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  #1  
Old 03-11-2012, 07:33 PM
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ShannonEvans ShannonEvans is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Montezuma, KS
Posts: 57
Default Prop Options

I made a bad landing with my RV-3 & broke my Pacesetter wood prop . I am now putting things back together & need to decide on a new prop. What are your thoughts on Aluminum fixed pitch vs a Catto fixed pitch. Would like to know thoughts on pro/con of each. Have 150hp O-320 engine.

Shannon Evans
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  #2  
Old 03-11-2012, 10:54 PM
highflight42x highflight42x is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Seattle
Posts: 104
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Check the RPM limitations on aluminum fixed pitch. 2600 comes to mind for Sensenich. If you've got a 4" extension, I would worry about putting anything heavier than wood or composite on that.

I went from a Pacesetter 68x69 to a Catto 66x70 3-blade about 80 hours ago. Picked up ~10mph on the top end, and ~250fpm climb. 4lb weight increase. Max RPM at 8000' is now 2840. I asked for the extra RPM, so it's basically more of a climb prop than cruise (love that 2500fpm climb at sea-level on a cool day!) I heard Catto has a metal leading edge now, but I've got the old tape LE. Took him six weeks from my order to delivery, and I had a very good experience (I hear it can take longer than that). Three-blade is not necessary for any performance improvement ... but it sure does look cool.

- Steven
700+ RV3 hours
(45min more last Tuesday!)
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  #3  
Old 03-12-2012, 07:15 AM
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Mel Mel is offline
 
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Location: Dallas area
Posts: 10,768
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I went from Sensenich wood to Catto 3-blade in 2003.
Shortened take-off roll by 17%, increased climb 15%, cruise stayed the same.
I asked for somewhat of a "climb" prop because of my short runway. Craig is really good at giving you just what you want.
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  #4  
Old 03-12-2012, 07:58 PM
micbravo micbravo is offline
 
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Location: cross plains, tx
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Default prop options

sent you pm
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  #5  
Old 03-13-2012, 01:51 AM
Paul Walter Paul Walter is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Horsham, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 83
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Just on the subject of props but off toppic of this post a little. I have seen photos of RV's in the USA with polished props - they look great. Are these just a buffed aluminium or have they actually been chrome plated on the blades ???
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  #6  
Old 03-23-2012, 04:33 PM
highflight42x highflight42x is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Seattle
Posts: 104
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Polished. I think chrome-plate on something as big and highly stressed as a propeller would be asking for trouble, IMHO

- Steven
700+ RV3 hours
(+1 more last Sunday!)
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  #7  
Old 03-24-2012, 03:56 PM
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smokyray smokyray is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: TX32
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Default Prop spelling? C.A.T.T.O.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ShannonEvans View Post
I made a bad landing with my RV-3 & broke my Pacesetter wood prop . I am now putting things back together & need to decide on a new prop. What are your thoughts on Aluminum fixed pitch vs a Catto fixed pitch. Would like to know thoughts on pro/con of each. Have 150hp O-320 engine.

Shannon Evans

Shannon,

After testing nine different FP props on my RV4 and RVX over the years Craig Catto still makes the best looking and performing yet. I recommend the 2 blade with Nickel leading edge, worth every penny and you will notice a performance gain.

V/R
Smokey
www.cattoprops.com
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  #8  
Old 03-25-2012, 10:34 PM
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Doug Doug is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 427
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Smokey,

Somewhat related question: Did you see any drop in CHTs when you switched to the Catto prop?
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RV-6 completed, flying since July 2010
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  #9  
Old 04-08-2012, 12:54 PM
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smokyray smokyray is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: TX32
Posts: 1,891
Default That's cool!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Doug View Post
Smokey,

Somewhat related question: Did you see any drop in CHTs when you switched to the Catto prop?
Doug, As a matter of fact, yes! The Catto cools better in the climb than the MT FP, significantly.

V/R
Smokey
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