Anyone went directly from the 401 to a Voyager on a 185?

Interested in if it’s actually faster, how much, and does it sound as cool?

401 is 22 years old so i will have to overhaul or replace soon.

yep, did it last year.

The 86" 401 was just as fast as my dad's 2 blade until around 8-8500, then it starts to suck wind. The voyager pulls better than the 2 blade on takeoff and climb, just like the 401, but it still goes fast up high. I run book speeds plus 2-3 kts with the voyager on an otherwise very stock 185.

Here's a 2 blade vs the voyager, noise wise.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiP601OuWIP ... _copy_link

So at say 5,000 ft, the voyager and 401 are similar speeds then?

Ross4289 wrote:So at say 5,000 ft, the voyager and 401 are similar speeds then?

The voyager is probably a hair faster. Hard for me to say. I live and fly at 5500+ and most of my flying takes me to 7500-12500.

Maybe it feels better to say it's faster everywhere since I spent the money.

It probably depends on how long your blades are now. I've always heard the 80" 401 was 6-8 kts faster than the 86-88". I hear the Bellanca Viking guys love the 80" 401 for going quick.

Mine is 86”

Ross4289 wrote:Mine is 86”

I suspect you'll pick up a little speed then.

What’s the cost difference between a overhaul and a new Voyager?

185er wrote:What’s the cost difference between a overhaul and a new Voyager?

I paid $3kish for a 401 overhaul last year. Voyager is around $15kish last I looked.

Are you overhauling just on age?

Pt 91?

It’s 22 years old and only about 1,000 hrs on it.

Mainly worried about the 22 year old seals springing a leak.

Ross4289 wrote:It’s 22 years old and only about 1,000 hrs on it.

Mainly worried about the 22 year old seals springing a leak.

I had a reseal done on a customers prop with similar times, cost around $1800. Might mine a decent option. Honestly I wouldn’t touch it until it starts slinging grease though.

AEROPOD wrote:

Ross4289 wrote:Mine is 86”

I suspect you'll pick up a little speed then.

How long is the Voyager?
I would think you'd want it as long as possible (allowing for tip speed considerations),
if you're gonna be on floats.

I would get it in 86”

Ross4289 wrote:I would get it in 86”

That’s what I got. I’m pretty happy. The OnLY downside to this prop is the weight, but my wallet is proportionately lighter.