Going to try my hand at floats with a Sr Telemaster with a Ryobi 26cc4 stroke. Any idea how big they should be? I have plans that could be scaled. Any ideas welcome.

Cigar, IMO save yourself some time and trouble on your first attempt at float flying, Buy a set of foam core-balsa sheeted floats. After you see if you really like it and get some experiance at it, them go for your own set. There's a guy that post's here regularly that go's buy the handle of "SEAPLANE" aka Ralph Smith, he makes a awesome set for a great price.
Trust me on this........ Don't ask me how I know

If you've got plans, I say go for it.

Rough estimate: Float length = 3/4 of Fuse length

Float step about 1/2" forward of CG

Senior Tele: 45" floats

Conduct a search for Chuck Cunningham and his articles on the design and building of floats. He's a recognized expert in the area, and yoyu will find out the proper size and a lot of other informative stuff.

Here's the link to the Cunningham article.

http://www.flyinglindy.homestead.com/skisandfloats.html

Minn Flyer says to put the step 1/2" in front of the CG. Other posts say to put the step 1/2" behind the CG.

I'm confused Could someone please explain???



Altitude and problems don't mix.

Jawsmon

jawsmon, Float step should be "Behind" CG approx. 1/2"

When using the link provided by Jim Casey, click on the small print columns on the left and the article by Chuck Cunningham will get large enough to read! Stated in the Cunningham article "The step of the float should be located right on the balance point, or not more than 1/2" aft of the balance point."

NONE (Not ANY) of the "Rules" for floats are chiseled in granite. The "RULE " is for your floats to be 75% of the length of the fuselage. If the step is about at the CG and the float sticks out a little bit( 1/4 of the prop diameter) in front of the prop, then they are probably big enough. If the chord line of the wing is parallel to the top of the float it will work, but my experience is if the wing is a little positive or the nose of the floats is down a little, it's better. Just set up both floats the same.