Float Step & CG, Just how far back can it be ?
 

Just how far back is acceptable for the step to be behind the CG ??

Thanks in advance for any help.

RE: Float Step & CG, Just how far back can it be ?
 

The farther back the step is, the more difficult it will be for you to rotate for takeoff.

There's not a magic number where if you exceed xx% you won't fly ever, but if you're in front of it you'll be fine.

Also, if your step is aft but you rig the nose of the plane a little high, you have a better shot at getting away with it.

All that said, I would be very suspicious of any setup with the step aft of the 50% of chord line.

RE: Float Step & CG, Just how far back can it be ?
 

Just finished and flew a Heinkel 31 on floats. Before I relocated the floats forward so that the steps are about 1/4" in front of the CG, it would not come up on plane. Now, it pops up in about 10 feet. (2.5 pound model with a Magnum 15) There's more to it than just step vs CG, but having the CG slightly aft of the steps is one way to easily avoid problems.

RE: Float Step & CG, Just how far back can it be ?
 

Rule of thumb - Don't go more than 1/2" behind CG

RE: Float Step & CG, Just how far back can it be ?
 

Ditto on what MinnFlyer said, also, the nose of the floats should be in front of the prop buy at least 2".