Borrow/ Rent Props ? ? Bravo FS
 

Looking to borrow/ Rent some Props trying to dial in my new boat 32 Concept twim 400s on jackplates. Currently running 22p Bravo 1 and would like to try a 22 or 21 Bravo1 FS


Any help in locating a pair of loaner props would be greatly appreciated

Located in Fort Lauderdale

I like BBlades and am running one of their props now but I don't get this part:

• Tester is responsible for the $55 test fee per propeller, per test. This fee Does Not go towards the purchase price of the propeller

If you buy the propeller you still have to pay a $55 fee above that?

Yep

What speed are you getting now with the bravo’s your running now and what rpms

People often question this charge. I'm still floored by that response.
Here are some of the reasons we run the program the way we do.

Consider over 100K in test inventory. Who does that?
We can have a 30 minute conversation or longer to help a customer decide what to try on their specific rig. Then pull the part and get it to shipping. Make up the invoice and paperwork and physically get it out the door.
How about people who test 3 different props to decide on buying one. But, we still have to maintain that inventory to make comparison tests.
Some people don't return props on time (alot of people) so we lose a sale/test to some one who may have wanted to try a prop out on test.
2 or 3 people want to test the same prop at once so we try to keep at least 2 or 3 in the test.
Managing the program is a part time responsibility for all office personel.
These are some of the reasons we have a charge to test. When you rent a DVD and return it, you can often purchase them but if don't, you don't get the rental fee back.

I'm not trying to sound bitter by any means, it just seems strange that some people think we are taking advantage when we feel we are offering the best program out there.
Others say they have test programs but they do not allow you to walk away without buying something. We do.
We are truly trying to make the best consultation, test and buying experience in the industry.

Thank you,
Brett

Is the the grey 2017 Concept still listed on BoatTrader?

Thanks for addressing my question, Brett.

Working with Brad from BBlades now to prop my Gladiator. They gather information on a call and are very good at picking demo props. The Maximus 5-blades seem like a great fit for my boat. Did my demo, completed the spec sheet, and will have them labbed. Assuming all goes well, should pick up 4-5mph and the props bite better when planing.

Unless you a lot of time and happen to stumble on someone with used props that are labbed perfect for your hull and set-up, the BBlades process is the way to go.

Hi Brett I have used your test program several times and have no problem paying the rental fees, but I think you could modify the program slightly and increase your sales and make more customers happy. I rent a set of props I like them and I want to buy them. I want to buy the exact set I tested since we both know there is a huge variation in the same props coming from Mercury, maybe not the case with your 4-Speeds. So instead of me having to pay to ship them back, and the pay shipping again on a new set of the “same” props why not just offer customers the option to buy the test set and in that case credit the rental fee.

I know I have tested props in the past that worked perfectly, ordered a new set of the same props and did not get the same result. I understand the test props are used, the set of 4-Speeds I tested had been repaired and had a few nicks on the blades, but the 23 Enertia Ecos I would have been happy to keep.

No this is not this is a White 2018

Running any type of rental program can have bumps along the way. We do make considerations when deemed proper. Customers can definitely purchase the test props they are testing. Or, can request a different set if they desire. Theoretically, props from the manufacturer should run within a 100 rpm of any other identical propeller.
Most people who test a prop and like it and want to buy it will keep the one they have. It's easy. There is paperwork in every box signifying the status of the propeller. New, like new etc.
We try to only send out new or like new test propellers. It is rare get a set or a single that has any evidence of usage. It may be the only one in house at the time. Those "used" props are normally cleaned re balanced (better than new) and sold on our certified reconditioned propeller web page. If you do get a used prop for testing, there could be a discount involved if purchased. Because we sell our props a a large reduction from MSRP, the discount is usually rather small.

As I stated in the post above, running this program takes alot maintenance and employee time as well a a huge investment. The program is there for the convenience of our customers and it is your decision to use it or not. Nobody is being forced. It is a option.
Because of the issues raised, and because people tend to have a excuse for every reason they brake the rules, 2018 will require the tester to read and initial the terms and conditions of the program on our website prior to participating. We started this program 15 years ago and it has served many happy customers along the way to get fit into the propeller they desired for their needs. At this point, we look to continue the program and improve it as best we can to suit all involved.

Brett

I tried to buy the set of Eco's I tested and was told I had to send those back and order a new set. Maybe that has changed since.

The test program has always allowed the customer to purchase the props they are testing. It's been like that since day 1.
I can go back through your file (we keep records of everything) if you desire.

It' always the customers wrong or fault.

customers or past customers keep records also.

hustlerguy,
What are you trying to say?
I never said anything about anybody being wrong. I'm just stating how the program has always been run. If some props were were asked to be returned rather than purchased, there had to be a reason beyond the norm. I'm saying I can go back and check what happened and share that information if the customer is interested.

It doesn't make any sense to ask somebody to send back something they want to buy. The goal is obviously to send out something that is correct and will not come back.

We offer a test program we feel surpasses any other companies offerings. Who does this besides BBLADES? Rent test props from 4 different manufacturers without having to buy them. If you don't like the programs rules of having to actually pay to try without buying so you know what you are getting, you certainly don't have to participate in the program..

https://bblades.com/propeller-test-program/

The math and logistics seems pretty straight forward. If I can find out whether a set of props works for me at a cost of a hundred bucks or so, instead of bellying up a couple of grand to find out they don't quite work. Then the time and hassle of trying to sell the slightly used props and then do it all over again on another set. Add in the knowledge base that is available and years of specialized experience.

Only regret is no one up here in the great white north land of igloos and bullwinkles has a similar program.

Pete35Fountain,

Thank you.
We do ship test props to Canada. Duties kinda suck but the shipping is no problem.

Brett