Has anyone else experienced this? This prop was sitting in storage 13 years without issue. After mounting and being exposed to direct sunlight it formed little bubbles on the front of the blades. It was explained to me that the resin softened, moisture came out of the wood, and the resin cured forming bubbles. The manufacturer has offered to repair the propeller.
My question is it still airworthy. I’ve tapped the prop with a coin and the wood sounds solid. The bubbles are not soft but solid. I remember years ago where an RV-3 owner put dimple tape on his prop and got better performance. Simulating how a golf ball performs better with the dimples.
If any of you experienced this same problem was it okay to fly?
I don’t have a Prince prop (I fly Sensenich) so here’s my AI edited answer.
Those surface blisters indicate resin/finish failure and possible un-bonding or moisture migration in the wood laminates.
Even though the wood “sounds” solid & the bubbles are hard, there may be internal delamination, reduced laminate bond strength, moisture intrusion, or weakened grain in the wood, all of which can cause catastrophic failure under flight loads.
So, FWIW … I would never even consider flying a prop that I had any question about. Your plane and your decision but my vote is … NOPE!
Dale
3.0 Corvair/Taildragger
3 Likes
If I were to send that prop back to Lonnie Prince (PAC) for refinish, and he and his team complete the work say it can return to service, I would no have hesitation to fly with it for many more years. Lonnie’s reputation is one of excellence. Next step, before flying, send the prop to Lonnie : )
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I’ll cast my vote - send it to Lonnie. I wouldn’t fly it.
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Hi 702,
We have a prince p tip on our waiex w jab 3300.
our prop is the same vintage as yours. Our waiex flew in 2014. We had the same problem. Lonnie then explained he was using a new resin. Please send it back, hope the turnaround not too long , and have it refinished.
cheers,
michel.
WaiexN143NM
4 Likes
They told me I could send it back and have it repaired in two weeks for $800. Hey, sounds great but why should I pay more for something that should have been done right in the first place regardless of sold “As Is No Warranty?” Like they knew it might be no good in the first place. They have a great reputation but I’ll never buy from them again.
Hi guy,
Sorry to hear of this. Wow. $800 to refinish the prop.
not good. I can understand your fustration.
Yep NOT a stellar reputation anymore.
michael
1 Like
Replace with a composite, ground adjust, prop.
No more moisture worries and you can fine tune it for your preference.
I have no experience however E Prop are building quit a reputation here in Australia. 
1 Like
