Chris,
I agree that the V-bottom has superior handling.

On takeoff, it deflects more water to the side. Flatbottom floats initially push a bow wave in front of the float. Sometimes this comes over the nose and gets into the prop, before the airplane gets up onto the step. This is reduced with v-bottom floats. Spray rails deflect the sideways flow downward, giving more lift.

On landing, the v-bottom cushions the initial contact because it meets the water first as a point. I can't get a seaplane with a flat-bottom hull to "grease" onto the water surface. Even a really good landing will have a skip or 2. With a v-bottom, there are no gaps in the wake. The water doesn't lie.

Also, with a v-bottom, the plane is less likely to slide sideways on the runout after splashdown. Seamasers, sea cruisers, Lakers will all go nearly sideways if you hit rudder after touchdown. This is cute until you hook a tip float.


I just designed my own seaplane, and after initially having a flat-bottom hull I changed to a v-bottom hull. As my Dad used to like to say for emphasis, "It is lots more betterer!"

Pic attached. I have extended the spray rails all the way to the nose, and it made a big difference.