Hello, I actually have a Hangar 9 Solo Sport trainer. For next year, I'd like to get an other plane but permanantly on float. So if I could find a plane that comes with no landing gear but float instead that will be great for me not having to pay for the landing gear because I will never use it. I will use that float plane at our chalet where there is a large river with easy access. So, that mean I will left the plane there which mean I could buy a larger plane than my actual 62" wingspan.

I want an ARF with a 0,40-0,46 size two stroke ( thinking of putting an OS 0,55 AX in it however ) and I use the Futaba 6 EX 2.4Ghz so I can't go over 6 channel. I want something that will be relaxing to pilot, that flies like a trainer but look much better. I am looking for something not much more than $200 fo the plane. So far, I can say I like the H9 J3 Cub and the Great Plane J3 Cub with fabric. I also like the look of a Cesna and the Beaver. I just don't know which one could better fit my needs. Could you give me some good quality/good flying float plane recommendation that would fit my needs ? I want to buy the plane in December because I will get free shipping so that's why I'm already starting to look.

Thanks a lot

Personally, I think the best seaplane out there is the Seamaster (Or the Neptune which is basically the same plane)

It is not as glamorous as a Cub or Beaver, but a single flying hull is MUCH easier to take off and land with in water than a set of floats.

Also, is it safe to assume that you have a boat on this river? The bad thing about rivers is that if you dunk it, it can be miles downstream if you don't have a boat ready!

Who make thoses two planes ? Any link where I could see them ?

If the water is cold at the time I will fly I will have a canoe aside. And if the water is ok ( mid June to late august ) I will simply be in the water when flying. We can easely walk in the river ( 2-5 feet deep only ) and go to the other side within a minute. The current is not too fast. My friend who is both a real plane pilot and RC pilot said it's a wonderful location for a float plane.

I agree with Mike. Seamaster is an exceptional plane. And the cost is about $200.00 I have a OS 46AX on mine.

Joe

Sorry, I just found the ACE Seamaster. I have to say I don't really like this kind of design. The only one I have seen that I found beautiful is the GP Seawind but it's certainly not a good second plane from what I have read here.

That's why I prefer to go with a normal plane on float but I just don't know which models will be good as a second plane and will fly well.

Any high wing trainer will handle floats very nicely. The problem is, when you move on to something more 'scale', such as a Cub, Decathlon, Citabria, Husky, Beaver....etc, they are less forgiving and do NOT fly like trainers (the cub especially). That's not to say that any of these models wouldn't be a good second plane for you, but adding floats to your first plane, makes a good second plane....get my point? THEN, maybe move on to something less forgiving, and better looking for your water flying. One plane that is relatively inexpensive, has a classic look, but flies more forgiving than some of the above mentioned planes, would be a Sig Rascal. They make them in ARF form, and would be a good candidate for floats.

Chad

Now I really don't know what to do I really like the look of the GP Seawind, I like the Hangar 9 .40 ARF Cub ( 80" wingspan ) and my friend is bugging me with the new EP electric Seawind but I don't really like going electric. The Rascal is also interesting but seem similar to the H9 Cub ? I may be wrong...

You do not want a glow Seawind for your first seaplane. They need flaps for a good landing and prefer them for take off. A buddy of mine has one with an OS 4-stroke and it does fly well in the air, but it is not a plane for the novice. He is an excellent flier and he landed a little hard and split the hull.

Look, you have gotten some good advice that you seem to not like. Any trainer will work, but if you have any wind, you take the chance of flipping it over when you turn crosswind. You know how when you turn crosswind when taxiing in and a wing will pick up. This same thing on the water will cause the float to dig in, rotating the plane, putting the tail into the wind and the plane will rotate over on its back.

The best advice it to get a Seamaster, or better, a Neptune. The flying boats don't require getting the float step at the correct location or getting them at the correct angle. They aren't going to tip over and they'll do about all the acro you want.

I like the Neptune because it doesn't have a landing gear. The trim is different when you take the gear off and you are making holes for water to get in. In addition, the Neptune seems to be made better. A .46 will pull them fine. They are fast with an OS .46AX.

That's great advice regarding the Seawind. I now understand it better. For the Neptune, I did a seach on Great Hobbies ( Canadian online store ) and find no airplane that match the word Neptune. What manufacturer make it and could you please give a link to see it ?

I don't want to install float on my actual trainer because I still want to fly it next summer from land. So, I would have to buy a second trainer !? and install float on it. That's the problem I'm getting...two trainer ! I would much prefer to get a step up like the H9 Cub or maybe that Neptune if I can see it.

Thank you

Links to Neptune:

[link=https://www.quicktechhobby.com/Airplane/airplanes/QTH%20-%20ARF.htm]Quick Tech Hobby[/link]

[link=http://greenmodelusa.com/LG_Neptune.html]LG Hobbies[/link]

I have two questions regarding the Neptune :

1) Is there any Canadian store who sell it ? I want to avoid duty fees and high shipping.

2) Except the float setting problem, is it easier to fly in the air than the H9 Cub 80'' or very different ? Maybe I could start with the Neptune and buy the Cub in few years. From your comments and above comments too, theses ( Neptune and Seamaster ) seem to fly very well and fun to fly so I may skip the look and go for them. I also prefer the Neptune because there is no landing gear and ... I will never need them.

Sorry for all the questions

Update :

There is no Canadian dealer for the Neptune but Green Models USA will ship it with USPS with no problem at an affordable price. Since our Canadian dollar is so high now I think I will soon order the Neptune and will buy the motor and servo later on. I will probably try it this winter on the snow ( with a clear plastic covering installed to protect the belly of the plane ). I will keep the Cub on float for a future project ( maybe in two years ).

Thanks again,
Séb