Yeah I would say if you flew the Escapade without any difficulty the decathalon isn't too far off. Two totally different feels of flying though. This plane is a little more than a trainer because it looks like there is little to now dihedral and not a flat-bottom wing. Simialr to a Piper Cub. But you're right, should be more stable, but the floating is all dependant on your balancing and weight. Most of the time if will float, but I've flown an escapde that floats pretty well too. Good luck!