Wood prop

Thanks Brooks, appreciate the info. One question, on RPMs were there any changes to the RPM limits needed? I am seeing depending on engine and prop you may or may not have to back down or increase max RPM. I'm looking forward to your report! Currently in Annual and dreaming about losing a few more pounds now that the carpet and rudder kit are out.

I ordered a W72GK-50 directly from Senseneich in Florida because they had it in stock. I have a c-85 "stroker" and I hope this turns out to be a good cruise prop. It was Senseneich's recommendation for a cruise prop. Price was $4200 including a new bolt kit and shipping. The best quote I had gotten on a new McCauley 1B90 was over $8000 (!) and even at that price it might take a YEAR to fulfill the order.

The wooden prop, bolts, and skull cap spinner turned out to be 12.3 pounds lighter than my old McCauley, bolts, spinner, and spinner plates. The bolts are different - the wooden prop needs longer bolts.

With that weight loss on the nose, if I were flying solo with full baggage (heading to Sun n Fun or Oshkosh with camping gear) AND I ran the wing tanks dry... Very soon after I started running down the nose tank my CG would move too far aft.

Now really, I try not to ever empty the wings and I could always grab a piece of heavy baggage and toss it on the passenger floor. But in the interest of NOT relying on that while I'm probably getting worried about fuel, I got the Earthx TSO battery and install kit. That saved just over 15 pounds from near the baggage arm. 

Been down with a cold for a couple days but as soon as I have a good weather day and my nose works again, I'll report on the results of the prop and battery. 

Looking forward to it!

Meantime I was wrong, I have the C75, is that what you have? If so which Sensenich did you get and what was the cost if you don't mind? How much weight will it/did it shave off your bird and did you have to adjust anything to compensate for a lighter nose?

My McCauley 1a90 got red tagged when I tried to have it trimmed and repitched. I decided to go with a Sensenich wood prop which will be arriving early next week.

I'll post a report of my experience as soon as I get to fly it.

Hi Warren,

I've learned I have the C85 upgrade, the upper limit appears to be 2575 RPM for one. Still digging through all 80 years worth of logs and paperwork! Based on what you were saying earlier, can I go to a wood prop and still have decent performance and climb? I am seeing in the 718 something about having a max static RPM limit of 2100 with wood under the Sensenich section. 

 

Mac 48 & 49 are climb props Higher are cruise props, If you are flying out a short grass field then you want that climb. If you do mostly short flights Makes little dif which prop you have. If you make most longer flights then maybe a higher pitch is called for I Made most 500 +/- trip San Diego to San Josa and gas was affordable then.so I flew mostly all the way in. So go how ever you fly! To me a little faster makes up for a little more gas..