ACME Propellers

Acme Marine Group was founded in 1996 by integrating decades of experience in propellers with the most advanced information-management and and production- manufacturing resources available. The outstanding results have been possible only through people committed to the idea of designing and producing a whole new class of propellers and through a devotion to exceptional quality and customer service.

Acme's unrivaled consistency is also the consequence of an engineering and programming team that integrates relevant considerations of post-design functions into overall process planning: this is something that is crucial to high-precision, prop development.

In addition Acme's achievements have been attained on account of a dedicated foundry, adept at producing the highest quality castings, and capable of certifying the castings to the types of constraints typically only required for military applications. Furthermore, Acme's accomplishments have been realized through the implementation of fist-rate manufacturing resources, which have provided, unparalleled proficiency in the utilization of high -end CNC machinery.

ACME Overview

Acme Marine inboard propeller are engineered, manufactured, inspected and shipped directly from Acme’s facilities in the United States.

Many boat owners are switching to ACME and are seeing their propeller return rates drop from whole numbers to decimals. In addition, boats using ACME Propellers are discovering their true propeller performance potential.

ACME Propeller Benefits

•  100% CNC Accuracy & Consistency
•  Revolutionary Performance
•  Exceptionally Smooth Operation
•  100% Made in the U.S.A.
•  Computer Numerically Controlled milling
•  Superior propeller design

Precision machined propellers by Acme have revolutionized the propeller manufacturing industry. Computer Numerically Controlled milling machines provide an extremely accurate and consistent means for removing metal. This method of production, relative to hand-finished, translates into Acme Propeller perfection, and the elimination of one big variable in boat performance.

Water Ski & Wakeboard Propellers
Water Ski & Wakeboard like never before! ACME Propellers are precision machined, each propeller is box-to-boat ready. Contact WildCat Props to see if we have the perfect propeller for your boat and application. » See list of Ski boat propeller sizes

ACME Propeller Repair
Selecting WILDCAT Props repair facility for your Acme prop with confidence. We have the experience level and facility to repair your ACME inboard propellers. WildCat Props has scanning equipment, to repair and return your prop to specifications which are reasonably true to the original design and high level of accuracy.

Cruiser and Sport Fish Propellers
ACME Inboard Propellers are engineered for quicker plane times, improved speeds and lower fuel consumption. Computer Numerically Controlled milling machines offer the most accurate and consistent means for removing metal and finishing a propeller to its correct dimensions. This method of production, relative to hand-finished, translates into Acme Propeller perfection and the elimination of one big variable in boat performance. Acme is currently producing propellers up to 48 ” in diameter. Contact WildCat Props us to see if we have the perfect propeller for your boat and application. » See list of Cruiser propeller sizes

Surface Piercing Props
Engineered for durability to meet the tough demands of high-speed boating. Engineered to handle the tough demands of high speed and not-so-friendly seas. Features reinforced blade sections designed to stand high impact forces and improve durability.

ACME Technology

A fair amount has been written about marine propeller interaction on vessels of varying design.

Nevertheless, in practice it becomes apparent that misinformation, incorrect assumptions and overlooked variables are rather common. This alone should warrant reservations in dealing with theoretical performance predictions. Though important for calculation purposes, such predictions have limitations and can be misleading or misinterpreted. No two vessels are exactly alike. Therefore, over-generalizing performance expectations carries with it a good deal of risk. Add to this the fact that no two hand-made/hand-finished props are the same, and things can become even more confusing (another good reason for using Acme fully CNC'd Propellers). 

The surest way to determine the best propeller for a particular vessel is through sea trials. Again, it should be emphasized that during sea trials — whether it be testing a small ski boat on an inland lake or a large sport fishing yacht on the open ocean — numerous variables do influence the outcome. And since most vessels draw power from internal combustion engines, reliable engine performance data is critical to final analysis. In addition, internal combustion engines operate on an air/fuel mixture, which means air temperature, humidity and elevation also impact the final results.

Some other factors that affect the outcome of sea trials are vessel load and distribution, appendages (i.e., rudders, struts, nozzles, shafts and towers, etc.), shaft angle, and wetted surface area of the hull, etc.. For sea trials to be valuable and conclusive it is vital to isolate variables, and to maintain as much consistency as possible in surrounding factors. 

During forward operation the curvature in the suction face of each blade creates a low-pressure area in front of the prop, inducing "lift", much like the wing on an airplane. Of course, the resulting “lift” in most boat prop applications is generally perceived in horizontal terms, not vertical. For illustration purposes imagine a prop moving through water as a screw moves through a piece of wood. The amount of forward or lateral travel depends largely on the pitch of the prop blade(s). Pitch is defined as the theoretical distance the prop (or screw) travels in a single revolution assuming zero slip.

ACME Engineering

Acme's team of engineers is highly trained and knowledgeable in marine propulsion and can assist or fully size and design propellers for practically any application or requirement. Thorough integration of engineering with manufacturing ensures feasibility and optimization from one stage of propeller development to the next. It also means that every Acme prop is manufactured true to the design intent. So even at the moment when a potential propeller is only a partially constructed image in the mind of an Acme engineer, serious consideration is already being given to the capabilities of the manufacturing process. 

The surest way to determine the best propeller for a particular vessel is through sea trials. Again, it should be emphasized that during sea trials — whether it be testing a small ski boat on an inland lake or a large sport fishing yacht on the open ocean — numerous variables do influence the outcome. And since most vessels draw power from internal combustion engines, reliable engine performance data is critical to final analysis. In addition, internal combustion engines operate on an air/fuel mixture, which means air temperature, humidity and elevation also impact the final results. Some other factors that affect the outcome of sea trials are vessel load and distribution, appendages (i.e., rudders, struts, nozzles, shafts and towers, etc.), shaft angle, and wetted surface area of the hull, etc.. For sea trials to be valuable and conclusive it is vital to isolate variables, and to maintain as much consistency as possible in surrounding factors.

Upon completion of the designs and programs, Acme then builds patterns, pours castings, and machines and balances the finished propellers. The fully CNC'd propellers are then entirely ready to be installed in their intended capacity — no adjustments or fine-tuning are required, because any minor adjustments that might be desired can be made in the numerical data of the machine programs and thus translated to the finished parts. Note that there is virtually no outsourcing of operations directly related to the finished product.

Foundry
Decades of experience producing high quality non-ferrous castings to military specifications has provided a manufacturing foundation ideally suited for ACME propeller castings. Our experience has translated into the ability to handle a wide variety of materials and to deal with the critical aspects of material testing and traceability. Only the finest grades of metal, produced to military specifications, are used in the manufacturing of ACME propellers. Proprietary methods of mold building and material handling ensure ACME props are of the highest quality.

Since the CNC'd surfaces on the propellers cannot be welded without significant alteration to the surface finish, it is important for the castings to be free of defects. In order to maintain the outstanding level of accuracy and consistency in production, a fully CNC’d ACME prop does not allow for the traditional methods of grinding, hammering and welding to obtain the prop's finished specifications. Therefore, it is imperative that the process begins with sound castings of superlative integrity.

Manufacturing
Acme Propellers are produced on a foundation of more than seven decades of machining and manufacturing experience. Highly qualified personnel, state-of-the-art machinery, skillfully refined methods, and strict process controls are some of the key contributors to the superior quality and consistency of Acme Propellers. To further ensure product excellence, expedient delivery, and few-to-zero defects and returns, Acme utilizes proven quality control systems and relentlessly strives for continuous improvement at every level of product development.