Register

Boosting Thrust Without Breaking the Bank

If an engine upgrade is out of the question, a seaplane prop can be a cost-effective way to achieve more power on takeoff and climb.

Photographer Jim Stevenson evaluates the new prop, comparing the performance to his 180-horsepower Cessna 170B. [Credit: Jason McDowell]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author sought to improve his aircraft's takeoff performance from short strips without the prohibitive cost of an engine upgrade.
  • He opted for a larger-diameter, flatter-pitch "seaplane prop" (McCauley 1A175/DM 80/42) as a cost-effective solution, costing approximately $5,700 and requiring less than an hour for installation.
  • This propeller dramatically improved takeoff distance and climb rate, effectively feeling like an additional 10-15 horsepower and significantly increasing confidence on short runways.
  • The primary trade-off for this enhanced performance is a noticeable reduction in cruise speed, dropping from 110-115 mph to 95-100 mph, which the author deemed an acceptable compromise for his flying style.
See a mistake? Contact us.

When it comes to aircraft modifications, the return on investment runs the gamut. Some items like shoulder harnesses, ADS-B, and good sun visors are no-brainers that provide huge returns. Other items like customized interiors and elaborate paint jobs perhaps fall toward the other end of the spectrum for me. 

Since I purchased my airplane in 2021, I’ve been carefully choosing upgrades to address its most glaring shortcomings. Throughout this process, I freely acknowledge the indisputable fact that the weakest point of the entire system is the shortcoming found in the left seat. Indeed, for me to suggest that anything else is more in need of improvement is akin to Steven Seagal suggesting that the casts of The Shawshank Redemption or Citizen Kane should take some acting classes.

Jason McDowell

Jason McDowell is a private pilot and Cessna 170 owner based in Madison, Wisconsin. He enjoys researching obscure aviation history and serves as a judge for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. He can be found on Instagram as @cessnateur.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE