Thread:

Props.... to the prop makers

Wow this looks like a busy forum..... NOT!


With all the importance that is put on prop design, choice and setup to get boats of all types to run at their extreme best, you would think this would be an area of great conversation, debate, opinion and arguing.... etc....

Maybe all the prop makers are just keeping everything a secret????


So just to start a conversation - maybe somebody in the western world can provide a little history on the prop makers of today and yesterday????

Or give up your prop 'maker' and tell us why you like them so much....

Im mostly looking for v-drive info but others could be looking for I/O and OB prop builders too....

This is a positive thread, if youre gonna blast somebody then dont do it here..... Thanks!

Well some of the first prop builders I remember were Stellings, Menkens, Kindsvater, OJ, Michigan Wheel, and I believe some were sold under the 007 logo, not sure if that was Caselli or Irv Brendels deal. Precision Propellers were done locally by the late Tom Black in San Pablo.

From most guys I talk with an 11 X 16 two blade seems to be the most popular choice for flatties.

Originally Posted by palhal

OJ made SS and Bronze props and are now in the 3rd family generation of prop mfg. Michigan has been around forever. Record Props were making props for the German Torpedoes in WW-2, (counter rotating). Record Props & Carys were sold in the states in the 50's. The first heat treated steel props made in the USA was by Al Menkens in his garage in the 50's, maybe slightly into the 40;s. Hi Johnson in the LA area made a cast steel about the same time. Larry Stellings teamed up with Sanger and copied the Cary for the Stellings prop. Harold Kindsvater bought Al Menkens tooling in 1966. Tom Black worked for Kindsvater and copied the tooling which become Precision Props. Kindsvater sold Menkens Props in the middle 80's. Ron Braaksma got the tooling from the late Tom Black and made RB Props. Kindsvater is still in the prop business. Thats how it happened in that order.

Palhal-- Please check your PM's.

Thanks!!

Originally Posted by palhal

OJ made SS and Bronze props and are now in the 3rd family generation of prop mfg. Michigan has been around forever. Record Props were making props for the German Torpedoes in WW-2, (counter rotating). Record Props & Carys were sold in the states in the 50's. The first heat treated steel props made in the USA was by Al Menkens in his garage in the 50's, maybe slightly into the 40;s. Hi Johnson in the LA area made a cast steel about the same time. Larry Stellings teamed up with Sanger and copied the Cary for the Stellings prop. Harold Kindsvater bought Al Menkens tooling in 1966. Tom Black worked for Kindsvater and copied the tooling which become Precision Props. Kindsvater sold Menkens Props in the middle 80's. Ron Braaksma got the tooling from the late Tom Black and made RB Props. Kindsvater is still in the prop business. Thats how it happened in that order.

That my friends is what you call, straight from the horses mouth. Thanks Harold! Nick

Billy Diaz has been building Braaksma propellors for years, does good work. Plus he's an all around nice guy that takes time to explain stuff to ya when ya ask. He is one of my go to guys in the pits. Trust his advice and know he won't steer me wrong.