Catto prop - 2 or 3 bladed - please help me decide

[FORANE]

In addition to others comments:

A 3 blade will be very noticeably smoother in all operations.
A 3 blade looks better, may climb better, may cruise slightly slower, will make the cowl a little harder to remove / replace.

For the nickel leading edge protection, I would insist on it. Of course I fly in all weather. Without it you will be fine if you avoid flying in any moisture. I have an older catto 3 blade hanging on the wall in my garage that has torn up leading edges from operations in moisture. As little as an hour in mist alone was enough to inflict significant erosion on my old catto prop. We repaired it numerous times before I finally retired it for another prop with leading edge metal.
Now, the big question is can the catto prop retain the leading edge nickel? Seems to me I read of a report(s) of loss of leading edge on these?
I loved the catto prop except for the one deal breaker for me of no metal leading edge. If these newer ones prove to reliably retain the nickel leading edge protection, I would seriously consider a catto for future prop needs.

[LifeofReiley]

I will be test flying the New Gen two blade in two weeks. Can't wait to see the numbers. Been flying the Gen Two three blade since Feb 2009 and love it. No speed penalty but have the climb penalty over the two blade. The smooth performance outweighs the climb penalty.

[smokyray]

Originally Posted by witek

Hello,

RV7A and IO360 180 hp

I have already decided to buy Catto prop for me project.
Have to decide - 2 or 3 bladed and nickel leading edge option yes or no.

Catto informed me that both 2 or 3 bladed props perform very similar and of course very effective.

I need the plane for long trips but also for a light aerobatic. For sure 68" three bladed prop is better than 72" two bladed on grass or rubble runways because bigger clearance between prop and ground. Yes or not?

Thanks in advance for your input.
Witold

Witold,
As an early Catto customer I have owned Five 2-blade models in the past 17 years. Why?

1. Faster. Earlier model Catto two blades were faster than 3, and it still holds true although not nearly as much.
2. Hand prop starts: Possible with a dead battery. This appeals to me as I travel to some very austere locations...

3. Smoothness? With dynamic balancing I have found the 2 blade equally as smooth as the three.

4. Cost: 2 blade props are cheaper. (and lighter)

You have chosen wisely. I have known Craig for nearly 20 years and put his first RV prop on my RV4.
I still believe in his product...

V/R
Smokey


My (former) RV4 The Bandit in the Idaho Backcountry circa 1998 sporting the first Catto (69X69) 2 blade 150HP RV prop.
Taildraggers have more fun...

[Jamie Aust]

3 blade for me.

[witek]

Thank you all for opinions and suggestions. Still difficult to decide but taking into consideration the difference in price I'm a bit more on the side of 2 bladed.
But for sure 3-bladed is nicer for me :-)

Witold

[humptybump]

Yes, the price advantage does go to the 2-blade. It not only comes into the picture for the propeller but if you decide on nickel edges, the 3-blade requires one more (pricing of nickel is per-blade). And, as was already said, shipping is higher for 3-blade propellers.

While I love the look of the 3-blade and I understand the science for why they are smoother, I'm ever so happy with my 2-blade Catto.

Craig does great work no matter which propeller you choose.

[Mel]

Whichever one you like is best for you!

You can't go wrong with any of them.

[tacchi88]

According to the text books, fewer blades are better. From personal experience, my Piper Arrow's prop had tip blade damage, and required replacing them. Long story short, the prop shop made me an offer I could not refuse with a brand new 3 blade conversion. Reluctantly, but realizing the added value. I went for it.
The text books were right on the money. I was never able to reach published top speed, but it was really looked great on the flight line.
My own 7 has two blades.