Props to Have On Hand

[Jeff Wohlt]

After trying to buy some props to fit some 6-12 cell boats I am asking my self...self...I should have some props that can be tried on all set ups without buying the entire Octura line.

Can anyone tell me which props would be "staples" that we should all have.

I think I will order some carbon props as well since they are cheap and they make some 35mm with 3/16" shafts. I see they have less pitch but that may be okay for what I need to do.

I run mainly 3/16" shaft which is going to change soon.

Some that I already have are x432,x642,x438,x645,P215,220,225

Now that I look at this list I can see I really don't have but one small 1/8" prop.

Does most of the board here run 1/8" shafts and then bush them up to 3/16" if needed? Does a person ever need to run a 3/16" stub?

Thanks...

[Steven Vaccaro]

I also wanted to do something like that with the Graupner props, but as of yet not to many people carry them!

[Jeff Wohlt]

Most of my boats are bigger like the SH, RC Hydro, etc that run 3/16" prop shafts and 12 cells. With smaller boats I need to build 1/8" stubs.

Certainly can never hold up to Octura quality and speed but I am a sport boater and care more about cooking parts than getting the highest speed.

Andrew was suppose to get some carbon Graupners.

Hobby Lobby will order them but again...6-8 weeks.

[Dick Crowe]

That's a loaded question Jeff,
I can make a good case for at least a dozen props. It will really depend on your application.

What direction interests you?

See ya,
Dick

[Steve Vasdekis]

Instead of buying a bunch of props put all your motors on geardrives and when you want more speed or runtime you can adjust that with a $3.00 gear.

[Jeff Wohlt]

I have had good results with gears in the past but have really decided to go direct drive.

Dick, I just need to figure what the boats need in a bit more in advance...like this cat, I decided to build the 3/16" stub and should have made a 1/8" Easy enough to make me one to fit my strut.

Looks like most run the 1/8" shaft for most things under 12 cells. So many more prop choices to do the job.

Ah...the joy of learning!

[Dick Crowe]

Hey, Octura makes a cool stub shaft that allows you to use 1/8th inch props with 3/16th inch struts. See pic. I put a 3/16th shaft in for comparrison.
<img border="0" src="http://www.drcwebservices.com/boat_stuff/flexshafts.jpg" width="416" height="123">
See ya,
Dick

[Andrewg]

Jeff

the X-series as a general pupose prop are the place to start

I find I use these most

3/16" shaft
X438
X442
X445
M447
X642
X645

1/8" shaft
X430
X432
X435
X632
1732
P735

the Graupners are comming - they are a lower pitch and cut more like an Mseries prop


Dick - I like 3/16" bushes over the 1/8" for wear and smoothness. Perhaps my local water is abrasive, but it seems most modifieds and up put out enough power to thrash the 1/8" bushes out very quickly - what do you think?

I do use 1/8" bushes on the micros.

[Paul]

Hello Guys,

Hey, Octura makes a cool stub shaft that allows you to use 1/8th inch props with 3/16th inch struts. See pic. I put a 3/16th shaft in for comparrison.

Hughey also makes a similar setup to the Octuras (stepped), although I like the Octura stuff I think their stubs suck. Hughey's are a much nicer piece.

Jeff, here's a list of what I carry with me, I need more but these have pretty much covered all my needs.

1/8" x427, x430, x432, x632, x435, y530, y535, 1732

3/16" x437/3, x637, x438, x440/3, x640, x642, x445, x646, x447, x450, 1445, 2045, 1250, 1450.

That's it, I rarely use the last 4 on the list so I wouldn't recommend them but the others are all used regularly.

Paul

[Jeff Wohlt]

Thanks for the info. Looking at the list I could add about 4 more and be in there.

I agree with Paul on the Octura stuff...the stubs are massive compared to the stepped version of Ed's. BUT they are build for Ed's struts and then they get supported at both ends.

I considered chopping the Octura stub shorter and using a collar for the prop. You could then make a bit shorter strut and not have 1" sticking out from the prop.

[Dick Crowe]

I didn't realize Ed made a 1/8th inch shaft with a 3/16ths bearing surface. I'll have to get some.

Oh ya, easy on the octura stuff guys. The extra length of the bushing surface on the Octura stub is a good thing. Less wobble.

There are pros and cons to each.

For you economists, you can put together several Octura shafts for the cost of 1 Hughey. But, you have to build the Octuras yourself. BUT, If you don't do it right you an loose your prop and all of a sudden the Hughey was a better deal.

Perhaps I'll do a build article for the octura shafts. When you do it right, no problems.

Another flex shaft system to consider for the 12+ cell boats is the Prather .150. They cost about 12 bucks and the shaft is brazed to the stubshaft like the Hughey. The cable is heavier duty though.

I'm not trying to put down any shaft. I use all three and even used Hughey .150's on my 18 and 24 cell boats.

See ya,
Dick

[Jeff Wohlt]

Dick...you are corrct about the Octura...much more stable.

I use them both but the OCtura has it for price. The cable I have gotten from Octura recently was not good...dirty and hard to solder. I guess I can use Oct stubs and Ed's cable? a few thousands difference but I have not tried it.

Thanks...a good article would be great.

[Dick Crowe]

Hmm, that doesn't sound good about the Octura cable and I wouldn't use the Hugheys in the octura stub either. The few thousanths will make a difference. I'd call Randy Naylor. He has a great supply of flex shaft. I got some a while back and it was strong and shiny.

See ya,
Dick

[eddieh]

HELLO ALL, AS USUAL PLAYIN CATCH-UP, DEALIN WITH MUSTARD, ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 3 BLADES??? AND IS THERE A BENCH MARK FOR GUESTIMATING A SIZE TO TRY IE IF i'M USING A 642 ON MY E-VEE, WITH A NEO 775 AND 12 CELLS, THEN A LOGICAL CHOICE WOULD BE ?????? I HAVE PLAYED A LOT OF WITH THREE BLADED PROPS, BUT IT SEEMS EVERYONE HERE IS RUNNING 2 BLADED?????, JUST JOINED IN ON THE SIGHT, AND THIS WHOLE THING IS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE,,, WOULD APPRECIATE ANY COMMENTS, CHEERS ED

OH JUST A THOUGHT, A FRIEND OF MINE HAD A MONSTER VEE AWHILE BACK (7-8 YEARS AGO)FROM GRAUPNER,NOW HE HAD GRAUPNER SCREW ON PROPS BUT IN METAL,,,,, HOBBY-LOBBY STOPPED CARRYING THEM, BUT THESE WERE VERY GOOD PROPS (AT THE TIME) ANYBODY KNOW IF THEY ARE STILL MAKIN THEM???:confused: