finishing foam core floats
08-30-2003, 09:45 PM
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Location: Tyler, TX
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finishing foam core floats
I am getting ready to build a set of foam core floats (from foamcorefloats.com) to go on an LT-40.
Two questions:
How should I finish the floats? The LT-40 is covered in Ultracote, so that would be easiest.
The plans call for balsa sheeting all around. I have some 1/32 ply that I could use on the bottom in front of the step. Is this reasonable? I will fly at a lake where we taxi up on the shore.
Leonard
Tyler, TX
Two questions:
How should I finish the floats? The LT-40 is covered in Ultracote, so that would be easiest.
The plans call for balsa sheeting all around. I have some 1/32 ply that I could use on the bottom in front of the step. Is this reasonable? I will fly at a lake where we taxi up on the shore.
Leonard
Tyler, TX
08-30-2003, 10:45 PM
#2
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finishing foam core floats
I covered a set of 36" foam floats with 1/16" balsa and then fiberglassed them (with light cloth), then painted them to match the color scheme of my Mid-Star .40
Found my O.S. 46 didn't have quite enough power, so I installed a 70 Surpass I had. I have been flying it over 3 years now and a times have made some pretty hard landings (Big Splashes) and they have held together fine.
Hope this helps.
Found my O.S. 46 didn't have quite enough power, so I installed a 70 Surpass I had. I have been flying it over 3 years now and a times have made some pretty hard landings (Big Splashes) and they have held together fine.
Hope this helps.
08-31-2003, 01:31 AM
#3
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finishing foam core floats
Just finished a set of floats. Foam core covered in 6 oz fibreglass cloth and West Systems Epoxy. Primed and painted. Very durable. The paint is even beginning to harden! 
I have never heard anyone recommend Ultracote or Monokote. Not for durability anyway.
I have never heard anyone recommend Ultracote or Monokote. Not for durability anyway.
08-31-2003, 01:38 AM
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finishing foam core floats
The Ace Seamaster is covered in one of the iron-ons. It seems to be not too bad but the problem with it is when you get water on the inside. Raw wood soaks up moisture like a sponge which causes the wood to swell and warp. If I had a choice I would go the epoxy route with fibreglass cloth and then paint. You can never waterproof a float plane too much IMHO.
Peter
Peter
