Catto Props

db1yg · #1 05-29-2008, 02:35 PM

Hey Folks,

I got a note from Craig yesterday. With his expansion his production is now up to one prop a day (was 2-3/wk) and he expects production to increase further as the new CNC router with 3D modeling software comes on line.

He has also designed an 80" 3 blade to replace the metal prop on the 360 Super Cub. I tell you this because a Cub equiped with his prop won the Valdez Short Field Take off competition--a pretty big deal among North Country Bush pilots. He is now getting flooded with orders from Bush pilots. If you were delaying your order for a Catto for your RV I would not wait too long.

BTW, I am not affiliated with Craigs operation in any way other than being one of many very happy customers!!!

Cheers,

db

AntiGravity · #2 05-29-2008, 09:28 PM

...he still doesn't answer emails begging him for information for a potential sale. I swear: I'm gonna get hold of that guy if its the last thing I do!!!

osxuser · #3 05-30-2008, 12:10 AM

Call him. In this world of e-mail, some people still prefer talking to you on the phone. FWIW, he nailed the pitch and diameter for an O-290-G powered Whitman Tailwind... he's got it down!

AntiGravity · #4 05-30-2008, 03:25 AM

I actually tried calling a few weeks ago. Can't remember now but I think I got no response. Tried faxing too. Luckily I'm in no particular hurry, and I have other things to pay for as well, but as soon as I have some spar $$$ floating around again I'll take another crack. Like it or not, that guy *is* going to sell me a prop!

dclay · #5 05-30-2008, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AntiGravity

I actually tried calling a few weeks ago. Can't remember now but I think I got no response. Tried faxing too. Luckily I'm in no particular hurry, and I have other things to pay for as well, but as soon as I have some spar $$$ floating around again I'll take another crack. Like it or not, that guy *is* going to sell me a prop!

Jeff,

You may also give Lonnie Prince a call (Prince Aircraft Company, http://www.princeaircraft.com). He produces a fantastic prop and is a super nice guy to deal with. He worked with me extensively getting the pitch on my prop exactly where it needed to be. Personally, I?m not sure I would ever go anywhere else for a wood propeller.

David

newtech · #6 05-30-2008, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AntiGravity

I actually tried calling a few weeks ago. Can't remember now but I think I got no response. Tried faxing too. Luckily I'm in no particular hurry, and I have other things to pay for as well, but as soon as I have some spar $$$ floating around again I'll take another crack. Like it or not, that guy *is* going to sell me a prop!

I have had the best luck in reaching him by calling around 1:00 to 2:00 PM California time. My three blade arrived two months ago and was worth the wait.

whifof100ll · #7 05-30-2008, 08:57 AM

I get 210mph at 8500'DA and 2750 RPM. EXACTLY what was written on my invoice when I recieved my prop.

gmcjetpilot · #8 05-30-2008, 09:21 AM

When dealing with any custom boutique hand-made aircraft part company, like props, you're going to have to play the game. Part of that game are delays. He could hire a full time customer service person I guess, but than he have to charge more. He's not a fly by night operator, but I understand the frustration in not having your calls returned.

With that said there are other wood prop makers that do nice work and may have better turn around times. Before Sensenich came out with their metal prop and C/S props where as popular and common on RV's, say 80's and early 90's, there where 10 wood prop makers.

I have also heard Prince Aircraft Company makes nice props. They have been around for a long time.

Not trying to turn business away from Catto but just a good idea to shop around. If you check kit plane vendors for props you will see a good list. Wood props are all pretty close in design and performance. Of course Catto does the fiberglass wrap but so do other custom prop makers. Customer service is part of the deal.

What if you have damage and you need your prop reworked. Will they be able or willing to do a quick turn around?

Of course all that know me, I will say Sensenich is a good deal, backed by a big company. You can change the pitch of a Sensenich fairly easily. I also think Sensenich will out perform a Catto and have not been shown I'm wrong. As I always say metal props are thinner and thus have an advantage in efficiency (aka speed).

I'm just a fan of metal props for general flying, more than wood due to durability, performance and customer support. I think the Sensenich is worth a second or third look.

Wood of course is lighter and has natural vibration absorption. Wood also USE to be cheaper. You could pick up a nice wood prop for $800. Now most custom wood props cost more than a Sensenich, north of $2000.

AntiGravity · #9 05-30-2008, 03:07 PM

Thanks for the link to Prince props: I'll check that out.

George: one of my concerns, and one that has been in my emails to Craig, is about the servicing/maintenance/repair aspect. Not only is it expensive to ship a 3-blade prop to/from NZ but his lead time is somewhat legendary on the forums!

I'd sorely like to go with a CS prop but the initial dollars are significant. Having said that, shipping on just one return trip for repair of the 3-blade would nearly get there!

That 3-blade does look super cool though

AntiGravity · #10 05-30-2008, 03:14 PM

I just checked the Prince Aircraft propellers. Very nice indeed, but a two-blade carbon p-tip is $2300US and the three-blade is a whopping $6800US. Neither includes shipping to NZ. Ouch! Haven't ruled out their 2-blade but wheeeeeeee !!!!