This will be my first float plane and I have been considering a Rascal 40. I will only fly this plane a couple days out of the year (I think).

I enjoy aerobatic flying (and limited 3d), another reason I probably would fly this float plane a few times a year. I have read here on rcu that it is a docile plane and also read to beef up the gear area and take care of the engine mounts ahead of time.

1. If you were going two stroke would you use an OS .46ax or a .55ax?
2. Which floats would you use? (I'm confused here but I want easy, I do not want to get into building if I can help it)
3. Any muffler works better in the small cowl for mounting inverted?
4. Last question; Any other plane in the 40 size that may be a little more aerobatic on floats?

Thanks!

Any acro or 3D plane flies great on floats. I usually use an old one that has been retired. Sticks are great, too. I have owned or own a Sig Fazer, Florio Flier Stuntwagon and Uproar on floats.

Guys want to start with a trainer, but high wing planes with dihedral can tip over in wind. You've seen a high wing trainer pick up a wing tip when taxiing crosswwind. On a seaplane, it will dunk the outside float and the plane will tend to rotate tail into the wind. Then the tail picks up and over you go. I find the low aspect ratio acro planes handle better. Turn 'em into the wing, hold some back stick, pop the power and you're gone. They fly inverted great, too. The floats give lift inverted so on some planes you don't even need forward stick.

My preference is for sheeted foam floats. I've tried all kinds, but foam floats can't leak or sink. You can break one half in two, 5-minute it back together and keep on flying. You can buy then pre-sheeted or just the foam core.
Here is a link for sheeted floats. My Uproar has these. [link=http://www.geocities.com/planefunfloats/]Plane Fun Floats[/link]
This guy sells unsheeted floats. [link=http://www.seaplanesupply.com/index.htm]Seaplane Supply[/link] I have tried the old timer floats, not his, on my old Stuntwagon. As soon as I hit power the tail picks up and you are on the step. I have them on a Stinger 40 now, but haven't had a chance to test fly it. I think this type float has possibilities for acro planes.

Thanks for your reply Ed.... you now have me thinking again

After seeing your profile on floats I have a OMP Fusion that could be fun on the water. It seems it would be very easy to add floats to and I like the "Plane Fun Floats". Thanks for the links and the new possibilities.

[sm=spinnyeyes.gif]

Here's a trick I use to cover up servos on the bottom of the wing. You know the plastic bubble packs that spinners come in. I use these to cover the servo. The back is open so any water that may splash in just drains out.

Another trhing, get some Corrosion-X or other corrosion prevention from a boat store or marina. Comes in spray cans. I usually open up the receiver and servos, wet down the PC board and let it drip dry, then put the covers back on. I also spray in the switch and all the connectors.