Prop recommendation for a C-185F

[Tom3holer]

Hi,
I have a 73 185 that needs a new prop along with an engine teardown.
My main wish is speed, not takeoff distance. I fly mostly out of grass strips. Will have time as the teardown and inspection will take time.
What seems to be the best of the new props for speed?
Thanks,
Tom

 

[180_jeff]

subscribed

 

[mvivion]

Go to Backcountrypilot.org and look for threads on 185 props. Theres a gent there who has done some very recent actual testing of different props on a 185. It looked like pretty good evaluations of some new props to me.

 

[Tom3holer]

mvivion,
Thank you will do

 

[180_jeff]

Only problem with the BCP thread is the emphasis is on takeoff distance, not cruise speed. To quote the thread "I DGAF about cruise speed..."
I'm with the OP on this. I emailed Hartzell a couple of months ago asking what their two blade offerings are. Still waiting to hear back.

 

[Tom3holer]

mvivion,
I went to Backcountrypilot of which I was a member but had not been back for a while.
What I found difficult is finding the information on props.
Can you point me to the section in the forum where it is?
Thanks,
Tom

 

[KevinJ]

Not a wagon guy but the word on the street is that the voyager on a 520/550 is fast

 

[mvivion]

Try this
ink: https://backcountrypilot.org/community/forum/latest/fastest-prop-for-c185-25794

 

[180_jeff]

And this one
www.backcountrypilot.org/forum/mt-v-voyager-project-27117

 

[skywagon8a]

Tom,
Call and have a discussion with Texas Skyways. https://www.txskyways.com/all-products They have done many STCs with various engine /prop combinations. When I converted my 185 to an IO-550, I used their recommended Buccaneer prop. The performance and cruise speed increase was awesome as well as a very smoother running engine. Since then carbon fiber blades have come into use which are much lighter than aluminum. The rearward CG shift with the lighter props will be the key to increased cruise speeds as well as take off/climb performance. The blade's shape is key as well with the scimitar tip shapes giving better more efficient high rpm thrust/noise reduction.

 

[rv6ator]

My friends 185 on Wip 3000's needed a new engine, so He decided to upgrade to the 550 and added a MT reversible prop. Performance gains were measurable, especially on takeoff, with a modest increase in cruise speed. Obviousy this is a big buck upgrade, and the reversible prop is a luxury.

 

[aktango58]

I second Pete's suggestion: call Texas Skyways!

 

[Tom3holer]

Sorry for getting back so late.

I just called Texas Skyways and was told the only stc they have is for the IO-550 not my IO-520D on your plane. It was from the receptionist as the gentleman she referred me to was not available.
I will call back later today....

 

[185Midwest]

Tom,

I'm the guy that has done the testing. The Voyager is by far the absolute best solution for your want's. I have a 550 on my 185 and routinely see 155KTAS at 8500' WOT and 2500 RPM. The Voyager does like higher RPM for cruise.

The Voyager take off and climb performance is amazing. I fly my 185 out of grass/mountain strips as well. You will love it!

MW

 

[Sturgill]

What does testing show as the best prop on a pponk 180? Mine has a 3 blade Hartzell Scimitar, which is good. But I flew one with the MT, and it sure did feel like a lot more pull.

 

[180_jeff]

What is fastest two-blade prop? (I take it Voyager is a three-blader?)

 

[185Midwest]

We did not test against any 2 blade props. Yes the Voyager is a 3 blade prop. I will say the stock O-470 motors seem to do well with the 2 blade MT.

 

[185Midwest]

What does testing show as the best prop on a pponk 180? Mine has a 3 blade Hartzell Scimitar, which is good. But I flew one with the MT, and it sure did feel like a lot more pull.

We did not test test specific motors only props. We do not test "pull" as it is very vague. We tested take off distance, climb performance, and cruise performance. 3 blade Scimitar is a great prop. Voyager is better as its an improvement on the Scimitar.

 

[180_jeff]

We did not test against any 2 blade props. Yes the Voyager is a 3 blade prop. I will say the stock O-470 motors seem to do well with the 2 blade MT.

I do not want an MT. I thought this was a conversation about Hartzhell. Never mind. And 185s came with an IO470 or IO520, not an O470.

 

[185Midwest]

I do not want an MT. I thought this was a conversation about Hartzhell. Never mind. And 185s came with an IO470 or IO520, not an O470.

Yes they did. 180's come with O-470's and some PPonk them. The Voyager is certified for 0-470-IO550. You asked about the fastest 2 blade prop. We did not test any as I stated. I replied to Struggle regarding the MT and you reading 2 vs. 3 blade.

Bottom line the Aluminum Voyager is the best prop out there for 180/185's

MW

 

[180_jeff]

I will try this a different way - is there a two-bladed aluminum Hartzell offering? If you do not have any firsthand knowledge you don't have to reply.

 

[mvivion]

I will try this a different way - is there a two-bladed aluminum Hartzell offering? If you do not have any firsthand knowledge you don't have to reply.

If you’re wanting to avoid posts which are not relevant to your interest, maybe start a new thread, specific to your needs/interests.

 

[180_jeff]

I thought this was a 185 prop thread. My bad.