My eventual "gem" floatplane will be a 1:6 scale Beaver, but til then it would be a good idea to get some floatplane practice in.

I plan to resurrect my Sig LT-40 trainer and fit floats to it. I'm thinking 40"-48" Balsa USA/Sig built-up floats or (better) cut foam floats. I favor a larger size float since I may also try flying my BTE Flyin' King or 4*60 on floats after I "solo" with the LT40. For the scale Beaver I'll probably use scale 'glas or foam floats.

There are no float-flyers nearby (the nearest group is in Tullahoma TN), so I'll have to work it out on my own (no problem, I've flown for a few years), but I need to start with a decent trainer and work up.
Comments appreciated...

Bill, you do not need a float plane trainer. I had never even seen a float plane before flying mine. It is easier to take off and land then on land as long as you have plenty of smooth water. It is a blast. Don't waste your time or money. Build your plane and just wait for a calm day and go do it.

That is something to consider. Some of my best landings have been in a big pasture which is similar to a lake.

I'll look into a set of floats for the 4*60 or Flyin' King and get started.

Do we have experience with Niagra
http://www.foamcorefloats.com/ ?

--Bill

Bill, the FK makes as great float plane, as does the LT 40...I think with the bigger floats, you would be better off with the bigger plane. The 4*60 will not be as forgiving on floats as you may be used to. The extra weight of the floats is really noticeable (much more so than the FK), so I would suggest starting with the FK, and move to the 4*60 when you are comfortable.

Then the FK it will be. I've gotten back into powered planes recently after a stint with r/c sailplanes and the 4*60 is my current plane getting back into power. The FK is "in the bones" and will be completed next month.

General info on setting up floats?:

On the FK, for example, the primary mount will be the taildragger gear mount, with a secondary mount (a 1/4" ply plate) to be installed at the rear of the lite-ply cabin. General guidelines for the float mounting points?

Where should the floats (or the step?) be placed relative to the CG?

I seem to recall a website that gave float setup guidelines at one time, but can't find it now.

Thanks...

Several links and articles about float mounting/rigging in the Florida Float Flyers website. See below.
Probably the best is the Chuck Cunningham article in Randy Linderman's website:
http://www.flyinglindy.homestead.com/skisandfloats.html

Hope this helps,

Jim

Thanks, Jim. Those were the sites I was dis-remembering.

--Bill

I fly my FK on floats often. Mine are the GP 60 size and work great. The step is at the CG. Engine is a Saito 91. I have a small servo mounted in the left float to work the rudder. Drop the flaps, power up and your off easily. Drop them on landing and in a Wyoming wind you can drop on the water with no forward motion.

FYI, I am building a Giant Flyin' King. 135" wing span. Planning on floats. Will have to be about 72".

I have a LT-40 on 34" floats that are just the right length. They are about the size of the Great Planes 40 size floats and are balsa sheeted foam. Great combination. I'm also building a 96" wing span Beaver on floats............Seaplane