I wouldn't think that downthrust would matter with floats, but recent work trimming out a new Lazy Bee made me more attuned to the engine thrust issue. This plane is happiest with 3-4 degrees of downthrust, but with the initial slight upthrust I had on the first flight, the plane would leap off the ground and practically stall when I poured on the throttle on takeoff. I suspect that this problem is unique to the Bee, and possibly with the configuration of my Bee.

I guess the rule of thumb (or thumb-and-forefinger, if you fly that way) should be that if the plane takes off and lands well on land it ought to do well on water.

Good discussion....

--Bill