Perfect Pitch Prop Shop5938 Albert Pike Road, Hot Springs
Dennis Barton, owner of Perfect Pitch Prop Shop can tell you, a boat's prop may be the last component in it's driveline but it's certainly not of least importance! And there's nothing that will ruin a boater's weekend faster than having prop issues! But have faith boating enthusiasts, you see that little light at the end of the tunnel? (Don't look directly at it or you'll go blind!) Dennis is also known as "The Prop Guy" around here because he's been in business at Perfect Pitch Prop Shop for more than a dozen years. And not just for prop issues! Dennis can handle most any welding needs you have and specializes in aluminum and stainless steel. Damage an expensive aluminum wheel? Not to worry, Dennis has had plenty of experience fixing "Curbies" and can save you a ton of money! But back to the propellers - Perfect Pitch Prop Shop carries an extensive line of new and used props for all types of boats. Used you say? Well sure, you can save yourself a lot of money by going with a used prop and besides, they've all had the "12-Point Inspection". (I'm kidding, there really is no 12-point inspection, that just means Dennis fixed it already!) You see, some folks prefer to replace a damaged prop with a new one and having no use for the old one they just leave it with Dennis. And some damaged props are even worthy of a trade-in , at Dennis' discretion of course, if not damaged beyond repair. Not being one to let good things go to waste, Dennis will analize the "remains" like a CSI at an autopsy! If it's beyond help it goes on the "Show & Tell" wall with all the other "Oops Awards". And if it turns out to be repairable then he will do so, and you, the weary consumer in dire need of a prop to save your weekend, benefits from it! Besides, there are a many obsolete props that are only available used/repaired and no prop dealer stocks every prop for every boat! It just can't be done! There are so many styles and variations and pitches that have been used over the years, it would take a warehouse the size of a small state to stock them all! So sometimes a used/repaired prop is not just an inexpensive alternative, but the only alternative. Prop repair requires great skill and very specialized equipment. So it's like a "Don't try this at home" kind of thing. You can't do it right with just a welder and a hammer! Ever heard of pitch blocks? Most people haven't but if you don't have them it's impossible to get a bent-up prop back to it's correct pitch and that cause troubles like a domino effect. The prop vibrates, which is aggravating at the least but can cause damage to lower unit seals, bearings and gears. And what happens then? Well just go ahead and tip-over that first domino! OK, that's enough technical "prop speak"! Dennis could sell-out a 3-day seminar on the subject so why not just ask him when you get there? But I will throw-in just a bit more to explain other, more specialized prop repair services available at Perfect Pitch Prop Shop. In the prop business they call it "tweaking" (No, not the meth-head kind!), which consists of small adjustments made that can "fine tune" a prop for mazimum performance. You'll hear the bass boat guys talking about it a lot as they all have "the need for speed". Dennis can often "tweak" a prop and get another 2 to 3 miles an hour out of a boat. Which makes a bass boat guy very happy! Just ask one. And there's a whole lot more, from adding extra "cup" for better grip/less cavitation to polishing stainless steel props for better "flow". Dennis also has a great demo/loaner program for those that are uncertain of exactly what prop they need. Props can be a tricky business and if you don't have the correct one, new or not, you could actually go so far as to blow your boats engine. No kidding! The program is simple: Dennis gives you a prop to try and if you don't bring it back or pay him for it you'll get a visit from a guy named "Bubba" who will do most anything for a bottle of Jack Black. Seriously, you provide a valid credit card number as a deposit and try props until you find just the right one. It won't take long with Dennis guiding you, he usually gets it on the first try! Perfect Pitch Prop Shop is located just outside of Hot Springs, AR at 5938 Albert Pike Road, which is 5 miles west of Mtn. Pine Road/Hwy 228 (we call it the Mtn. Pine Junction), on Hwy 270 between Hot Springs and Lake Ouachita. Watch for the yellow sign!
Don't let prop issues get you down!
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