Well, it has been another very successful year at PowerTech!, and we have you to thank for it, yet, again. We say, “again,” because at our present rate of growth, we should end 2007 with double-digit sales growth over what was already a record year in 2006. Not only did we see amazing growth in the aluminum market, which we joined in August of 2006, but in the stainless steel market, as well.
In a continuing effort to expand into new markets and improve our product selection, we have been quite busy building new tools (molds), so that we can, not only, build new propeller designs, but also add to our available pitch ranges for existing designs. This may seem at odds with the simplification that many manufacturers seek, but for us, we see a continuing need to offer an even wider array of products to meet the many, and varied, demands of the marine industry. For example, with the advent, and sales success, of 4-stroke power plants, “big foot” motors, and the like, this has become even more critical, since the weight, power delivery and, even, gear ratios often change from their more traditional cousins. These types of changes can, often times, require changes in propeller geometry, pitch or, even, blade surface area. As always, the right tool for the right job.
We thank you, yet, again, this year, as this would not be possible without you, our PowerTech! family members.
PowerTech!’s Foundry
Aluminum Line Expands
Our aluminum line of propellers has been quite successful this year. We began our line with, what we felt was, a comprehensive list of part numbers, but we anticipated expanding that range. Now that we have had some time in the market, we have a better understanding of what products we need to add, in order to fill in any gaps that exist in our line. To that end, we are adding eight new propeller part numbers to our aluminum line and will continue to listen to you, our customers, so that we are aware of those propellers we may need to add in the near future. As we see a significant demand, we make arrangements to add those part numbers, accordingly.
Along with expanding our aluminum propeller range, we will be increasing aluminum inventories for the 2008 season, as well. Just as this year taught us of the propeller part numbers we needed to add to the line, we also learned that we needed to increase our inventories in order to keep pace with demand. Our goal is to have the part numbers you need, when you need them.
PowerTech! TRO4R28
This is a small-tube four-blade prop that allows exhaust gasses to flow both through and across the tube and into the blades. This can cause ventilation problems either on initial acceleration or as the boat breaks onto a plane. There were no problems with the PowerTech. The visual appearance of this prop is very close to the Mercury Trophy, but notice the difference in acceleration times and top speed.
The PowerTech! TRO4 demonstrated another important factor that shows just how critical setup and engine height can be to good handling and maximum performance. We started our testing with the propshaft setting at 3- 1/4 inches below the bottom of the hull. At this point, chine walking and steering torque was a handful. Each 1/4 inch up reduced both steering torque and the tendency to chine walk and when we were up a full three-quarters of an inch (propshaft 2-1/2 inches below the bottom of the boat), steering torque was greatly reduced and the tendency to chine walk had just about disappeared.
This is an excellent prop.
"The above is a reprint of an article comparing performance and price of the PowerTech! TRO4 blade style with props by other leading manufacturers. reprinted with permission from Bass & Walleye Boats Magazine"
