Propeller

PowerTech 5 Blade prop

PowerTech “Channel Surfing” Propeller

Throughout 2024, I worked closely with PowerTech to dial in prop sizing for the Ranger Tug R27-OB. I collaborated directly with Steve Powers (PowerTech’s President) on a patent-pending concept focused on improving stern lift and mid-range cruising efficiency—and the results have been outstanding.

Update: One-Piece Stainless Prop Now Available

The PowerTech Channel Surfing Edition is now available as an all-stainless, single-piece propeller. If you purchased the earlier version that used the 3-piece aluminum extension, PowerTech will retrofit your prop to the new configuration.

Real-World Performance

We’ve published several videos showing the results, and this is the best overall performance I’ve seen on the R27-OB.

For trip planning, I use 28 mph at 17.5 GPH in my navigation app to estimate travel time and fuel burn. That conservative planning number typically accounts for wind, current, and real-world variability. Dock-to-dock, I’m generally seeing about 1.75 MPG average across our trips, averaged, throughout a boating season.

I’m also hearing similar feedback from other R27-OB owners. Friends have texted me screenshots showing up to 1.9 MPG in good conditions:

2023 R27 NW Edition with the dinghy lift
2025 R27 LE with the dinghy lift

With wind and currents in the mix, plan on ~1.75 MPG at the fuel dock.

Availability & Pricing

The propeller is available direct from PowerTech only, with a retail price of $1,273.

Real world performance testing:

Everett to Bremerton, Round Trip (February, 2025)

Average fuel efficiency for round-trip: 1.74 mpg. (92 miles)

Everett to Bremerton - 46 miles, 2 hours 21 minutes. 27.8 gallons of fuel. (Dock to Dock, 1.65mpg)
Bremerton to Everett - 46 miles, 1 hour 50 minutes. 25 gallons of fuel. (Dock to Dock, 1.84mpg).

We didn't have bad seas, but we also didn't have great seas. Just an average day in the Pacific Northwest, in February.

Benefits: