SonexBuilders.net

Hi:

I'm considering changing from the fixed pitch Sensenich prop for the AeroVee, to a Prince P Tip. For anyone that has made that switch did you notice any quantifiable difference? Frankly I'm more interested in a little more climb performance than top speed, but I'm interested to hear about any difference you may have noticed, either way.

Thanks,

Mike...I changed from Sensenich 54x44 to a Prince 54x42 about 5 weeks ago, but at the same time I increased my displacement from 2180 to 2276cc, so I cannot be certain how much of the improvement is due to the Prince prop.

Previously on take off I was seeing 3050 RPM and climb around 450 to 550 fpm. I now achieve (in 32 deg C Australian summer heat) 3150 RPM and 650 fpm climb (1 pob). At my usual cruise RPM of 3200, I'm now achieving between 115 and 122 knots. (Not mph) That's an extra 5 knots.

In short, I'm very happy with the improvement but as stated, some will likely be due to the increased displacement. I'd recommend the 42" pitch to get you closer to the peak power/torque point on the AeroVee curve.

I haven't managed to get more than 3350 RPM at WOT, but the "new" engine only has 6 hrs on it so far.

Regards
Rodger

My experience with the Prince 54x46 is it seems pitched a little too coarse. The highest RPM I get in level flight at full throttle is around 3150-3200 at around 135-140mph. On climb-out, I get around 2800-2850. I imagine an extra 150-200rpm in level flight would also translate to better climb performance, so I'd recommend trying a Prince propeller with a finer pitch than mine. Looks like Rodger's 54x42 might be a good option.

My belief is that Sensenich knows what they're doing and build and design great propellers. It's pretty likely that a Sensenich with a finer pitch would get you the performance you're looking for if you aren't already exceeding ~3400rpm at full power cruise. I'm not sure how difficult it is to get Sensenich to modify your propeller or build a slightly different one, so that could make Prince an attractive option.

Nothing like a photo...119 kts at 3160 RPM and 1960'

Note also the battery condition, thanks to the new Jabiru 12 pole stator

For the first couple of years I had a Sensenich ground adjustable. What a piece of junk! When a prop strike blew it up (yay!) I got the Sonex "standard" Sensenich prop. My climb outs in summer weather are still anemic. If I'm flying at gross, or with an adult passenger I often see 200 to 250 fpm and 2,950 rpm on take off. With trees all around me it can get the pucker factor way up. I have never gotten over 3,250 rpm in level flight with any prop (with the ground adjustable in the finest pitch I never got over 3,050 rpm). Getting anyone at Sensenich to answer inquiries has been fruitless in the past. Loni Prince appears to be a lot more interactive in helping to find the right prop, and I've never heard anything but great feedback from Prince Prop owners. I'd also like to have a composite prop again, with leading edge protection. I can't get that with a Sensenich.

When I had a normally aspirated AeroVee I had a prince prop. When I converted to the turbo I loaned my prop to a friend with a Onex who saw about 100 rpm increase on take off. Lonnie Prince is a big supporter of home built s who still answers the phone at his company. I am changing to a Jabiru engine and put in a web order for a new prop. When I called the secretary to give a credit card number the boss answered the phone. I know it's a small company but I still like the fact that the boss cares about his customers and isn't afraid to answer the phone. I had good results with my original prince prop and expect the same with the new engine.
With my Prince prop I had the bottom cowl pin work out and get picked up by the prop and ejected. I could see a few dings in the finish of the prop so I emailed Prince to see if I needed to send the prop in. Within 15 min. of sending the email Lonnie called me on the phone to discuss the matter. NOW THAT'S CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Hi bill, all,
good to see that you arejoining us jab owners. a3300 i asume? we love ours. running a rotec tbi. no facet pump just gravity feed. no gascolater, red cube fuel flow, carb heat box, k & n filter. flying solo really shines, 120 hp is a kick in the pants. with a pax you still get very good performance.
sounds like you had enough of the aerovee and turbo fiasco.
we are running a prince p tip prop. love it and love lonnies service. if i were to do it all over again id get a white prop. we have a black one. on a sunny hot day the black prop gets hot if you handle it. we are running with the sonex jab 3300 baffle kit, and exhaust. maybe someone converting to a b model would have a good deal on an engine mount. check barnstormers too, ive seen them advertized there.
good luck let us know if you have any questions.

WaiexN143NM
Michael

...and they sure are conversation starters at flyins...I now tell people I bought the prop “pre-ground struck”

Mike...........and all other boats afloat........just so you know.............

Sensenich does make a ground adjustable composite propeller with leading edge protection for the Aerovee. Saw and touched one at the Sebring Light Sport show on Friday.

Looks like I'm about the last Aerovee turbo flyer :(
To boldly go as they say :(