Kris,
that is funny you mention that. I got one at home right now. I could yank the G45 off and all that tail weight and have a different plane all together. I have also though about looking for one used or cheap and pealing it, and lightening as much as possible. You know. Really go over it and get carbon gear etc.
Put it on a major diet. The extreem flight planes look good too. Quite a bit more scratch though. Your right I think, anything under 16 lbs will float.
What sort of props sizes is the 55 going to require or swing?

Joe