Best Prop for Seaplane operation?

[MNJoe]

I would like to hear from others experience what is the best prop for getting off the water without sacrificing alot of speed. T-Rex has a C85 and I will be needing a different prop this spring, of course finding a nice set of floats would also help.

Joe

[perryv1]

Re: Best Prop for Seaplane operation?

I have a 74-42 that I use with both the 85 and now with the o-200. It would turn about 2350 with the 85 giving me about 75 hp on take off but would also give me about 90 mph in cruse at 2400 rpm.With the O-200 engine it turns about 2500 static and the same speed at cruse. Also works very well on skis. Hope this helps
PV

[gcgilpin]

Re: Best Prop for Seaplane operation?

My C85 Aeronca Chief seaplane has a McCauley 1B90CM7140. I get around 2400 RPM static and can go beyond redline (2575) in cruise.

I've asked this same question before and the concensus seems to be that the Sensenich 76-AK-2-40 (or 38 pitch) is the best prop for C85 powered seaplanes.

Danno can shed more light on this topic.

[Dano"T"]

Re: Best Prop for Seaplane operation?

I have a 71-42 McCauley on my C85....Cruise is 93 on Baumann 1500 floats. I operate off a 3200' long lake....about 100 acres.....works fine....remember.....you can't put a prop over 72" on a c85 powered T-Craft per the TC....so if you go longer...you'll need a field approval.....The 76AK-2-40 works better....but I put it back on the C90 powered T-craft because I'm going to put it on floats this year instead of my C85.....maybe I'll alternate year to year to save on outside time.....I know...I know....YES I have 2 T-Crafts....actually I have 3...I also own a 1940 BC-65 which I am supoosed to be in the process of recovering.....I have not worked on it in a while....the engine overhaul is done though. I also have my dad's old 1940 J-3 Cub....another project....The problem is..I have 2 flying airplanes and 2 projects...I need some incentive....and a new wife if I keep spending $$$$ on the fleet. The good news is my son is 16 and taking lessons.....the 12 year old girl is also intersted...so if I keep the planes, we'll all have one

[MNJoe]

Re: Best Prop for Seaplane operation?

Dano

When you say the 76ak-2-40 works better is it for speed or off the water?

Joe

[Dano"T"]

Re: Best Prop for Seaplane operation?

Dano

When you say the 76ak-2-40 works better is it for speed or off the water?

Joe

Off the water....the prop is longer and flatter...speed is 4mph slower than the c85 w/ 71-42 prop. Longer prop = bigger disc moving air = better thrust for takeoff.