DECEMBER 2017 BLOG
Well its over half way through the month and I have only just sat down to attempt the final blog for the year.
It has been a hell of a year with many changes ready to come in the new year. New products and a few surprises
as far as SOLAS is concerned. Stay tuned for those.
On a more general note, we in Perth pioneered the 30 minute prop trial in W.A. which seems to have been taken
advantage of of late in that, a trip to rotto or shark bay does not justify a trial period. It actually means you own the
Propeller whether it works or not. Especially when they come back looking very secondhand. So, remember, prop
trials are 30 minutes in the water or less and then the prop needs to be able to be sold as new to be exchanged.
We are the only company in W.A. that allows this so please keep to the guidelines and we will keep doing the trials.
Well it comes to opening hours over this Christmas period.
We have decided to open on the available working days;
open December 27,28 and 29 till midday then January 2,3,4 and 5 as normal.
We at Just Propellers WA wish to thank all of our clients for dealing with us throughout the year and we hope to continue
this relationship for many years to come.
Cheers
Michael and Cheryl
NOVEMBER 2017 BLOG
Hello again, its nearly Christmas again. They come around quickly these days.
Well we are fully stocked up for the new year ahead so there really is not a propeller we cannot supply out
of the extensive range we carry. From memory i cut myself short on 11 pitch 25 johnson propellers so that
not too bad. We are seeing a huge range of shortages in engines, gearboxes and propellers from other makers.
You just cant sell it if you havent got it. I wise old mentor of mine said that 15 years ago when we set up the shop.
This is extremely evident this week when I lent a rescue crew a left hand rotation propeller because their engine supplier
couldnt supply a right hand gearbox. Part of our service is to keep the rescue boat on the water but, really?
So whats new this month?
16 pitch. we seem to be having a run on setups that require split pitches .
So SOLAS came to the party.
We can now supply;
D 3 X 13.5 X16 right hand stainless for 60-140 hp
E 3 X 15 .3 X 16 left and right stainless for v6 gearbox
and E4 X 14.5 X 14 and 16 pitch hr titan 4 blade right only. these are exclusive to W.A.
Thats about all for now
Cheers
Michael and Cheryl
SEPTEMBER 2017 BOATSHOW BLOG
Hello again, its been a busy month, with us being away in August, then rushing to Sydney to support
the Eagles in their quest for finals glory and now back to business and straight into a boatshow.
We will need to close this FRIDAY THE 22ND OF SEPTEMBER, to man the stand. Number 2 booth inside
if you are visiting. It would be nice to see you.
As a special boatshow thankyou, approach me to sign a $100.00 off voucher for any stainless purchase
115 horsepower and above.Retail customers only, one per person.
cheers for now,
Michael and Cheryl
AUGUST 2017 BLOG
Hello again, I need to inform you all that we will be closing the business for a 3 week period
due to some very slack and unprofessional relief staff that I had organised that decided to cancel
at the last minute.
CLOSING PERIOD IS FROM;
MONDAY THE 7TH OF AUGUST THROUGH TO AND
REOPENING ON MONDAY THE 28TH OF AUGUST
Many thanks for your kind understanding on this matter.
Cheers,
Michael and Cheryl
JULY 2017 BLOG
The july school holidays are with us again.
Generally its the time to head up North or overseas depending on which floats ya boat.
Its also a time to book in for the yearly service on the engine you are running. Most mechanics are sitting
around waiting for the phone to ring this time year so take a tip from me and service now and not in the
heat of the pre Summer rush when every man and his dog wants it done straight away. Its the same in my
workshop. You want a rebush or rebuild done? Now is the time compared with a 3 week wait after October.
You may have noticed the extension of our Bravo 2 sale for another month. It has been so successful that
we would be silly to end it now. So check it out. Big savings to be made on those.
Thats about all for now
cheers,
Michael and Cheryl
JUNE 2017 BLOG
What an amazing month has just passed. May was a total surprise with many new fitups in areas that are not
well renowned for big engine sales. We were glad we were asked to help and in all cases achieved the correct
rpm on the first trialls.This helps when the dealers have to take the vessel on seatrials to sign off on warranties.
They like to get it right the first time. We find this sets the scene for the engines life, being set up correctly from
new. So I would suggest that when hunting for that new engine that you ask if seatrials are undertaken to make
sure its all ok from new.
Propellers. Not much is new this month with development of higher horsepower engines in most brands there is
a trend to go 4 blade to handle the extra horsepower but for the better efficiency the large diameter 3 blade is
the go unless on a cat or twin, triple or quad installation. Then the 4 blade excels.
Dont forget to check our front page for this months special . Its the best ever on Bravo 2 Propellers.
cheers for now
Michael and Cheryl
02.06.2017 Further to this years NBN changeover and our phone problems here at work, it has been brought to our attention
that I do not answer the phone quickly enough. We had a chat to iinet and it seems that with voip phone systems
they ring at least six times before it even sounds here once. So best ring a bit longer until I find a better solution.
Cheers
BLOG MAY 2017
Hello again, May already and just look outside at that great boating weather. Almost makes me want to
shut up shop and head for Rottnest Island and lose myself.
Seems to be a trouble free start to the month with signs of things hotting up in the dry season up north
and Boaties getting ready to mothball their boat in the metro area. Same every year. Its like clockwork.
One thing that has come up in general phone conversations and some dealers sales pitches is the fact
that no all propellers are made in the SOLAS factory but it is surprising how many people try to sell their
own unmarched brands off as SOLAS. Its very simple. If the propeller has a small oval gold SOLAS sticker
inside the exhaust flare or the name SOLAS cast into the propeller then it is one of ours.
Certainly being stamped "made in U.S.A" should be a sign that it did not come out of the SOLAS factory.
I suppose it should be taken as a compliment but selling lower quality castings off as SOLAS and then trying
to get top dollar as well just means they think we are all stupid too!
So, back to my old sales pitch of, ask for SOLAS by name. Manufacturers and distributors that are not afraid
of the WARRANTY word.
Cheers for now,
Michael and Cheryl
APRIL 2017 BLOG
Here it is 10 days into April and Ive just remembered to do this. School holidays are up and running with the
phones running hot from all over the state asking for quick propeller deliveries to the remote places.
Well, it just aint happening any more. Even a $25.00 yellow express bag to say, Exmouth, takes around three
days if your lucky. We do our best as I suppose couriers do but it is still best to carry a spare with you.
WEBSITES ! Mine has been hacked by some wonderful person. It is repaired now but still shows the scares on
google saying that it is dangerous. I am assured it is safe to look at.
We are weeks away from releasing our first online purchasing section which i will special say six items a
month at hugely reduced prices so stay tuned. The first item will be a 21 pitch suzuki four stroke propeller
for $545.00 in stainless steel delivered .
This is only available in W.A.
Cheers for now
Michael and Cheryl
MARCH 2017 EXTRA BLOG
Sitting in my office waiting for the day to end so the weekend can relax me. Up to the front door comes a
man with a small claim sheet in his hand relating to last MAY 2016 blog "johnny the flog" who used his
gearbox in reverse for 10 hours, ruined his gearbox and wanted me to pay for his stupidity because
he didnt want to spoil his 3 week holiday by missing out on two days of fishing.
I am so happy I wrote a brief but accurate account of the situation at the time because ol johnny the toss
has waited nearly 12 months to act. I am so looking forward to my day in court.
Any other mechanical workshops or suppliers that want this persons name are welcome to ring me.
He is poisonous so avoid him at all costs.
Be accountable for your own actions hey:)
cheers
Michael
MARCH 2017 BLOG
Hello again, not so much of a rant this month but a fact session if you like. Three separate clients this week
all complaining about Bravo 2 rebushing of SOLAS Bravo 2 Propellers done elsewhere at $300.00 per prop
only to fail easily after the second or third use. This is met with statements when returning the failures, like
"SOLAS are crap products" and "you should buy original products". He should stop that :).
Why people would pay to get these repairs done twice before bringing them back to the agent for the
correct bush replacement to be fitted also astounds me.
SOLAS Rebushing done by us involves;
removal of the old bush
solvent cleaning of the opening
linishing with a dye grinder to etch the surface
press, tapers and dyes for that bush
7 tonne maximum with no heat used
time is not an issue which when rushed, leads to the use of the above (heat) which weakens the bush
the use of superior 98 composite SOLAS made rubber bushes compared to 92 composite of others
Other repairers may or may not practice the above but surely if a failure occurs within a certain period
a business can supply a warranty for work done rather than bag the product.
If you cant do a job why take the persons money?
Once a propeller has been butchered elsewhere,I would have to check tolerances first before
attempting to repair it as the heat and extra pressure used then makes it too risky.
Finally, keeping your propeller as clean as possible ,especially inside the exhaust flare will prolong its life.
Cheers for now
Michael and Cheryl
FEBRUARY PROP BLOG 2017
Had a lovely afternoon yesterday sitting in Parker Point till nearly sunset watching the many boats
of all types doing the mad rush home before dark.One thing that stuck out like dogs bollocks was
the huge amount of cavitation around in non SOLAS propped vessels. I recall most of the boat I get
to fix and the ones that are propped non SOLAS. One vessel , I will not name,even had to stop and trim
the engines in to get on the plane.This can be just so dangerous in open ocean conditions and
should be sorted out.
We can do this and this is what we need in order to help;
boat size and type
engines size and type
propeller sizes, pitches and type
wide open throttle rpm and speed acquired at that rpm.
So basically all the information we ask for on our contact sheet on www.propellers.com.au
Feel free to call me with this info and we can see what can be done.
08 92449255
cheers
Michael and Cheryl
FEBRUARY 2017
Hello again, just having a brief moment in the office after a fast pace start to the month and I thought I would
do this months story quickly. No major hassles to date only an observation on boating people both professional
and amateur and its to do with lond periods of downtime with boats sitting in the water. We all know buildups
of growth occur in the Winter months but actually Sunny times are when the wind stops us from using our boats
but the sun keeps the growing process happening and before we know it, dirty bum!
Now this normal and sorry to say many people thing a good blast down the river will clean this off.
Well, normally it does but with outboard and sterndrive units, the bushing system in all Propellers comes
under too much strain and a spun bush usually occurs.This can be costly and involve at least a weeks downtime
not to mention removal and replacement costs. In the last weeks I have even had a mechanic do this to a clients
boat to try and save a lift out to clean things.
Further to rebushing, SOLAS makes its own bushes in house in the factory so we are not held to the lower
composite strength rubber that others use, ie, we boast 98 composite compared to 92 composite from others.
Meaning our rubber is harder and more durable. I actually warrant our rebushing but others do not.
cheers for now
Michael and Cheryl
JANUARY 2017 BLOG
Hello again. 24 days into the month before I even look like doing this blog. Compliments of the season to you all.
There has been a steady stream of clients in the door this year with a good cross section of new builds,
repairs and upgrades as I see people have stayed at home for Xmas this year and using their boats more
instead of going overseas. After the 8 day stay at Rottnest this year just gone I wished I went to less windy Bali:)
I have had a series of very simple prop failures coming through that is a worrying trend. Simple run through the
sand issues that spin a bush too easily, the same type of hit also causing a whole blade loss from the housing.
It seems to be on the cheaper brands available, non SOLAS, obviously, that just do not use or practice the
squeeze casting in their alloy propellers , thus making them more porous and weaker. Remember you pay for
what you get and get what you pay for.
Keep an eye out for our new house boat thruster propellers for 40-60 horsepower 13 spline engines with the
reverse exhaust flare to aid in reversing. Available now.
Also, we have decided that Australia Day on a Thursday means that Friday we wont be open. i hope you all
understand and have a good break as well
cheers,
Michael and Cheryl
DECEMBER 2016 BLOG 2
Michaels December rant!
I had occasion to supply a Perth man, lets call him Fabulous Phil, with a propeller he ordered off the Solas Queensland website.
This is fine ,we do this all the time but remember, the Perth area orders come out of this Perth office and at the price you clicked on.
I received the order on Tuesday the 29th November at 9.52 am. It had OMC and MERCURY listed as the type required.
At 10.00am i sent Fabulous Phil an email to check which propeller to supply.
I continue on with my busy pre xmas week. Then on Friday I start sorting paperwork and have not heard a thing from Fabulous Phil
so I decide to send him the most common propeller and hope its correct.
Saturday 7.52am, 5 days later, I get an email enquiring as to where fabulous phil's propeller is.
I answered this email within 4 minutes.
12.33 pm Saturday fabulous Phil sends an abusive reply to Solas Qld and myself with words like prick and dickhead only proving
that Fabulous Phil didnt realise that in Perth the plastic propeller is $29.00 and from QLD including delivery was $59.00.
So Fabulous Phil decides he is going to bad mouth me on google reviews( get his surname from there) which I am fine with but also
deserve the right to reply even if I have to use this blog.
So Fabulous Phil, the moral of the story is, check your emails more often, buy local its cheaper and when you bad mouth someone
without a real course that you will get some back in return.
I am totally committed to supplying the correct Propeller for your engine needs.
I have had reason to question people orders lately knowing full well they were wrong.
We always give advise based on experience and our documented trials.
Now ive got that off my chest its down to getting on with the busy buildup to Xmas
CHEERS
Michael
DECEMBER 2016 BLOG
Here we are the end on 2016. Its been an interesting year for us to say the least with dealerships swapping and changing
between engine makers, these makers fighting for a small market of somewhat loyal buyers that really like quality.
For example, not many people know that Mercury own a good portion of Tohatsu and a major part of Tohatsu 4 strokes
are now Honda engines and yet Mercury and Honda are full on competitors. It is the same with Propellers.
We make for every maker accept Mercury and Yamaha but Volvo, Tohatsu, Honda and Suzuki seem to think we do it right.
On to the end of year.
Just Propellers WA Trading hours this end of year are;
FRIDAY 23RD OF DECEMBER CLOSING
WEDNESDAY THE 4TH OF JANUARY RE OPENING
REPAIRS AND THE WORKSHOP CLOSING ON FRIDAY THE 16TH OF DECEMBER.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of Our Valued customers as friends and pass on
Our best wishes for the Christmas season.
All the Best
Michael and Cheryl
NOVEMBER 2016 BLOG
First off I would like to thank the 87 people that took me up on the Mandurah Boat Show discount ticket offer.
It seems as though you were all rather happy with saving your ticket and presenting it here. I might consider doing
it again next year. Thanks again for your support.
Not long until Christmas even though we will be staying here and working up until the 23th of december, the Friday.
We are still undecided on Our re opening dates but have the Monday the 9th in mind at present depending on the weather.
Phones!. I know ive been harping on it but when you buy a system on the 2nd of September, expect it working on the 8th of September
but are even today, the 2nd of November, still being screwed around by them, its just not right!
So please be tolerant of this as it is out of our hands.You can try the numbers on the contact page and see what happens.
I will look after you when you finally get me, you know that :)
UPDATE ON THE PHONE MESS. STILL NOT GOOD.IF THE PHONE RINGS OUT I HAVE MY MOBILE IN MY TOP POCKET AT ALL TIMES
0418 952852
Cheers for now
Michael and Cheryl
OCTOBER 2016 BLOG
Boatshow time again means we are in October. It means alot of things to me, my Charter boat survey month, last order
before Christmas goes to SOLAS for January delivery and generally people get set for the oncoming boating year.
I truly hope its better than the start we have had so far.
Phones. After nearly a solid month of crap we are not even back to where we started, 3 phone lines and a toll free
number all diverted to my mobile. So if you are having an engaged signal or message bank , we are sorry.
This swap to NBN has been an absolute desaster!
To make it up to you all and sort of a "not going to the boatshow special", we are offering a special discount for
boatshow visitors. All you have to do in the month of October is to show up at Just Propeller WA with your boatshow
ticket and we will give you;
$150.00 off a stainless steel propeller or
$75.00 off an aluminium propeller
This is for engines bigger than 75 horsepower and is limited to one per person.
Further to the SOLAS brand, we at Just Propellers WA are pleased to announce Our alignment of SOLAS and Honda
Warranties and We will supply a SEVEN Year Warranty on SOLAS Propellers supplied by us fitted to any HONDA Engine
in Western Australia. Our normal 5 year warranty applies to all other Propellers as normal.
This far exceeds any other Propeller maker or supplier in the world. How do we do it? Easy . Superior Product.
Enjoy
Michael and Cheryl
BLOG SEPTEMBER 2016
Hello all, bloody hell September already. Soon be Christmas.I really start counting them these days as it comes around so quickly.
The world of Propellers doesnt change much these days with the only innovations being in metals used and their ability to maintain strength and durability.
SOLAS is well renowned for being the pacesetter for its Alloy and Stainless Steel formulae which are virtually impossible to copy.
Any comparisons or attempts to copy Our metals are always met with huge failures.You notice this the minute you open a SOLAS box.
Products to look forward to before christmas 2016 include a SOLAS bigfoot reverse thrust propeller for 60hp engines and some new 148mm jetpump
upgrades from 144mm . Feel free to call me on these for more information.
cheers for now
Michael and Cheryl
AUGUST BLOG WITH BUILT IN BRAG
Hello again, it is a noticeably cooler and wetter Winter this year which does tend to have an affect on sales in the Metro
area but obviously we are all spending more time up North to avoid this and rightly so.
The first weekend in August usually means Avon Descent racing which we have been supplying to for over 15 years
and can say that SOLAS Propellers have featured in as many as 28 out of the top 30 places and no less than 24 for as
long as we have been involved. Again with a superior product.
We wish all competitors both power and paddle all the best and safe travels for next weekend.
Moving on, we are experiencing numbers of 10 year old, yes 10 year old Bravo 2 SOLAS Propellers coming in for rebushing.
Seriously this is pretty amazing considering that we see other brands that do not last to the 2 year mark.
Well done again Solas Science and Engineeering for producing products that far exceed the others.
To help the above bravo 2 owners that are using PROPSPEED etc, It is very important to also protect and clean the internal bush
and exhaust section of these propellers to prolong bush life and avoid failure.
Just because you cant see buildup doesnt mean it isnt there
Cheers
Michael and Cheryl
JULY 2016 BLOG
Hello again, well here we are half way through 2016, school holidays and freezing bloody cold.
I can see the old trend of fine fishing weather through the week and absolute rubbish on the weekends again.
Not good for business and worse for my boating life as well. It may be time to get that propeller of yours checked
again because as well know the October long weekend comes around very quickly these days and before we
know it we will hard back at it again.
These days emailling or texting photos of damaged propellers can be an easier way of getting a rough estimate
and whether a repair can be done or not. Far easier than coming in or freighting it to me so feel free to do so.
0418952852 for text and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for emails.
Remember we repair Original Equipment and Solas Propellers only.
Cheers again,
Michael and Cheryl
