Prop

There is a long debate over constant speed vs. fixed pitch.  To me, the fixed pitch prop seemed like a no-brainer.  I weighed the options as follows:

Fixed Pitch

Pros:

• $5000 cheaper
• Less maintenance
• Easier to install
• Higher top speed
• Reduced pilot workload

Constant Speed

Pros:

• Better climb rate
• Better overall performance (speed braking, etc)
• Higher resale value

The right choice seemed crystal-clear to me, so I obviously went with the FP.  I knew I was going the proven Sensenich route, and I happened to run into someone who won a brand-new prop at LOE 2004.  Given he already had one, I was able to buy the prop of my choice for $1700.  Van's lists an 83 pitch standard and an 85 pitch cruise prop.  In talking to several others, I learned that 85 pitch really wasn't enough for top cruise.  I also learned from Ed Zercher at Sensenich that all RV props start at 83 pitch (and are bent from there).  You apparently can twist a prop a total of 8 inches (any way).  I thought I would start with 86 and potentially repitch it if I wanted more cruise.  Given I was planning on the Sam James cowl, I also went ahead and got the 4" hub spacer (instead of the 2.25).  You will need the longer spacer due to the increased length of the james cowl.