Any feedback on Catto Props?

N941WR · #1 01-28-2005, 08:13 AM

Since I'm building an O-290 powered -9, the choice of which propeller to use isn?t so simple.

I?ve found IVO doesn?t support using their prop on any Lycoming engines because of harmonics problems. Bummer because I liked the idea of having an adjustable prop on my little engine.

Next on the list is either a two or three bladed a Catto propeller.

Any feed back on the prop and the company would be greatly appreciated.

hngrflyr · #2 01-28-2005, 12:14 PM

I have a new two blade Catto Propeller on my RV-6. It runs very smooth, and the airplane is 10 mph faster than it was with the wood propeller the Catto Prop replaced. The workmanship on the prop is flawless. I'm still running with the spinner for the wood prop, but I'm in the process of fitting a new spinner.
I couldn't be happier with my choice.
Craig Catto builds the propellers for many of the sport biplane racers at Reno, and knows how to get the performance he wants, and he's nice to do business with.

redbeardmark · #3 01-28-2005, 03:42 PM

Craig is a great guy to do business with. And I'm am thrilled with the 3-bladed Catto prop on my 8A. The prop does exactly what he said it would do. It runs very smoothly. Looks good on the ramp, too. And, the price is right.

Mark Andrews

rv8bldr · #4 01-28-2005, 07:36 PM

Hi guys

I've got a 200HP IO-360 and a 3 blade Catto prop. As I've said before in another thread, it is smooottthhhh ;-) The best sustained climb rate I've seen is about 2200 fpm, although I did get 2500 for a minute or so once before I hit the floor of some terminal space and had to level out. This 2200 fpm is with 1064 lb empty weight, 3/4 fuel, and a 300lb plus pilot (don't ask ;-) Outside temperature was in the 30 deg F range.

Tomorrow is lookin' good for weather around here (around 32 deg F and severe clear). 10 more hours and my test period is over !! Woo hoo !

svanarts · #5 01-28-2005, 08:08 PM

I'll chime in too. Craig is a great guy, a kind host, and makes a great product. I love to see guys like him succeed. Go Catto you won't go wrong.

Oh, and I do have a two-bladed Catto prop on my O360 powered RV-4.

painless · #6 01-29-2005, 04:53 AM

Any input from you guys that have Cattos in regards to why you went with a 2 vs 3 blade? I am about to order my catto and would be interested in your opinions. Thanks!

Regards

Highflight · #7 01-29-2005, 05:16 AM

As a future Catto customer, I'll offer my .01 worth that I'm going with the 3-blade for ground clearance. That's my main reason.

Plus, I took my wife to the Cougar Landing fly-in a couple of years ago and without me prompting her, she said that the 3-blade props looked "really nice". Yup, she said "really nice".
And as we all know, when the wife says something looks "really nice" while looking at an item, that item is about to be bought.
So looking "really nice" is my wife's reason for a 3-blade prop.

N941WR · #8 01-29-2005, 11:40 AM

I too was thinking the three bladed prop was the way to go for ground clearance, even though they usually aren't as fast but do provide better climb performance.

As for looking "really nice", I my wife agrees with Vern's wife so I think I will be required to buy the three bladed prop.

hngrflyr · #9 01-29-2005, 12:25 PM

I went with the two blade prop because I hear that two blades are slightly more efficient than three, but from what three blade owners are saying, I think any difference is small. Three blade props are quieter. I don't see how they could be any smoother than the two blade prop on our RV-6. A two blade propeller also costs less.

Derrell · #10 01-29-2005, 02:03 PM

If Mamma ain't happy, Nobody's gonna be happy!
Now that's over, there was an article in the RVator (early 2004??) about performance with 3 blade vs. 2 blade props. As best I remember, the 2 blade edged out over 3blades. Personal preference?? I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Derrell