Prop repair companies

[FOXFIRE]

I've used the services of Thomas a few times, he was based in Cobbs Quay, Poole as propeller revolutions, but moved sometime ago - see link below.

Powertech stainless steel and aluminium propellers from Propeller Solutions

Thomas does work for Sunseeker, the local fishing boats, a lot of the powerboat racers use him, as well as Ribs, never heard a bad word.

[longjohn]

I had, what I thought was, a wrecked aluminium prop repaired by Steel Developments for £36 - looked like a new prop on return, 5 days later - Superb service! They know their stuff.

[npm108]

I've used Steel Developments on a few occasions for different things.

First time was to repair a Bravo II 25P prop that had a hub/bush issue and needed balancing. They did a good job, it's not a polished prop but they did give it a better polish than the Merc factory finish and didn't charge the earth so I was a happy customer, and said I would use them again in the future....

On new prop sales I can't say I have been happy. The lady who answers emails tends to give you generic replies and doesn't give you true prop advice/alternatives so that doesn't say much to me about genuine knowledge. She may well know the lingo and prop range after years of answering phones, but.......

When it comes to Solas props I feel they have very old stock. I wanted a 4 blade prop and ended up being shipped an old Alcup style prop which they probably had in the store for ages. As I wasn't happy with the performance I stupidly perhaps ordered another that I had reworked to a specific pitch in my quest to get things spot on and well it ran exactly the same as the first one so I question the quality of the work done on the pitch side of things.

If you go to their website, you'll see a very generic description 4 Blade Alu D series, so it's pot luck as to which Solas prop you end up getting....that's not kosher.

Those are my experiences with SD.

[mick]

Originally Posted by npm108

I've used Steel Developments on a few occasions for different things.

First time was to repair a Bravo II 25P prop that had a hub/bush issue and needed balancing. They did a good job, it's not a polished prop but they did give it a better polish than the Merc factory finish and didn't charge the earth so I was a happy customer, and said I would use them again in the future....

On new prop sales I can't say I have been happy. The lady who answers emails tends to give you generic replies and doesn't give you true prop advice/alternatives so that doesn't say much to me about genuine knowledge. She may well know the lingo and prop range after years of answering phones, but.......

When it comes to Solas props I feel they have very old stock. I wanted a 4 blade prop and ended up being shipped an old Alcup style prop which they probably had in the store for ages. As I wasn't happy with the performance I stupidly perhaps ordered another that I had reworked to a specific pitch in my quest to get things spot on and well it ran exactly the same as the first one so I question the quality of the work done on the pitch side of things.

If you go to their website, you'll see a very generic description 4 Blade Alu D series, so it's pot luck as to which Solas prop you end up getting....that's not kosher.

Those are my experiences with SD.

I rang SD up this week and got a similar answer to what you have said I am on 17 " and the lady said go to 19"

[mister p]

Geoff at "Streamlined Propellers" is a virtual human "CAD/CAM" machine (sic) when it comes to understanding requirements and providing solutions to power delivery via propeller choice.
Working from an Aldershot "artisan-type" base they tailor props for many top race vessels. Geoff is immediately at home with your spec and the tone reflects the knowledge.
All guaranteed for satisfaction over anything less.

[wave catcher]

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

How old is Thomas then?????

Brian was the man who did the repairs, and now he's gone I use someone else.

Brian the prop man who used to work with Thomas, I hear is working for Darglow Marine in Wareham and is still doing propeller repairs.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Poly

One of the prop repair companies (I can't remember which but i'd guess it was this one) has a woman who deals with customers - and who reputedly knows more about props selection and repair than you are likely to ever do - which if she's been dealing with prop enquiries every day for the last 10 years is hardly a surprise... ...she probably has a better telephone manner than the average metal worker too!

Just tried for a second no third time to ring the one in Poole....and can't even get them to Pick up!
Another example of Great customer service you seem to get across large sections of the Marine industries me thinks.....along with good value,and great back up
Is it just me,or does it seem endemic?
After Peter M kindly offered to deliver it for me.....I WILL try them again later

[solent spence]

Steel developments have been reliable and offered good advice, especially with repairs over the years. Their website could give more details about the new prop options, echoed in comments above, but good for repairs.

We used darglow this winter for a folding yacht prop refurb and they were excellent to deal with, answered the phone too!

[gotchiguy]

Dropped ours off in person at steel developments and they've done a top job though it wasn't a major repair. Clyde propellors good too