Interested in input. I am considering changing my two blade Catto prop on my RV 9a with a 3 blade Catto. In discussion with Catto they advised an increase in speed is negligible but I would achieve same speeds at lower RPM. They mentioned the biggest difference is the 3 blade is much quieter than the 2 blade and that in itself is why many people change. If anyone has personal experience I would appreciate input.
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Catto Prop change
- Thread starter Slipaway
- Start date
I have a Catto 3 blade on my RV8, IO360. But I don't have anything to compare it to, as it's the only RV I've ever flown. I make about 2100-2150 RPM on takeoff, and flat out at 6500' it winds up to 2750 RPM. It might go 50 RPM higher but I don't let it. I cruise it about 2550 and ROP about 170 KTS true.
I did a little formation work with some Extra 300s, and they can out-accelerate me, but otherwise a pretty good match.
I like the idea of simplicity, light weight, and good CG characteristics, but I like to do aerobatics and I sometimes wish I had CS prop (and inverted oil, and smoke, etc. but I digress).
I did alot of searches on here about how to figure out power settings, etc. because I haven't flown behind a fixed pitch prop in many years. Also the guy who ferried the airplane for me was concerned with the low takeoff RPM. But it's a 66" prop and takes a big bite, and seems in line with what most other Catto pilots are seeing.
I did a little formation work with some Extra 300s, and they can out-accelerate me, but otherwise a pretty good match.
I like the idea of simplicity, light weight, and good CG characteristics, but I like to do aerobatics and I sometimes wish I had CS prop (and inverted oil, and smoke, etc. but I digress).
I did alot of searches on here about how to figure out power settings, etc. because I haven't flown behind a fixed pitch prop in many years. Also the guy who ferried the airplane for me was concerned with the low takeoff RPM. But it's a 66" prop and takes a big bite, and seems in line with what most other Catto pilots are seeing.
Thanks for that info
Or even a non 7A model
try RVBYSDI on here for input, he has a 9A with a 340 and the 3 blade Catto prop, pretty impressive performance and climbs like a bat out of hell.Figs,
Triumph1974
Well Known Member
I have only had a 3 blade Catto on my RV7A. Smooth as butter......and same 2150 RPM at take off as what is mentioned above.....but I generally sight seeing cruise at a targeted 7.5 to 8 gph which is around 2250 rpm. I feel like when I get in other planes with regular prop that they vibrate way more than what I am use to....
Yes, you basically have to remove the prop to take off the lower cowl, but given that on the wooden props most require bolt retorquing every 6 months anyways, it is not really that big of a deal as long as you have a helper to put the lower cowl back on.
Yes, you basically have to remove the prop to take off the lower cowl, but given that on the wooden props most require bolt retorquing every 6 months anyways, it is not really that big of a deal as long as you have a helper to put the lower cowl back on.
johnpaul44
Well Known Member
i changed from the 2 blade to catto 3 blade primarily for the noise reduction and reduction in vibration. There is a noticeable difference in both, i would do it again going forward.
Getting the lower cowl off with a three blade does take a bit of understanding but it is very doable. It is not a show stopper.Or even a non 7A model
Figs,
Well, I do love the 340 and I do LOVE the 3 blade Catto. However, I cannot give any comparison to a 2 blade Catto as I have no experience with it on my plane. If Catto told you what they know about its performance I would believe them. To quote that State Farm guy on the commercials: Craig Catto “Knows a thing or two about a thing or two”!
Recommend using something to protect the nose fork fiberglass when removing and reinstalling the lower cowl with a 3 blade prop. I use this:
antisplataero.com
Nose Wheel Fairing Protector | Aircraft Gear Guard | AntiSplatAero
Protect your aircraft’s nose wheel fairing with our durable protector. Easy to install, impact-resistant guard—ideal for taxiing and storage.
antisplataero.com
I just replaced my FP Metal Sensenich with the 2B Catto ground adj composite prop. I am still gathering detailed flight information using various pitch settings. I will provide a full report when completed. The Catto is MUCH smoother in operation than the Sensenich. The climb rate at the recommended starting pitch was hundreds of FPM faster than the Sen. faster than the Sen in low and high level cruise. Easy to install the prop and cowling. Very well made. The nickel leading edges eliminate issues with blade damage from FOD. Also the low weight really helped my CG. More soon.
RV-9a w O-320
John Nielsen
RV-9a w O-320
John Nielsen
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skidoo pilot
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I have the three blade catto. The whole idea of not being able to get the bottom Cowling off is overstated. I do it by myself all the time.
