 Figure 1: An employee at Person Helices welds up a damaged propeller edge. | HydroComp, Inc. and TrueProp Software, LLC are indeed partner companies, each offering specialized software solutions for the marine industry. HydroComp focuses on tools for naval architects and marine engineers, such as PropCad for propeller design and PropExpert for propeller sizing. TrueProp, on the other hand, provides software and hardware for propeller inspection and repair. They released HELIX, an entry-level pitchometer, late last year. |
Person Hélices Náuticas in Brazil leverages both companies’ products to enhance their operations. They use HydroComp’s PropCad and PropExpert for designing and sizing propellers, and TrueProp’s software along with HELIX for inspection and repair, making them the first propeller manufacturer in Brazil to add HELIX to their process. Felipe Guimarães, President of Person Hélices, has shared how these tools have significantly elevated their business, ensuring precision and efficiency in their propeller manufacturing and repair processes. It’s fascinating to see how these advanced tools are being utilized globally to improve the propeller industry.
| What is the background of Person Hélices? What is their role in the marine industry? Person Hélices has been in the Brazilian nautical market for over 100 years, developing all parts for boat propulsion. Our purpose is to provide the necessary safety for vessels. How many employees do you have on the team? We currently have 16 employees on the team. When did you, Felipe, become involved in the business? |  Figure 2: TrueProp analyzes propeller quality and provides feedback for making repairs. |
We are a family business. I started in 2011 and took over as President in 2023. 2011 is also when we introduced HydroComp software to our company, doing calculations and new projects. I took the PropCad course and it was very good.
Can you tell us about your typical day?
I monitor sales, production and logistics. I develop new projects when necessary.
How do you use PropCad, PropExpert, and TrueProp as part of your process?
I use PropExpert whenever a client wants a propeller calculation. I only use PropCad when I'm making a new model. We're still in the early stages of TrueProp, but I'm going to set up a quality department to use it to check all the parts.
Can you tell us about your typical day?
I monitor sales, production and logistics. I develop new projects when necessary.
How do you use PropCad, PropExpert, and TrueProp as part of your process?
I use PropExpert whenever a client wants a propeller calculation. I only use PropCad when I'm making a new model. We're still in the early stages of TrueProp, but I'm going to set up a quality department to use it to check all the parts.
| What is your favorite feature of each software program? In PropExpert: the calculation itself, in PropCad: the 2D drawing, and in TrueProp: the final report. How does using HydroComp software products impact your company? The credibility of North American software. In Brazil it is a differential, hardly anyone knows, but it helps us a lot for greater confidence. |  Figure 3: HELIX 48 is a digital pitch measurement system for propellers up to 48 inches in diameter. |
How does using TrueProp impact your company?
Using innovative software here in Brazil. Delivering propeller compliance reports will be of the utmost importance to increase our quality and confidence.
How has your experience been with the HELIX pitchometer? How has this made a difference for your company?
As I said, we are still in the implementation phase, but it will generate confidence and add quality to our propellers. Our processes are still very manual, but with investment in technology, our company will become the best propeller manufacturer in Brazil.
What has been the experience of you and your staff using our tools?
Very good. Very easy to handle. With the help of Adam Kaplan, it gets even easier.
How have you used HydroComp / TrueProp’s expertise with your projects and goals?
I trust it completely. We are very confident that these software programs will make our company the nation’s top propeller manufacturer.
How was your experience with our customer support?
Excellent. Adam always helps me.
Share a customer project / story that highlights using our software.
We recently developed a propeller for the Intermarine shipyard together with you, with a different design than the one we use here in Brazil, and we are completely confident in the success of this project.
Using innovative software here in Brazil. Delivering propeller compliance reports will be of the utmost importance to increase our quality and confidence.
How has your experience been with the HELIX pitchometer? How has this made a difference for your company?
As I said, we are still in the implementation phase, but it will generate confidence and add quality to our propellers. Our processes are still very manual, but with investment in technology, our company will become the best propeller manufacturer in Brazil.
What has been the experience of you and your staff using our tools?
Very good. Very easy to handle. With the help of Adam Kaplan, it gets even easier.
How have you used HydroComp / TrueProp’s expertise with your projects and goals?
I trust it completely. We are very confident that these software programs will make our company the nation’s top propeller manufacturer.
How was your experience with our customer support?
Excellent. Adam always helps me.
Share a customer project / story that highlights using our software.
We recently developed a propeller for the Intermarine shipyard together with you, with a different design than the one we use here in Brazil, and we are completely confident in the success of this project.
 Figure 4: A propeller design for Intermarine shipyard borne from collaboration between HydroComp and Person Hélices. |
"Collaboration has been at the core of our partnership with Felipe at Person Hélices for many years,” shares Adam Kaplan, Program Manager of Propeller Tools at HydroComp. “In our latest project, we thoroughly reviewed the propulsion system of a motor yacht, designing a custom propeller that maximized performance and efficiency while ensuring quiet operation. Felipe’s team expertly manufactured the propeller, which was delivered to the vessel owner for sea trials. Partnering with Person Hélices not only enhances our shared vision, but also strengthens the marine industry in Brazil. Together, we’re propelling progress forward."
It’s truly a pleasure and inspiring to see how HydroComp and TrueProp Software are integral to the accomplishment of businesses like Person Hélices Náuticas. With HydroComp and TrueProp Software providing advanced tools for every stage of the propeller lifecycle, Person Hélices Náuticas is ensuring they can achieve the highest standards of precision and efficiency while also fostering trust and confidence with their customers. In just a short amount of time, Felipe has effectively directed a new path for his family business and is leading the way forward towards another 100 years of success.
It’s truly a pleasure and inspiring to see how HydroComp and TrueProp Software are integral to the accomplishment of businesses like Person Hélices Náuticas. With HydroComp and TrueProp Software providing advanced tools for every stage of the propeller lifecycle, Person Hélices Náuticas is ensuring they can achieve the highest standards of precision and efficiency while also fostering trust and confidence with their customers. In just a short amount of time, Felipe has effectively directed a new path for his family business and is leading the way forward towards another 100 years of success.
