with a quay there eight years ago but couldn't "give any information about the cause of the accident."

The Dali is listed as being built in 2015 by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.

Watch: The shipwreck at the center of a battle between China and the Philippines

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The Dali was just starting a 27-day voyage.

The ship had spent two days in Baltimore’s port before setting off.

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By Claire Moses and Jenny Gross

• Published March 26, 2024 Updated March 27, 2024, 9:07 a.m. ET

The Dali was less than 30 minutes into its planned 27-day journey when the ship ran into the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday.

The ship, which was sailing under the Singaporean flag, was on its way to Sri Lanka and was supposed to arrive there on April 22, according to VesselFinder, a ship tracking website.

The Dali, which is nearly 1,000 feet long, left the Baltimore port around 1 a.m. Eastern on Tuesday. The ship had two pilots onboard, according to a statement by its owners, Grace Ocean Investment. There were 22 crew members on board, the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore said in a statement. There were no reports of any injuries, Grace Ocean said.

Before heading off on its voyage, the Dali had returned to the United States from Panama on March 19, harboring in New York. It then arrived on Saturday in Baltimore, where it spent two days in the port.

Maersk, the shipping giant, said in a statement on Tuesday that it had chartered the vessel, which was carrying Maersk cargo. No Maersk crew and personnel were onboard, the statement said, adding that the company was monitoring the investigations being carried out by the authorities and by Synergy Group, the company that was operating the vessel.

“We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected,” the Maersk statement said.

The Dali was built in 2015 by the South Korea-based Hyundai Heavy Industries. The following year, the ship was involved in a minor incident when it hit a stone wall at the port of Antwerp . The Dali sustained damage at the time, but no one was injured.

Claire Moses is a reporter for the Express desk in London. More about Claire Moses

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross