b_james

Cub or trainer

Basically I already have the great planes fiberglass floats 40 size but was wondering what would make a better float plane a Nexstar or great planes J3 Cub 40 size.

I am completely new to floats... so the questions really should be what would be more stable.

42etus

My Feedback: (2)

I don't know what you mean by better. Either one would be fine on floats. The Cub is more challenging for a new flier than the Nexstar, either on wheels or on floats. Generally, if you are comfortable with a plane on wheels, you won't have much trouble with that plane on floats. It's not harder to fly with floats, just different. Myself, I'd pick the Cub, but then that's just me.
Paul

evan-RCU

The Nexstar is not a good trainer but it would be better than a Cub.

Wayne22

My Feedback: (2)

The nextstar is difficult to mount floats to because of the curved belly... for ease of installation, you want a flat belly to screw the attachment to....other than that, any high wing plane makes a great float plane.

siddus74

A seamaster would be a better choice . . . made for the water, handeling is excellent and they fly pretty much like a trainer. Easier to tranport, less time and hassel to set up. Lots of fun doing donoughts on a calm pond etc etc . . .

JimCasey

My Feedback: (1)

siddus,
Seamasters are great. The forces are balanced nearly perfectly and flying one is not that different from flying a Kaos.
Unfortunately they were discontinued some time back.
Unless you have plans and an urge to scratch-build, or a crazy aunt who hoarded a bunch of arfs in her attic, you're out of luck with a Seamaster.
The Lanier Mariner and the HobbyPeople SeaMonster are also gone.
The only similar plane now is the Maxford USA/Green Models Neptune.
Sig Sealane is also a flying boat, but with the flat bottom airfoil, in a different class.

cf-drg

My Feedback: (1)

Well since you already have the floats, and know how to fly (off land ).. I would go for a cub, it's not that much different from a trainer in most of its flying habbits... And it's a scale airplane.. I learned to fly with a cub on floats...

b_james

Thanks for all your comments... Cub it is.. mounting the floats to the Nexstar IMO would required some cutting and hacking. CUB seems to be more straight forward.

davebart

If you are new to float plane flying, you cannot beat a Sig LT 40. Flies great, easy to build or put together, and fun to fly. After you have mastered that plane or destroyed it, then you can move on to some kind of low wing plane. Sorry, I am stuck on Sig. I just put together a Sig 4Star 120 and put it on floats. It is a dream. Great plane. IMHO ... Dave

Augie11

I have to agree with Dave. I have 2 Cubs on floats and love them but as a first time float plane I'd definitely go with the LT-40. Make sure she has enough power ..... .46 2-stoke or .70 4-stroke minimum.

Antique

My Feedback: (4)

Cub would be my choice, easy setup, good flyer.

Deadeye

Beautiful picture!

lordmerren

My vote is with davebart, you cannot beat the LT 40. It will fly much easier than the cub. Looks pretty good too.

Fast Guy

I put a Hobbico Electristar trainer on floats and it flies great.

davebart

Thanks for the support on the LT40. I do like the Cub though. I have an Eflite 25 size electric with their floats. I does fly great but the LT40 may be a bit easier for the first float plane. Unlike land flying where take offs are optional but landings are mandatory, with float flying the take-offs are more difficult than the landing so even though the take-offs are optional they are a bit more touchy. Here is a shot of my Cub.

OK, How do I post a photo?????

davebart

OK - I think I just figured it out. I was using the fast reply box.

Here is my Cub.

lordmerren

Looks great. It's hard to beat the looks of a Cub, or a Beaver on floats isn't it?


Lm

davebart

This year I have really done a lot of float flying. It is such great fun. I am fortunate that I spend my winters in Yuma Arizona and I have the EFlite Beaver ARF down there ready to put together. Since I finished the Cub, I can't wait to get back down there and finish the Beaver. I also have a Sig 4Star 120 on floats. What a great plane. Anyone want a real solid flyer on floats, you should look at one of the 4* sizes, 40, 60 or 120. They are all great planes.