I would like to get a seaplane to fly off the water next year. If I can, I'd also prefer to use this plane to fly off the snow this winter instead of having to buy a skis set for my actual trainer. At first I wanted to get a Cessna or Cub on float but from the reading I've done here it seem like too much of a step now. So, what would you think if I get a Neptune seaplane instead ? I have only read positive comments about the plane but is it a big step from a trainer ( I am confortable with the trainer ) or can I expect to fly it this winter off the snow and next summer off the water ? I will install an OS .46AX on it. Any comments are welcome.

Séb

I don't know the neptune. But if your trainer has an OS .46AX you should be fine with floats and skiis( asuming your trainer is a .40 trainer) Whatever you do good luck.

Electrolight

Sorry, I was logged with the account of my friend.

My actual trainer have an OS .40FX. I don't want to put float on the trainer. I really want to find a seaplane because I will keep that second plane at our chalet during all the summer and will always fly off the water during the summer but could fly off the snow during the winter.

The Neptune is an amphibian type of airplane similar to the Seamaster. The main difference is it doesn't come with a landing gear and that is perfect for my need. I prefer this. I hope someone is flying either a Seamaster or the Neptune and can told me if I will be able to handle this plane as a second plane after a H9 Solo Sports trainer. I will still keep and fly my trainer this next summer.

I am ready to order but I want to avoid a mistake.

Séb

I will say this:

You may not be ready for any seaplane. Flying off the water is very different that flying from land.

That said, I highly recommend the Neptune. I have had several Seamasters and it is the best all-around seaplane on the market. When my current Seamaster meets it's demise, I will probably replace it with a Neptune (Only because I have heard that they are better built)

And I will beg to differ from anyone who says that a trainer on floats (Or ANYTHING on floats for that matter) is a better way to go.

No way! The floating hull design of the Seamaster/Neptune is MUCH more user friendly on both take off and landing.

I have never had one myself so I have to wonder if the hull would hold up to flying off snow as the original poster intends to do.

I have flown mine off the snow many times - grass too.

But on snow, you want soft snow. Once it gets rock hard it can break the bottom

MinnFlyer,

Do you really mean "Break" the bottom or just scratch the bottom ? I ask because I could just glue of piece of teflon or aluminum or such to protect the hull of the Neptune but if you mean it can really brake from hard snow or icy condition then it's quite different.

Thanks for all the advice,
Séb

It will break.

Think about it... The bottom is only plywood. Even if it's reinforced with glass, snow can get hard as a rock.

In fact, it's worse than a rock. If you landed on a flat, bumpy rock, the drag would slow you down quickly, so you'll only have a few fast impacts. But snow/ice is slippery, so you'll hit a lot of very hard bumps at a very fast speed.

So yea, make sure the snow is soft.