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Prop Options

ShannonEvans

ShannonEvans

Active Member
I made a bad landing with my RV-3 & broke my Pacesetter wood prop :eek:. 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
 
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!)
 
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.
 
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 ???
 
prop options -

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!)
 
Prop spelling? C.A.T.T.O.

ShannonEvans said:
I made a bad landing with my RV-3 & broke my Pacesetter wood prop :eek:. 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
Click to expand...


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
 
Smokey,

Somewhat related question: Did you see any drop in CHTs when you switched to the Catto prop?
 
That's cool!

Doug said:
Smokey,

Somewhat related question: Did you see any drop in CHTs when you switched to the Catto prop?
Click to expand...

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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