Catto for another 3.75kts

[humptybump]

About 18 months ago, I received a Catto propeller for my 150hp RV-8. Recognize that that particular combination is rare if not unique, Craig had to calculate the propeller.

He had imaged I would see 2750 max rpm and 4kts more speed - based on the data I had collected from my Aymar Demuthe propeller. He hit the 2750 perfectly and extensive testing (using Box Axom's test procedure) showered 3.75kts improvement. The engine CHTs dropped 15 degrees and oil temp dropped 10 degrees.

Fast forward 12 months and I had an issue with the paint on my propeller (likely because I had previously sent it back to change the paint scheme). Craig fixed the paint issue and went two steps beyond. First, he offered to change the paint color while fixing the issue. Second, when the prop came back, he had improved it.

Craig changed his nickel edge treatment slightly. When I unboxed my prop, he has added leading edge tape from the hub out to about 3/4" overlap of the nickel. As you can see in The pic, the nickel runs out and along the tip.

Craig makes an amazing propeller and he never stops trying to improve his product.

At the risk of posting prop-porn, here is a visual example of how "engineered" is the Catto propeller ...

top is a Catto propeller, bottom is an Aymar Demuthe

[crabandy]

Very Nice!!

Its funny, everyone who wanders in to peek at my plane always comments on what a great looking prop the Catto is. I've got the more standard 7/O-360 and I'm really impressed with the TAS (160-165knts) down low without wheel pants. But I can't wait to break the engine in and bring the speed and 15.2 GPH down a tad!

[Vlad]

After I wear out my Catto Craig will build me a new one. Old prop will go to his museum

[humptybump]

Originally Posted by Vlad

After I wear out my Catto Craig will build me a new one. Old prop will go to his museum

Will that be YOUR definition of "worn out" or Craig's ?

[smokyray]

Originally Posted by Vlad

After I wear out my Catto Craig will build me a new one. Old prop will go to his museum

Vlad,
When I was living in CA in the 90's a friend referred me to this crazy prop maker who lived in a cabin in the mountains. I had been frustrated with my wood props on my RV4 and being a fan of Theodorsen's propeller theory I called him, set up an appointment to visit.
Several weeks later I landed my RV4 on a skinny uphill 1100' one way runway nearby with an ominous wrecked Stinson parked on the approach end. A guy drove up in a jeep and got out with a big grin and introduced himself, "I'm Craig, lets go up to the shop". Craig saw my Sterba wood prop on my RV4 and grinned. We jumped in the jeep and started up the narrow fire road through the woods. His shop back then was a garage and his props were painted outside and hung in his front yard. We chatted about design, capabilities, why F16 pilots liked RV4's and what a "properly propped" Four could do performance wise. He began designing a prop for me that would be the benchmark for his new props in the future. He was already a legend in the EZ community and had designed the prop on the fastest airplane on 65HP ever, the Arnold AR-5. http://www.ar-5.com/sportav93.html

Arnold AR5 with Catto prop

Craig loaned me a prop he built for a Glasair to gather data and we slid into my RV4 with back seat removed. I had my 4 modified to carry snow skis and even larger items and Craig was impressed by the 4's utility. Once home I removed the Sterba prop, sold it and installed the Catto test prop. The first flight was anti climatic as it was way over-pitched but going downhill I could achieve VNE at very low power settings. I returned it to Craig and he began design on my new prop. Once completed I installed it on my RV4 and for the next 1000 hours it would take me on many adventures. Craig's reputation in the RV world grew and the rest as they say is history, we have been friends and "theory engineers" ever since.

If you want to know the real root of propeller design, read Theodorsen's report 924. http://naca.central.cranfield.ac.uk/...report-924.pdf
Craig is very familiar with the report and it gives you a hint of why he keeps refining his product.

For me, I smile every time I hit the starter on the X and see that prop spin...

V/R
Smokey

[rhill]

It's a work of Art!

[Mike S]

I wonder how they were able to get it into that shipping box

[Don Jones]

...the shipping box for the three blade is a work of art in itself

[Greg Arehart]

Originally Posted by Mike S

I wonder how they were able to get it into that shipping box

That's the foldable version of the prop....

[rhill]

This came FedEx,of the three I have the best experience getting box's in one piece from them. Mine came in three separate box's stapled together all three were lined with foam and the blades were warped in plastic.Well thought out and executed,I say this because it's here and it's Beautiful, like I said it's a work of art. The same goes for Saber there extension/bolts/crush plate are outstanding workmanship.These were the last pieces of the kit besides radios and mark a milestone for me after ten years of struggle.