I was wondering if the conversion to floats requires the installation of a tail wheel kit, or if you can install just a Float kit. Anyone know?

Kristopher

Kris: Float installation does not require a tailwheel conversion.I suspect the float installation is identical with the early C172 installation. My firewall needed reinforcing eventually at the attach points due to rough water/hard landings. It was done before I bought the plane but I was there when it was done.The "porkchops" on mine were homemade.They go in where your main gear is now. Could be made from top portions of damaged C175/172 main gear legs. Since I am now a taildragger,these porkchops stay in always as the main gear is now forward. Ron

Interesting.. Do amphibious floats have alot more drag than straight floats in the water?

Kris

They have to and if you land on water with wheels down,you are going over right now.Ron

Well, Hopefully I can try a set someday. They want so much for new ones- I could buy another plane for the price. I am enjoying my new plane a great deal. It is a real powerhouse and quite comfortable with the overstuffed seats.

Kris

I just ordered a parts manual for the sole purpose of looking at what was required to install a float kit. I was shocked. It takes a pile of parts and requires numerious reinforcements at the fire wall, a v-bace and also additional reinforcement at the gear attach points. Im a little concerned that putting a float kit on may be very expensive.

Has anyone done it on a 175 and have an idea of the costs?? If I had to guess it must be 10-15K

Craig

I do see 175's for sale from time to time with factory float kits installed. They are on wheels, of course, but have the neccessary airframe additions already installed.

That may be a better option than converting one yourself???

KRis

Well when my GO-300 lets go I'll be installing the float kit in my plane at that time since I'll have to rework everything for an O-360.

My advantage is that I will have finished my A & P certs and have another A & P friend that wants to help me so we'll have a machine to go hunting and fishing in. Its the labor that will kill you, not the parts. My engine and wings almost had to come off last annual (found a way to fix the problem without that hassle) and if they had come off I'd have put the float kit in then.