I've been putting together a Phoenix SeaBee and in the instructions it shows a right thrust of 2 degrees and zero up/down thrust. However, the firewall measures 3.85 degrees right thrust and 1.10 degrees down thrust.

Does anyone have suggestions as to the best engine thrust angle from actual flying experience with this model? I could use Ernst engine shims to set the thrust angle according to the instructions if the SeaBee flies well using those numbers. Has anyone else noticed their SeaBee's firewall thrust angle is not according to the instructions? Thanks.

Anybody? The instructions I have include steps relating to installing a wooden dihedral brace- but mine has an aluminum tube that spans between the wing halves. Any observations about engine thrust angle on this model would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I didn't meausure mine, but when I built mine stock (simply bolted included engine mount to pre-drilled firewall) it came out with a significant amount of upthrust in it. I believe the right thrust angle was fine, however, and I didn't have to adjust it except for adding downthrust.

Thanks, Big Ed. I think I'm just going to fly it with the stock setup since there is right and down thrust built in. I'll just see what it does and go from there. I'm thinking they just didn't update their instructions to match what they're currently building.

Good luck with it. The Phoenix Seabee might just be the most fun you can legally have for $99.99!