Prop
 

There's a long backorder on MT props for a T337C, plus they don't want to certify their "scimitar" blade model because they think there will be cooling issues for rear engine.

So I'm debating just a seal & repaint of both McCauley props.

Any other good options I should be considering?

Use all the money you saved to take a nice long vacation in the Skymaster? :D

I don't think the value justifies the cost on those three bladed props. You'll never get your money back if you decide to sell.

After flying many twins before & after a 3-blade upgrade, I can say:
1. They look cooler
2. They increase your ROC slightly (maybe 5%)
3. They decrease your cruise speed (1-2%)
4. Maybe a little bit quieter, but hardly noticeable, especially with ANR headsets

If I'm given a choice of a check for $50K and keep my 2-blades, or no $50k check and upgrade to 3-blades, I won't have to think long at all about my decision! ;)

Interestingly, Mooney went back to a 2 bladed prop to gain an extra 3 mph or more at cruise and was willing to sacrifice cabin noise...

25k per prop?
 

I get your sentiment of just pay the 2-3k per prop for seal and repaint versus new..but 50k check seems a little high ...new props are not 25k/ea, are they?

This is straight from aviation Enterprises website:

337 Skymaster Propellers
We specialize in Skymaster Propellers
We have most of the parts for the Skymaster propellers
We stock many serviceable and or overhauled Skymaster propellers

MT Propellers for Skymaster - all Models $27,000 exchange:
D2AF34C59 - 100 SOH
D2AF34C61 - 100 SOH
D2AF34C303
D2AF34C305
D2AF34C306 - 300 SOH
D2AF34C307
D2AF34C308
Other Hubs, Blades and Parts

Look further down on that page.....the $27k is for BOTH props, not $27k each. That would be a financial nightmare! Still a lot of cash though......

I had my front prop IRAN last summer. Took them some time to get seals and parts. Was told to be aware of significant part availability issues on rear prop as it has some unique-ness. Anyone had experience?

If can’t get the parts….might be buying some props.

I had old props on my '66. Front prop started to leak red dye, sent for overhaul. Corrosion internally scrapped the prop due to nil parts.

Replaced both with new McCauley's.
Old ones: Front-D2AF34C59-NP Rear-D2AF34C61-NO
New ones: Front - D2AF34C306/78CAA-0 Rear - D2AF34C307/L78CBA-2

Price was similar to getting MTs, but went with metal props based on these two reasons:
- lead time for MTs was long (6-8 weeks) versus about 2 weeks on McCauley
- robustness of metal props in rain and environment I live in; talked with people with MTs and problems with erosion due to flying through rain.

For me, weight and new spinners were not an issue. Vibration not a big deal either as I have my props dynamically balanced.

Jeff

cost
 

Jeff - Thanks for the detailed feedback. When did you make that move, and what was the cost, parts, labor, shipping, etc?

Props
 

Purchased props through a local prop shop; the owner was great to work with and didn't charge me for the teardown and took a small haircut on his mark-up from McCauley. List price on each prop $17,064. less discount of 15% came to $29,016 for the two props. Shipping from the manufacturer for both $488, sales tax (6.75%) $1991 makes a grand total of $31,500.
I am an A&P so did the install - I think balancing came to $300...

Jeff

Timing
 

oh - I did this last August/September 2020.

Jeff

Thanks for the detail !