Prop Box production

[Walter]

Ok guys and gals it's time for some feedback on the need for a good prop box. I have just finished the graphics and okay"d the purchase of the base plates and aluminum stock to start building the molds for a new prop container. The external's are 18" X 15.5" X 9". It has sliding clasps on the front and a 2 piece handle that will accomodate a lock. This is made of 1/4" thick polyethylene (the same stuff tool boxes are made of). Tool boxes are typically 1/8" thick but we don't ship several hundred dollar race props over and over in them! Live hinge on the rear with a stainless pin. The prop is secured with either a nylon bolt or stainless if desired. The bolt secures the prop only, not the lid. This box clears up to 15"diameter with any number of blades. Inside of base is similar to an Atwood and will center any merc style outboard prop and most sterndrives. This box will totally clear the tips of a Yamaha drag. There is to my knowledge no ridged container on the market that we can ship these expensive props in. The present cases are not protecting the blade tips and in fact rely on the tips to hold them up. My case will (should) be UPS proof. I am covering all of the design and tooling out of pocket. Before I tell the shop to start the CNC unit I need an idea of the potential market. The moment the CNC is started I will spend $12,000 over a 4 day period. I have no expectation of profit but I would just as soon not lose on this either. At present I have over 30 of my own freebie hours involved in this thing. The molds are water cooled and should produce about 700 boxes total. At $75. per box break-even will be between 300 and 350 boxes. At $50 per box break-even is around 400 boxes. I know the market is not huge but is there any way to sell this many? It will be possible to set up names on the tops for large orders. The name plates to set in the mold will cost around $50. I have not explored the possibility of colors so they will be a dark grey. I do not have the CD with me at present so I will have to post a pic later. This box will have 13.6 pounds of material so they are true protection for the prop. There will only be one run of these because set up is expensive. The price may be slightly cheaper depending on final production costs. What do ya'll think?
Walter Wolfe

[KaptainKirk]

have to buy for the name plate deal ?
And how many letters ?
Whats the time frame for when your going to do this.

K.K.

[BLUElixir]

Are you marketing these to the offshore guys too? It seems like they could use these and that would make the market bigger.

Also I thought maybe you should talk to G-Train about how his sales have gone. I think he bought a few hundred prop boxes and is selling them for $15 each. Different type of box but the info might help to see if there is a demand.

[BrentShaw]

There is a need for a good prop box I would be interested in one for sure. Thanks Brent

[Father Steve]

A good prop box for a 4 blade prop! I'm in.

Steve

[Raceman]

Walter, the question is, will it be able to match the protection of one of my custom packagin' jobs?

[Walter]

This design does not exceed Racemans custom packaging. It also does not require a bandsaw to open!! I am not in competition with G train. His Atwood boxes are just fine for a 3 blade standard prop. This proposed case is not for cheap prop storage in a ski boat. This is a shipping case that you do not have to tape up and shudder when sending for a rework or sale. It is to put up with the lugging around that we do for these competitive blades. It will protect your 4 blade bass boat prop or your High Five.
Walter