Best Floats for a 206

[Leathal]

What are the best floats for a 206?

Hi all,

I am currently looking to put a 206 on floats, and I would like some feedback as to which brand would be best.

-Most of the flying will be done on calm lakes in a fairly warm climate.

-Weight being an important factor which are the lightest ?

-Which ones should I stay away from?

So really which are the best. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[werbil]

First question - straight floats or amphibs?

The US SPA (www.seaplanes.org) publishes a directory of floats that have been approved for each aircraft type annually. I dug out the March 2009 Water Flying magazine and the article lists the following floats as being suitable for a 206:

Straight floats:
Manufacturer Model Displacement (lbs) Installed weight (lbs)
Aerocet (comp) 3500L 3515 448
Aqua (alum) 3526 3525 420
PK (alum) C3500 3500 422
Wipline (alum) 3450 3776 476

Amphib floats:
Manufacturer Model Displacement (lbs) Installed weight (lbs)
PK (alum) D3500A 3420 725
Wipline (alum) 3450A 3600 674

Web sites: Aerocet - www.aerocet.com, Aqau - www.aquafloat.com, PK - www.pkfloats.com & Wipline www.wipaire.com. I was a bit surprised that Edo don't have floats for the 206.

I'm pretty sure Wipaire have a gross weight increase STC available for the 206 on Wip floats.

As to which are best I'd suggest trying the US seaplane pilot's association forum (www.seaplanes.org) - you will get a variety of different opinions.

[qtn]

EDO do have floats for the 206. EDO 3430 model

[Dunnza]

Go for a 208!

[Beavers rule]

Iagree Edo 3430's are the way to go. Avoid the Wiplines especially the amphibs like the plague. BR

[Beavers rule]

I forgot don't forget the 206 has to have a Float Kit installed during manufacture -- beefed up airframe and larger rudder and corrosion proofed. BR

[kevinsky18]

Aerocet floats are becoming a favorite float among float charter operators because they are made from fiberglass; thus they do not corrode, the have no rivets to leak, they are ten times stronger than aluminum floats and if you do put a hole in them they are easy to patch. They ar e very slippery in both the water and the air (my 182 on amphibs cruises at 140mph at 24 squared). If you are going to be doing any ocean landings you will want fiberglass floats because even on salt they will last a life time. They also retain their value for almost ever becuase they just don't age. They used to weigh a big more than Aluminum but Aerocet has developed new techniques to bring the weight down to that of Aluminum and in most cases less than Aluminum. The Aerocet 3400s will also fit a verity of aircraft 180, 182, 185 and 206. So you can swap them around if ned be.

I did a lot of research before buying my set and in the end I put my money on Aerocets. As many know I take my plane into some preaty rough and tough areas and these Aerocet floats haven't failed me yet.

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[Rossy]

Some amazing pictures there Kevinsky18 !!! You're 182 looks fantastic, love it!

[Ejector]

206 on any float is a pig for rough water and a real ground hog with no wind. But that being said, I think most in oz are on PK3500's.

Double check that your particular plane all ready has the structural mods.

I believe that with tip tanks you can get about another 100kg MTOW and they don't have to be full. I have seen them and the pumps removed but just for the weight increase.

If it's warm, the ones I know operated in warmth were all turbo charged.

CASA I believe made an operator in the last couple of years get an STC to fix the rear door issue, 1 step closer to avoid the flying coffin if she flips. (Rose Bay based circus)