I know this question is way basic, so I apologize. Could anyone tell me how the hull of a flying boat is treated? Is the rest of the airplane covered or protected in a special way?

thanks,

Patrick

p.s. what is pattern flying?

Nope, just make sure all the holes are sealed. You also want to seal the attach point of the wing. You may want to put your receiver in a waterproof bag for insurance. A NON-lubricated condom works well for the receiver. For the wing attach point, apply silicon sealer on the fuselage and before it dries cover it with Saran Wrap. Then, mount the wing and remove all silicon that squeezes out. Leave it overnight. The next day, remove the wing and the Saran Wrap. Before you fly, apply vaseline on the silicon and mount the wing.

I don't think that chipmull really adressed the issue of the hull of a flying boat, which has a unique problem that isn't present with a plane on floats as he is discussing. The uniqueness is that the hull takes a beating during taxiing as well as during landings and any touch and gos, and each of these beatings is capable of forcing water where you don't want it, under considerable pressure, and the entire unit is subject to a degree of flexing - including of the joints. I have built 4 Northstars, which are in essence flying boats and for each of them I take extreme care to seal the seams between the hull and the sides and between each former as well as the hull itself. For all of this sealing I use full strength - not diluted - epoxy. If your flying boat has wing tip floats I would also ensure that these are extremely well sealed.

You might even take into account the fact that when beaching, the hull will take a beating also. If you fly around gravel or a rough beach, fiberglass the forward part of the hull where it will take the most abuse. Use 3/4 ounce cloth with 50/50 epoxy and alcohol.

I thought you were more concerned about preparation of the wing and hull prior to flight. Floats or flying boats, they all need to be sealed the best you possibly can. Water WILL get in, it's just a matter of how much and when.

" Is the rest of the airplane covered or protected in a special way?"

Just make sure it's sealed so water can't get in the wing and loosen the covering or change the CG.