Has anyone built and flown this plane? I have, but I am having some problems with it.

This plane was very easy to build. I built it with half the dihedral in the plans. I used Hitec 81MG servos and a Magnum .15 engine. I added 1/2" to the rudder and 1/3" to the elevator. I used angled balsa stock for the ailerons--same width--just tapered. I sealed the aileron gap.

Once in the air the plane flies easily at half throttle.

Takeoffs are a problem. The plane plows through the water. With full up elevator, much water still hits the prop and slows or stops the engine. I shaped the nose of the plane per the template provided. I think I should have left it flat on top--more like a boat. I have yet had a totally calm day to try taking off. Can I add some strakes to the sides to get it up on plane faster and to keep it from plowing through the water?

After several failed takeoff attempts, the fuselage is full of water--about 1/4-inch. The wing saddle is tightly sealed with silicone. To seal the hatch up front, I use waterproof tape. I don't know how to seal this thing any better. The water must be pushing past the silicone seal. Do I need to build some sort of deflector before the seal? Do I need to seal the receiver and battery in a plastic bag? They are mounted off the floor of the fuselage.

Landings are very easy.

When I do a loop the Magnum .15 wants to die at the top of the loop, but it slowly recovers its rpm. What's with this? Too lean? I tried richening the main needle some.