Quote:
Originally Posted by ulpilot
Based on my extremely limited knowledge of float design and theory, here is why you don't see that style float anymore.
Glassy or calm water operations. They stick like glue, due to the surface tension of water. You would need lot's of horsepower to get off the water. Glenn Curtiss figured that out back in 1911, and came up with the step design to help break that surface tension. Float design hasn't changed much since.
Rough water, rough ride, very very rough ride. The best riding pleasure boats have a deep vee hull, flat hulls, like rafts, ride pretty bad.
Directional control, they are like ski's, just as happy to go sideways as straight. Which can easily induce a water loop (not a good thing, think ground loop), and some nasty side loads on the struts and attachments.
By the way, how did they steer with these old floats? I don't recall seeing a water rudder on any of these older floatplanes. Then again, maybe because of the flat bottoms they didn't steer too well.
But it's your plane, so try the old style, you can always update the floats after some taxi testing.
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I suspect as much, that's why I do want to hear about these issues from other sources.
There is a linked water rudder on the Baby's tail float, just fine for taxing I suspect. I cannot speak to as to whether or not the beading would provide some directional stability, I simply do not know for certain but, I
suspect they might do so at speed.
Internally, I expect to go modern as in these from Muk Tuk....
Kits and plans for ultralight floats
Externally, I will try to stay as true to original as is practical. Perhaps I may take a bit of "creative licence" and make some modern concessions while still maintaining some degree of authenticity...will have to see what develops.
Thanks!