Need Advice... Floats
 

For some reason my newly installed floats have a mind of their own. On the takeoff run, the aircraft will just start to turn to the right and continue for as long as you keep the power on. I disconnected the water rudder to see if this was the problem and no change. I am assuming it is float adjustment.. but not sure what to look for.

Any experience would be helpful.

Thanks

Graham

usually they turn to the left due to engine torque, etc.
-Check that both floats are parallel to the fuse centerline..
-Check that both air and water rudders are centered

Does it do this on the step, or in displacement mode (slow taxiing)?

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Re: Floats
 

Thanks Nony

Will check alignment etc. today. It does it prior to getting on the step, getting on the step is difficult. It favours turning to the right, left rudder does not help.

I did notice one of the V Bottom Gee Bee floats (left side) is turned counter clockwise looking from the front, the V is not at 90 Degrees???

I am going to try and attach a picture from just after landing, appears floats not even from the front as well???

It does appear that the floats aren't even at the front. that will cause quite a problem.

Graham, you have to get the floats even. That will straighten out your take-off run.
It will help with getting up on the step as well.
Also, after you get to full throttle, push some down elevator for a few seconds, it will help build up speed to get you on the step.
Make sure the bottom of your wing is even with the top of your floats. A little positive on the wing is good.
How is your step alignment to the planes CG? Try to get them close.

Re: Floats..
 

I am new to float flying as you know Ron... I will try the forward stick movement, I was told to basically keep full up till up on the step.

I am reworking the float legs, lining things up etc. today, hopefully the next time I try, it is better.

I believe the CG is slightly aft of the step, will double check.

be carefull with the down elevator...too much and you can water loop.....

Re: Down Elevator
 

Will do Nony....

I have found that I am not very good at bending my own aluminum legs for the floats. I probably should buy a matched set to be sure everything is equal.

I thought I had it, but found that when attached to the aircraft a twist developed that threw the floats out of line.

Nony's right, I should say a BIT of down elevator, release as soon as it gets on the step.
Wit the CG aft of the step, it should help.