Sensenich W80CM8 a worthy alternative to Borer 80"?

[BPL]

Airframes Alaska recently started selling the Sensenich wood composite seaplane props. They are 80" and come in pitch between 42 and 47 (I think.) At 17 lbs vs 34 lbs for the aluminum McCauley Borer, and cheaper, it seems like a good alternative.

The issue seems to be that it's intended for a 180hp engine. Trimmer has the STC for the PA-22 with O-360, but there is also an STC for the PA-18 with O-320 (IIRC) but no STC for PA-22 with O-320. The Borer is STCd.

Is this just an issue of "no one has gotten around to trying to certify that yet"? Or is there some real reason it shouldn't be run on an O-320? Guys have been running 8042 and even finer for decades on -18s and -22/20 with no issues other than takeoffs being too short.

How should I summarize the work description on my field approval 337?

[andya]

Most O-320's use a smaller diameter prop bolt than the O-360, is the w80cm8 available with the
O-320 sized bolt holes?

[Steve Pierce]

I have one ordered for a customers Super Cub. Waiting to hear some real world data between the 82" McCauley (Borer) vs the 80" wood Sensenich. Just needs someone to persue the STC, heard Eddie Trimmer might be adding it.

[BPL]

Most O-320's use a smaller diameter prop bolt than the O-360, is the w80cm8 available with the
O-320 sized bolt holes?

Good point, I think it's just a distinction in model number. The O-320 hub model is called the W80DM (I think.) This is the one that's STCd for the PA-18 but not the PA-22.

[rocket]

Don't quote me on any of this but I just got off the phone with one of my long time part venders who will be selling this propeller.

Price is about $4500 for both the 0320 and 0360 model with mounting kit.


They only have two props that are loaners out for testing. Both went to Valdez so the players out there this weekend could wring it out.


No current stock but orders taken at AA show last weekend. Hmm, heard that before...


Prop is manufactured under car4 so users who have the TCDS that's says "wood prop..." Can just bolt on and go?


Kevan Asher has some STC
0360 stc is 20/22 tail dragger
Trimmer is working on other STC


He did say he had one small group of testers bring it back and not like it . Most were positive though.


They are saying if one is running a 8242 bore the 8038 is a direct replacement.


Wood prop with glass Carbon sheath.


Much wider, 2"?, cord then Borer...


Rocket

[rocket]

Forgot to add it has a SS leading edge.

Steve, which pitch did you order and for which engine/hp?


Rocket

[Steve Pierce]

I have been talking to Sensenich over the last month.
$3210.00 retail and fiberglass covering an additional $350.00 retail.

[fabricman]

I have been talking to Sensenich over the last month.
$3210.00 retail and fiberglass covering an additional $350.00 retail.

Keep us posted.....I would be interested in trying one on my 160 horse PA 22-20.

Fabricman


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[dhillier]

"Prop is manufactured under car4 so users who have the TCDS that's says "wood prop..." Can just bolt on and go?"

The PA-22 and PA-200 TCDS both specify a fixed pitch metal propeller with a Lycoming O-320.

The only engine option that allows for a wooden prop is the Lycoming O-290 and that is limited to a maximum diameter of not over 74 inches.

The only way I can see for a 80" wood prop on an O-320 would be via STC. Unfortunately.

[Jeff J]

...The only way I can see for a 80" wood prop on an O-320 would be via STC. Unfortunately.

Field approval. Slow process but it can be done. It may require flight testing and will require a flight manual supplement.