"Mike O'Malley" wrote in
:

This is just an assumption, but my educated guess would be that a
larger diameter propeller will create more static thrust, at the
expense of cruise seed. This is my experience flying a a 150hp Super
Cub that went from a standard 74" climb prop to an 84" seaplane prop
(made it easier to hand prop as well) The sea plane has more drag to
overcome because of the floats in the water versus wheels on the
ground. Seaplanes have already sacrificed speed for utility, what's a
little more.

FWIW, some land planes DO have larger seaplane props, mainly aircraft
that need better shortfield performance. Bush planes, and banner tow
aircraft come to mind. Cruise speed is less of an issue, second to
short field performance, or extra thrust. The Super Cub lost about 5
knots off the top end in cruise, but required 150 rpm less to pull the
same banner, and had a much shorter prop.



Very good points...thanks for enlightening. I've only ever flown the land
based buggers myself.