Got tired of flying the Sig S'Extra on wheels, so I put a set of 27" foam floats, sheeted w/32nd" balsa, and 64th" ply. and covered w/monocote. The plane is powered w/a TT 46. I was concerned about the power, and wt. of the plane on these "short" floats. I just flew the plane last WE, and was thrilled w/the set-up. The floats are flat bottomed, and so the plane took a while to break loose from the water, but flew great.

Bill

I am far from a float expert, so I am not attempting to answer your question. I have one for you, however:

You flew your SE on floats WHERE last weekend?

In Sandy, OR. and curious!

I just put GP .40 size floats on mine. The one day I flew, it was OK, but, not the power I wanted, with a .46. I have just mounted a .61 on it, but haven't flown it yet. Hopefully this engine will compensate for the drag of the floats. Biggest flight characteristic I noticed was inverted flight. It climbed like it was tail heavy and it isn't. I think it is more the float incidence in relations to the wing incidence. I will keep you informed of the way it flies with the .61. Then you can decide if you want to change your engine.

N70R: I flew the plane @ Pine Hollow (near Wamic). Conditions were ideal. Very calm, (too calm). I wasn't asking a question. I am very satisfied w/the power set-up. I was merely relating my experience w/this power/plane comb.

However if you are interested in float flying, there is a great site in Mollala.

Bill

Thanks for the info.

I went back and looked, and you're right, you WEREN'T asking a question.

Flew mine this afternoon with the .61 on it. Much, much better. Glad I did it, almost 3 great flights. The reason I said almost, last flight, I dead sticked it in, and hit to hard, and snapped the floats off it. The rudder cable kept the plane and floats together. Minimal water got in, all I have to do is fix the fuse for the landing gear. I highly recommend the .61 over the .46 for this set up.

Toyking 23: Glad to hear that your engine/plane comb. was successful. Sorry to hear that your landing was less than a squeaker. I think that the difference is the size of the respective floats we are using. My something extra weigh 5 lbs w/the floats. I suspect that the foam floats are significantly smaller, and lighter than your GP built-up floats. In any event, good luck w/all your future flights.

Bill

Bill

Do you have any pics of your SE with the floats?
I am considering adding a set to my SE and was wondering how it looked. Also are foam floats much lighter than built up balsa and ply?

Thanks
Pete

Pete: Generally, foam floats are lighter, depending on the covering, bracing, etc. Sorry, No pix. However, the plane looks very good. I put the step right under the CG. I have since put a shim under the front mount to increase the incidence about 2 degrees. Hopefully this will improve the takeoff run.

Bill

hey toyking...............who's ya daddy!!!!!!......had a blast....thanks!!!

Yes everyone, CLawing flew my SIG SE off the water and showed me up on the landings. He touched the water so smoothly, the water thanked him. :-) Then even after he showed me up, I took him for a ride in my Malibu Boat. Boy, what are friends for. :-) Of course he left out the part about the cursing he got when he got home and asked his wife for a float plane. :-)