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Thread: Best model to put on Amphibs

  1. #1

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    Question Best model to put on Amphibs

    Hello all again!
    As you may know from my previous threads I’m new to the Kitfox world and don’t own one yet. I want an Amphib and my research is pointing to the Kitfox as the plane to get.
    Any opinions on whether one model would perform better on floats than other models?

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Best model to put on Amphibs

    Kitfox on Floats is always close to the weight limit, Amphibs might be asking too much.
    I don't have either on my plane, but I tend to think it's not the best airplane for the mission.

    Maybe somebody more knowledgeable will chime in?

    Jeff

  3. #3

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    Default Re: Best model to put on Amphibs

    Quote Originally Posted by n85ae View Post
    Kitfox on Floats is always close to the weight limit, Amphibs might be asking too much.
    I don't have either on my plane, but I tend to think it's not the best airplane for the mission.

    Maybe somebody more knowledgeable will chime in?

    Jeff
    Oh nooo!
    That’s not good news! I need to look carefully into useful load and float weight.
    I fly alone most of the time, thinking if someone else comes along it would have to be a light person and I’d have to manage the fuel weight if it turns out I can do that and stay below gross.

    Thanks Jeff, I appreciate the input!


    Hello all again,
    Does anyone out there have a Kitfox on amphibs or know someone who does?
    Is it doable?

    Thanks!

  4. #4
    Senior Member efwd's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best model to put on Amphibs

    This may help put your mind at ease a bit. I suppose being amphibs might be too much?

    https://youtu.be/oAp4cNwUmN4


    https://youtu.be/Pxv4X7bLFjE

    https://youtu.be/dpvjoQ03494
    Eddie Forward
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  5. #5
    Senior Member PapuaPilot's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best model to put on Amphibs

    I think a Kitfox would make a nice floatplane. Dave Price's KF7 on Zenair 1450s performed very well once he got everything setup and rigged. His EW on the Zenair floats was 930#, which would make it approximately 1010# using the Zenair 1450 amphibs (40# increase per float). That still leaves 540# for fuel/crew/cargo. I think that is very doable, especially if you are planning on mostly flying solo. It might be worth asking Dave how his plane performed at GW.

    The key would be to build the Kitfox as light as possible. It might be worth seeing if the GW could be bumped up 50-100# on floats. This is often done with certified aircraft when they certify them on floats.

    To be honest a Cub or Super Cub will probably make a better floatplane than a Kitfox. They have more wing area. A J-3 Cub has 178 sq. ft. and the Kitfox has 132. If the weight and power were identical the Cub is going to get out of the water better on floats.

    BTW if there was some legal water to use in southern Idaho I would have a set of floats for my plane and consider the Zenair 1450 amphibs.
    Phil Nelson
    A&P-IA, Maintenance Instructor
    KF 5 Outback, Cont. IO-240
    Flying since 2016

  6. #6
    Senior Member Eric Page's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best model to put on Amphibs

    There's a Service Bulletin on the Kitfox website (here) which suggests that SkyStar Aircraft (a predecessor of Kitfox Aircraft) once sold amphibious floats. Given the 1993 date on this SB, I think it would have been for the Model IV. I don't know if the floats were designed/manufactured by SkyStar, or if they were a dealer for someone else, but it appears that the factory condoned their use. Perhaps someone who flew one on amphibs will comment on performance.
    Eric Page
    Building: Kitfox 5 Safari | Rotax 912iS | Dynon HDX
    Member: EAA Lifetime, AOPA, ALPA
    ATP: AMEL | Comm: ASEL, Glider | ATCS: CTO
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  7. #7
    Administrator DesertFox4's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best model to put on Amphibs

    Every model Kitfox was very float capable. Denney Aerocraft had every model they manufactured, model 1 through the model 4 on floats in their advertisements. The models 5- the current Model 7SS have been on both straight and amphibs. They all make excellent float planes if built light and chose an appropriate engine. They’ll be off way quicker than a J-3 unless the J-3 or PA-11 has 100 hp. Most J-3s had 65 hp. unless up engined. Ours was 65 hp. It was anemic as a land plane with two aboard.

    When I covered my Model 7SS, I put seaplane grommets in the trailing edge of the wings hoping to put mine on amphibs some day
    and built it light (763lbs E.W.) with that goal in mind. I have the Rotax 912uls 100 hp. engine and it will make an exciting floatplane with a much better cruise speed for cross country trips. Eddie posted links to Dave’s Kitfox on floats already so you can see the performance on 100 hp. and two adults on board.

    One of members just sold his Kitfox and has his straight floats up for sale in our classified section here https://teamkitfox.com/Forums/thread...oats-No-Leaks!

    Also for the record, SkyStar never manufactured any floats nor did Denney Aerocraft.
    I would like to see more Kitfox with floats. Seems to be the best kept secret in the Kitfox community.


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  8. #8
    patrick.hvac's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best model to put on Amphibs

    I thought the 1550GW was specifically for floats on the 7?
    As soon as someone mentions a fox on floats I immediately think of Gary Walsh.
    He's near Lake Simcoe in Ontario 🇨🇦. Aerocets I think. Beautiful plane! I envision doing the same in the future myself.
    Go to the FB group and search for his name to see the plane. You can reach out that way as I'm not sure he's on here.
    The KF is very capable on amphibs, maybe not a purpose built platform but don't get discouraged.


    KFamphibs.jpgKFfloats2.jpg
    🇨🇦CANADA
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  9. #9

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    Default Re: Best model to put on Amphibs

    Thanks a whole bunch Jeff, Eddie, Eric, Desert Fox and Patrick for your helpful comments.
    Not giving up yet, I think KF’s are one of the best planes out there and hope I can make it happen.
    Lots to research and consider.
    I posted a WTB, too old and not mechanically inclined enough to build one.
    Hopefully someone out there with a nice bird on amphibs will consider selling.
    If you know someone who might be interested in selling please ask him/her to contact me.
    If anyone has any other thoughts please post.
    Thanks to all and stay safe,

    Puddle Jumper

  10. #10
    Senior Member 109JB's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best model to put on Amphibs

    https://teamkitfox.com/Forums/thread...=kotm+nov+2009

    The above link is to a nice write up of one of the members Kitfox IV on amphibious floats. In the article he mentions that the empty weight of this airplane is 779 and it is a 1200 gross weight Kitfox IV. That leaves 421 pounds useful load. He mentions that the airplane has some extra weight in terms of paint, so a few pounds might be saved by using minimal coats of paint, or something like oratex for covering.

    I have a Kitfox IV project that I would like to someday put on amphibious floats. Using the above as a guide and with myself and wife total weights at 330 pounds leaves 91 pounds for fuel and baggage. I wouldn't anticipate needing baggage if she were flying with me so I could get 15 gallons of fuel in which would be plenty.

    While this amount of useful load isn't winning any awards it could very well be enough depending on you and your mission, and this is for the Kitfox IV. For the newer models, keeping weight as low as possible during construction would yield even more useful load.
    John Brannen
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    Sonerai IIL (Single Seat)
    Kitfox 3/4 1050 - Rotax 582 (Back Flying and sold)
    Kitfox IV 1050 - Rotax 582 (sold)
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