VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics


Go Back   VAF Forums > Main > RV General Discussion/News
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #11  
Old 07-08-2016, 11:49 AM
8 ball 8 ball is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: hilltop lakes' Texas
Posts: 135
Default Props

Well said Infidel, I also am the happy owner of a Whirlwind ground adjustable, which was nearly $500.00 cheaper than Catto equipment for equipment.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 07-08-2016, 12:30 PM
n816kc n816kc is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Winter Haven, FL
Posts: 263
Default props

There was a time we didn't have all the great options we have now! While I'd love to have a new Catto, I'm pretty happy with my aluminum Sensenich. It's good to have a range of choices to accommodate our individual wants, desires and occasionally, needs.
__________________
Kevin Crews
Bartow, FL
RV-6 'Woo hoo!'
2019 =VAF= donor
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 07-08-2016, 08:54 PM
Greg Arehart's Avatar
Greg Arehart Greg Arehart is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Delta, CO/Atlin, BC
Posts: 2,391
Default

Back to the original question - I had an aluminum Sensenich on my RV9 which I replaced with a 3-blade Catto. Basically performs the same on climb and cruise but a bit less vibration with the three-blade. It also affects W&B (aluminum ~40 lbs on the nose, Catto ~14 lbs on the nose) so that is a possible consideration. I'm now more tail-heavy than with the aluminum prop. But I also have more ground clearance. The other thing I have noticed is that the mass of the Sensenich would tend to act as a flywheel much more than the wood/composite Catto. When I pull the throttle back on the Catto, there is clearly a difference in the pitch (acoustic) of the engine/prop combo that I did not notice with the Sensenich.

I, too, have been very happy to work with Craig and have nothing but great things to say for their company. Happens that they are also close enough to drive over and see the shop etc. Downside is that it is impossible to put a 3-blade prop in the RV and fly it home so one has to drive to pick up the prop!

Greg
__________________
Greg Arehart
RV-9B (Big tires) Tipup @AJZ or CYSQ
N 7965A
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 07-09-2016, 03:27 PM
wfinnell wfinnell is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: tucson, az
Posts: 104
Default Thanks for the feedback

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the great input. Plenty of food for thought. Maybe too much... I guess it's like several have pointed out, we are fortunate to have lots of great options.

I have decided to go with a fixed pitch prop due to cost. Derek pointed out that Sensenich has several models. I had assumed that the fixed pitch Sensenich is like the ones that Van's sells. I had also assumed that the Catto prop has much better performance, based on other threads. Probably both bad assumptions on my part.

In Galin's reply, he pointed out the small difference in speed. This is actually what caught my attention. I have been planning on a Catto prop with an EarthX battery on the firewall and a reasonably light IO-360. I have been worried about having the CG too far aft, limiting passenger size. So when I saw the pylon racing post it got me to thinking that maybe I should take another look at a heavier prop. I'm not too excited about the 25lb sandbag. This is something I haven't fully considered.

To tell the truth, I haven't given too much thought about the Whirlwind. I should probably look into that some more.

I was surprised to hear Jay report that the Catto does better in rain than an aluminum prop.

I think I may be more confused than before, but thank you for all the feedback.

Thanks again,
__________________
Bill Finnell
RV-8 Fuselage
Tucson AZ
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:24 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.