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  #1  
Old 12-02-2010, 06:19 PM
Steve Daudelin Steve Daudelin is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Maryland Heights, MO
Posts: 4
Default Catto Propeller Users

I'm researching building an RV-7A and I'm trying to make the engine/propeller decision. Looks like I'll probably go with a 180 hp Lycoming (but I'm open to opinions on the 200 hp version) and I'm looking at using a 3-blade Catto fixed pitch prop. Anyone have any experience with a Catto prop and/or other issues to consider? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.
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  #2  
Old 12-02-2010, 06:28 PM
David-aviator David-aviator is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chesterfield, Missouri
Posts: 4,514
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The 3 blade Catto gives excellent service and looks cool but if I had to do it again, I would go with the 2 blade prop with the 7A. It is a bear to remove the bottom cowl.
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  #3  
Old 12-02-2010, 07:48 PM
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MartinPred MartinPred is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Overseas
Posts: 152
Default Catto!

I can't say enough good things about the Catto. I've got about 150 hours on my O-360/three-blade combo and it's head-and-shoulders above my old Sensenich two-blade wood. Just as smooth, plus I can run it at a higher RPM and get ALL the horsepower out of the engine.

I fly mostly low level so I like to carry a fair amount of speed but still have some throttle left. I can cruise with the Catto at 2700 RPM and push it up to 2900 if needed to climb away from the terrain. Plus the Catto is so light that it spins up instantly vs. the lag of a constant speed.

BL: I highly recommend it.

-Matt
402BD
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  #4  
Old 12-02-2010, 08:10 PM
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roadrunner20 roadrunner20 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Bay Pines, FL (based @ KCLW)
Posts: 1,955
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I've been flying a catto 3-blade prop for 4 1/2 years, 577 hobb hours.
Nice looking and a smooth ride.
I believe I'm a bit over pitched at 66x76. My wot is ~2680. Compare with Dave Dormier he gets more rpm.
I'm very satisfied except for the issue of weight impacting my cg.
Low fuel, near gross weight puts me into an aft cg which I must compensate with reduced baggage(60lbs) especially on cross country. I compensate by adding scuba bean bags weights in the forward cabin when I'm on a long cross country which may impact my landing configuration when low fuel & wife onboard.
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Last edited by roadrunner20 : 12-02-2010 at 08:12 PM.
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  #5  
Old 12-02-2010, 08:16 PM
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cjensen cjensen is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Milwaukee, WI area
Posts: 2,967
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I've got 27 hours behind mine now, and I've loved every minute of it! I can't enough good about the prop and performance. Craig's service is great (he is VERY backordered tho), and it just looks drop dead gorgeous!! Yeah, removing the cowl can be a bit cumbersome, but it's not enough to make a difference to me.

Two thumbs up!!
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Astronics AES, Vertical Power
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  #6  
Old 12-02-2010, 08:30 PM
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newtech newtech is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Evansville, Indiana
Posts: 661
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DanLandry View Post
I'm very satisfied except for the issue of weight impacting my cg.
Low fuel, near gross weight puts me into an aft cg which I must compensate with reduced baggage(60lbs) especially on cross country. I compensate by adding scuba bean bags weights in the forward cabin when I'm on a long cross country which may impact my landing configuration when low fuel & wife onboard.
I added a 22 pound Saber crush plate to mine after the plane went down on its tail because of the aft CG issue. With the new crush plate I have access to about 75 pounds in the baggage area.

Love the prop and wouldn't consider anything else. I might consider using the longer O-320 mount to get my angle valve O-360-A1A farther out in front. The RV-7 was designed for a heavy parallel valve engine and constant speed prop.
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Where is Steve and the Sky Terrier?
RV-7A Slider, O-360 A1A, Catto 3 blade, 2 screen Garmin G3X Classic, GTN 650, Bionics APRS. FLYING since June 24, 2009
EAA Chapter 21

Last edited by newtech : 12-02-2010 at 08:33 PM.
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  #7  
Old 12-02-2010, 08:31 PM
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Mel Mel is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dallas area
Posts: 10,768
Default Since December of 2003!

Installed Catto 3-blade on my RV-6 12/30/03. Just getting ready to send it in for refinish.
If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't change a thing!
Did I mention that I like it?
No problem pulling the lower cowling. My tail wheel doesn't interfere at all.
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  #8  
Old 12-03-2010, 08:08 AM
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uk_figs uk_figs is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 1,015
Default Landoll ring

Quote:
Originally Posted by DanLandry View Post
I've been flying a catto 3-blade prop for 4 1/2 years, 577 hobb hours.
Nice looking and a smooth ride.
I believe I'm a bit over pitched at 66x76. My wot is ~2680. Compare with Dave Dormier he gets more rpm.
I'm very satisfied except for the issue of weight impacting my cg.
Low fuel, near gross weight puts me into an aft cg which I must compensate with reduced baggage(60lbs) especially on cross country. I compensate by adding scuba bean bags weights in the forward cabin when I'm on a long cross country which may impact my landing configuration when low fuel & wife onboard.
I had the same issue with the FP sensenich and added the landoll harmonic balancer which brought everything back into the CG range (100 lbs baggage and low fuel). I am about to switch from the Sensenich to a Catto 3 blade which I believe weights less than the Sensenich so I will have to recheck the numbers. I am also about to paint which I think has the potential to move the CG aft also. Definitely something you have to consider on the -7.
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  #9  
Old 12-03-2010, 08:27 AM
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db1yg db1yg is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 629
Default

I have 310+ hrs on my Catto 3 blade (first flown 3-06). It is light (17.5 lbs), incredibly smooth, outstanding performer, and looks GREAT!! The bottom cowl removal is more difficult than a two blade but not really hard. You will have a longer slot cut under the bottom cowl for the nose gear leg but can easily deal with that via a longer intersection fairing.

My personal advice--go for the Catto 3 blade!!!

Cheers,

db
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  #10  
Old 12-03-2010, 08:56 AM
cropdusterdave cropdusterdave is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Fargo, ND
Posts: 146
Default

Anyone know if craig can re pitch his props? I've got an engine I'm going to hop up 10HP at overhaul (a few hundred hrs hopefully)

I'm definately planning on a Catto...just can't decide between 2 or 3 blades!
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