On Sat, 04 Sep 2004 18:35:17 GMT, Orval Fairbairn
wrote:

snip

A couple of guys here have them, but I haven't discussed the
merits/demerits of the installation. The blades are certainly skinny,
though!

Not familiar with the toothpick variety installed on the Bonanza's.

Have been around several Panther/Panther II conversions with the
"wider" 4-blade props. Have played around with a DB meter comparing
them to like aircraft with the 3-blade installation.

There is not a large difference in the "noise" level, but IMHO the
extra blade shifts the apparent frequency of the prop beat, and makes
it appear to be quieter in the cockpit/cabin. The noise/vibration is
slightly higher/smoother.

The pilots I worked with related that they really didn't think there
was much difference performance-wise (comparing 350 hp to 350 hp, not
310 or 325 to 350).

TC