add foam to prevent sinking?
 

Ok, I am at the stage to cover a stik 40 that I am going put floats on. I am wondering should I add some basic foam to the rear fusalag section to add floatage in case it wants to sink, maybe add a wire from the engine mount to the foam to help keep the engine from going down. Am I overthinking and or would I add too much weight with the foam.

Thanks

Jon

RE: add foam to prevent sinking?
 

On my float planes, I run a wire cable from one of the engine mount bolts to the landing gear bolts, just in case. Doing that saved my OS 70 4 stroke from going to Davey Jones locker a month ago. The water level in the lake suddenly rose 30 feet and knocked my plane out of the sky. [&o] The engine, mount and firewall were hanging by that wire when I retrieved the plane.

RE: add foam to prevent sinking?
 

The plane (or wreckage) floats just fine without any additional help. It is a good idea to run a safety wire from your engine to a float as 42etus mentions above. Usually, the fuel lines and throttle cable will restrain the engine in the event of firewall separation - but not always..............

RE: add foam to prevent sinking?
 

Thanks guys

RE: add foam to prevent sinking?
 

Hey Minnreefer,
I see you're in Plymouth. My friend is in Otsego and I'm in EP, have you flown from water and if so where have you found to be a good place to fly? I assume he and I will just choose a smallish (<200acre) lake between us to try out our planes, but was wondering if you had any ideas.
Regards,
Curtis

RE: add foam to prevent sinking?
 

my parents live on a big lake (Medicine Lake), I actually have not had a chance to fly off the water (when it is liquid) yet, they don't have a great place, but during week days, there is not a lot of boat traffic, I know in a month or so the club that I am a member of tcrc is having their fall float fly (www.tcrconline.com). I am hoping to be able to fly in a week or so. PM me if you guys are interested in trying to get together and fly off the lake.

Jon

RE: add foam to prevent sinking?
 

Damn, I'm gonna be in Maryland for your annual float fly [:o][:@]

RE: add foam to prevent sinking?
 

Thanks,
I need to maiden my Sealane first, probably off land as I added the landing gear. Then we will probably find a small lake that is not too busy and fly. We are hoping to both get to that float fly. I attended in May just to watch and it was pretty fun, hopefully the weather will hold out.
If I am there, it is a two-tone blue and white Sig Sealane.
Regards,
Curtis

RE: add foam to prevent sinking?
 

Whats up guys, I plan on attending the fall float fly which is postponed to September 20th. Minnreefer if you are there, I'll have a gray eagle 2 on white floats.

RE: add foam to prevent sinking?
 

I am planning on being there, without plane :(., I have been swamped at work, and just have not had any extra time. I will be the one yelling at my 4 year old to be good and stay out of the way ;)

Jon

RE: add foam to prevent sinking?
 

Now I just have to decide whether to get my Northstar or Seawind ready

RE: add foam to prevent sinking?
 

MinnFlyer, Bring the Northstar. There, simple as that.
Curtis

RE: add foam to prevent sinking?
 

Well, the Seawind is ready. I'll see if I can get the Northstar finished in time.

RE: add foam to prevent sinking?
 

I was going to say bring both :),

one of my friends that will be flying there has a northstar that he said he will give to me, maybe he will see your fly and change his mind, I don't think that I could handle the northstar for a while.

Jon