01/12/2024 - Catto prop arrived - 1h
Short article for an exciting moment. After many years of dreaming of a 3 bladed catto prop, I took the decision 3 months ago to buy it and today, it finally arrived home.
I have long time hesitated because of the shipping cost of the prop from the US to Belgium. After all the shipping cost was reasonable, even though it was sent by air.
I can recommend everyone to work and do business with Craig and Nicole Catto.
Not only are the catto props one of the most loved propellors used on RV aircraft, they are superb people and helped a lot in the decision process.
They very patiently answered my ton of questions as a newbie and helped me find the most cost efficient way to get my order shipped to Belgium.
Click here for their website and RV7 page.
The propellor of my choice is the overall performer. This is a compromise between the climb and cruise prop and is called "Good all-around"
These are the specifications of my propellor order with Catto Propellors :
3-Bladed RV-7A 360 180HP
- 3-Bladed Glass/Carbon Composite Propeller for RV-7
- 66" Diameter x 76" Pitch for Superior XP-360 180HP@2700RPM
- Top Speed at Target RPM- 200-204mph@2700RPM
- 3.75" Finished Propeller Thickness
- 7" Diameter Prop Flange
- SAE-2 Pattern, 1/2" Bolts and 3/4" Lugs
- Color: White w/Catto Red Crescent Tips
- Nickel Leading Edge per edge per blade installed.
Unpacked it and verified for any shipping damages. The way the prop is packed is very safe. The box is full of foam and the reinforcements inside support the carton box.
Couldn't resist taking a picture with my new toy. The plastic was still on but you can kind of see the red tips through.
This thing is remarkably lightweight. Weight and balance will tell if I need a weightplate in front of the prop once installed.
As I have a Sam James aftermarket cowling, I also needed the sabre plate extension.
This is the rest of my order:
Spinner Kit 13" Primer
- Catto 13" Spinner Kit. Includes fitting of cutouts, tracking and drilling of mounting holes.
- Carbon Fiber Spinner with aluminum front bulkhead and aluminum rear bulkhead.
- Primer or Carbon: Painted White
Saber 4" 360 Kit
- Extension 4 in. long, 7 in diam, 12-hole, SAE- 2, 1/2E.
- Crush Plate 7 in diam x3/8" thick, 1/2 holes, SAE-2. F-911 bolts 1/2-20 prop-to extn bolt, plated. Plus cadmium plated 1/2 SAE
- regular washers AN960-716.