RV-9A cruise prop selection

[MrNomad]

My plan is an RV9A with an IO-320 with mods for auto gas. In other words, 150hp. The primary use for the airplane is travel to/from Tucson to Long Beach once a month. Lots of cruising at 12,ooo ++.

In an effort to save $$ I was thinking of a fixed prop that is specifically designed for cruise. Sometimes I will be at high density altitude in the southwest sun.

I am aware that the advantage of constant speed is a wider range of performance and I acknowledge that I my plan will give up some takeoff performance, but after flying a Cessna 150, the RV should seem like a rocket ship. Plus, my wife is skinny so weight is not an issue.

Does my plan make sense? Comments? Which prop would folks suggest?

 

[osxuser]

If i'm not mistaken, the Sensenich is the fastest prop out there for the RV's unless you go custom.

 

[N916K]

I've got a Sensenich 79" prop with a 160 hp o320. I get Van's numbers. I've flown an 80" pitch prop, too much pitch for that engine. It took a real hit in take off and climb compared to the 79". Call Ed at Sensenich if you have any questions, he's great to deal with.