Catto 3-Blade

jpharrell · #1 05-09-2012, 10:38 PM

I was planning on going with a Hartzell CS prop in my 7A but the recent increase in engine prices has forced me to reconsider. I have since been reading up on a Catto 3-blade as an alternative to save on total cost. My bias toward the CS prop was for not for aerobatics or formation flying but mostly for the takeoff performance (without sacrificing cruise) and better control of air speed in the pattern. Can any Catto 3-blade drivers comment on the takeoff, cruise, and braking performance of their 3-blade set-up?

NickAir · #2 05-09-2012, 10:49 PM

I love the Hartzell C/S on my RV7 for the reasons you identified.
It is wonderful compared to the metal Senenich F/P that I had on my RV6..
I believe that, after talking to others and everything I have read, that I would be happy with a Catto 3 blade as a simpler cost effective compromise.

David-aviator · #3 05-10-2012, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpharrell

I was planning on going with a Hartzell CS prop in my 7A but the recent increase in engine prices has forced me to reconsider. I have since been reading up on a Catto 3-blade as an alternative to save on total cost. My bias toward the CS prop was for not for aerobatics or formation flying but mostly for the takeoff performance (without sacrificing cruise) and better control of air speed in the pattern. Can any Catto 3-blade drivers comment on the takeoff, cruise, and braking performance of their 3-blade set-up?

The first flight with a Catto prop after flying with a MT cs unit was a surprise in the pattern - the airplane did not want to slow down as it did before. But that's just a perception, you adjust and in no time speeds are what you want where you want them. The good news is glide is better.

Take off performance suffers but not much. On a typical day, the airplane got off in an estimated 500-600' with MT and in less than 1000' with Catto. Once up to 100-110 knots or so, the airplane is moving out with Catto. For a max out climb, let the speed build until rpm is around 2500 and climb at that speed. It will be over 1500 fpm initially.

Get the stainless leading edges with Catto. Rain will remove paint from unprotected edges, I found that out flying to OSH last summer. I had the thick plastic tape leading edge protection but it did not protect the 3 inches or so at the tips and that area lost some paint. It was not much rain that did it.

The Catto is high quality, looks great and is light weight. All good things. But I am considering a Fred Felix bi-camber unit for the 8, have not made a decision but Fred is still building very nice props if anyone is interested in bi-camber patented technology. I had one for an experiment with the Subby engine a few years back that did not work out but the guy I sold it too loved it on his 180 hp RV-4. It looked great and was very smooth. Before that I had a 2 blade Felix on a Cozy, it too worked well.

http://exp-aircraft.com/vendors/page...ropellers.html

lucaperazzolli · #4 05-10-2012, 06:03 AM

I'm happy with my Catto three blades, obviously is a simpler cost effective compromise, but runs very well.

Don't be scared if you see 2150 rpm on take-off.

My two cents

roadrunner20 · #5 05-10-2012, 08:23 AM

On solo take-off, my 3-blade gets me off < 500 feet. After accelerating to 110 mph, I see 2100-2300 ft climb.
Mine is an older prop before Craig applied the metal edges. Right now, I use prop-guard tape and have had no issues when flying into light rain. I do throttle back to ~2100-2200 rpm.

celstar · #6 05-10-2012, 09:10 AM

I loved my Catto three blade on my RV-8 so much that I have ordered one for my RV-3B! I have flown around 100 hours with the blended airfoil CS prop and also enjoyed that but after flying behind the Catto I would not spend the extra money on the CS.

jpharrell · #7 05-10-2012, 09:13 AM

David,

What was it about the Catto 3-blade that you like compared to the CS?

celstar · #8 05-10-2012, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpharrell

David,

What was it about the Catto 3-blade that you like compared to the CS?

The Catto was actually a little smoother, quieter and my performance numbers were equal to or better then my 8A that had the CS.

lostpilot28 · #9 05-10-2012, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David-aviator

Take off performance suffers but not much. On a typical day, the airplane got off in an estimated 500-600' with MT and in less than 1000' with Catto. Once up to 100-110 knots or so, the airplane is moving out with Catto. For a max out climb, let the speed build until rpm is around 2500 and climb at that speed. It will be over 1500 fpm initially.

David, what elevation are you flying out of? My airport is at 2,500 (roughly) and I'm off the ground in about 400 ft. with my Catto 3-blade. I do have CS prop envy, sometimes, though...watching those guys climb out is awe inspiring! The Catto is more than adequate, but like any fixed pitch it doesn't climb nearly as well as a constant speed.

But, that's a small trade off for the $8,000 in savings.

celstar · #10 05-10-2012, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostpilot28

, but like any fixed pitch it doesn't climb nearly as well as a constant speed.

.

The only thing that the constant speed did for me was put me back in my seat on take off, otherwise my numbers were as said as good or even better. Cruise test was at 8,000 and airport is at 650msl.