Prop Report..

[CptKelly]

I just had a new wood sensenich 72x44 installed on Gail's Champ. Gail's Champ has a Don Sword engine. The metal prop was at least 10-12 miles per hour faster, but only turned 2200 static. The new wood sensenich turns 2350 static. At 2400 rpm, it now shows around 85-90 instead of the usual 2300 rpm showing about 100 mph. This prop provides a much shorter take off run, and better climb as well. The wood prop is a piece of art, and really beautiful. This prop is also exceptionally smooth and faster responding to throttle changes. I like it.

Mike

[SFC Hiatt]

Doesn't hurt that it cost half as much either

[gusc]

I prefer wood props too even though I know metal is more efficient and easier to prop.

Wood looks so great and it responds to throttle quicker because it is so light-which is also the reason it is harder to hand start.

Based on the lower static RPM you must have had a cruise metal prop otherwise there is no way the wood climb and TO could be quicker.

[joea]

The good:

A wooden prop looks absolutely beautiful.

If you have a prop strike, many times a wooden prop will not harm the crankshaft.

The not so good:

Stay clear of rain and such with a wooden prop, as it will take the varnish off of it!

Joe

[aeroncafan]

The good news there, though, is that the varnish is relatively easy to re-apply. Light touch up work on the tips and edges is permissible according to the Sensenich maintence instructions. (If you didn't get a copy with the prop, you can download the pdf from their www.sesenichprop.com web sight. It's the prop torque link). I've touched mine up without removing the prop with satisfactory results.

[gusc]

Amen to rain damage. I forgot to mention that.

I was shocked the first time it happened to my Stinson in very light rain.

If the brass is stripped by rain I use a brush but if the wood is stripped I use a spray varnish for a neater job.

[mike newall]

The Sensenich I had on my Champ (A-65) was a club..........

Looked good, didn't perform, changed initially for a UK made wooden prop (Chris Lodge) and gained 5mph, better climb, etc, etc.

Next Champ had a McCauley metal prop - that rocked !

10mph better - all together a better prop, started easier, ran smoother, was faster in cruise and take off.

I'm sorry, Sensenich need to progres to the 21st Century IMHO

[gusc]

Mike,

All that is true; however; (There is always a however) wood looks ten times better, is half the price, doesn't cut your hands when propping and doesn't destroy the engine in case of a prop strike.

My way around climb erformance is to buy a wood climb prop. I don't care about cruise, if I wanted cruise I would have kept my Rangemaster.