I am looking at buying a float plane. I have intermediate skill level and have built a few planes before. I would like something scale looking (nothing goofy like the hydro plane). Any planes that can be converted to land use would be a plus considering I don't live near water and would only use it while visiting the in-laws.

What would you guys recommend as a first floater? I could afford something up to a 100 sized engine.

-Raven

Look at KMP--they have a DeHavilland Beaver and a Cessna 180, both are about 96 inch wing, fiberglass fuse, can use wheels or floats (floats are extra cost option). They might be a bit larger than 1.00 sixe, maybe more like 1.20 or G-26 gas.

A 1/5 scale Cub looks great on floats, lots of those size planes around; Hangar 9 has a great ARF, GP and Sig (especially Sig) make good kits, and GP has prebuilt and kit floats available (40 size). These are a bit smaller than 1.00 size, fly very nicely on .56-.72 power (4-stroke, of course). These would be easier to transport. Seems like the floats really make the plane grow.

I have always liked the Piper Cubs. Great Planes makes one that would fit in my Ford Escape for the trips with the Mom and baby. Their .20 sized cub still has a large 61" wing which should provide enough surface to carry the added wieght of floats. They also have a float kit for .20 sized airplanes.

I would like to power the plane with a 4 stroke since I am don't want the loud whine of a two stroker echoing off the lake on a calm morning. OS makes a .30 sized surpass motor, has anyone ever paired it with this airplane? Are there any other odvious motor choices I am missing? GP says it will only accept up to a .26 sized 4 stroker. Will the engine stick out of the cowl? Do you think this power plant will be able to get the airplane off the water?


GPMQ1870 20 Size Float Kit
All wood floats with Great Planes kit quality
All wood floats with Great Planes kit quality
Increases modelers' flying fun with water takeoff and landings
Available in three sizes to fit planes up to 7, 10 and 15 lbs
Easy to assemble include water rudder, mounting hardware and complete instructions
Ideal options for Great Planes Piper J3 Cub kits


SPECIFICATIONS
Piper J-3 Cub 20
Stock Number: GPMA0158
Wingspan: 61.2 in (1555 mm)
Wing Area: 525 sq in (33.9 dm2)
Weight: 3.75-4.5 lb (1700-2040 g)
Length: 39.2 in (995 mm)
Requires: 2-stroke .15-.25 cu in (2.5-4 cc) or 4-stroke .20-.26 cu in (3-4 cc); 4-channel radio

This is a project my buddy has been up to the last few weeks. Actually we put a lot of thought and effort into this baby and he is very proud of what he has done. with any luck from the weather man tommorow will be the day to fly it for a shake down cruise.

I don't think so..I have a pair of them. The OS 40 4 stroke is not a lot bigger and would be a better match.

That would make a nice size floatplane. Take a look at Saito, they make both a .30 and a .40 4-stroke, at least they did. I think the .30 is discontinued, but there should be plenty still in the hobby shops; my LHS in town has one. I agree with Nony, though, and would opt for the larger .40. It's still a small engine and should fit okay. Whether OS or Saito, that's a Ford-Chevy choice. All my engines are Saitos, I'll stick with them.

The Great Planes floats are easy to build. There isn't much difference in how all three sizes build; as a matter of fact, the instruction book is the same for all of them. I fiberglassed and painted mine; I think it's the most durable and waterproof way, but you can MonoKote them also, just take especial care to seal the seams.