I fly a Classic 4 1200, 912S, with Aerocet amphibs (single switch electric retract) My plane weighs empty 888 lbs on floats. It performs well on take-off and in the air, but taxiing is marginal with water coming over the floats and spray hitting the prop. I don't think the floats have enough flotation up front since the plane tends to weathercock more than any other floatplane I ever flew. On the step taxiing works well.
The stainless steel nosewheel components are fairly weak for rough field operation and being currently replaced. Although there are challenges and precautions to be taken, I really enjoy the plane in the float configuration. Right now the floats are off and the Datum wheel skis are waiting to be mounted.
Ron