[proptup]

Hi
I am building a set of Balsa USA 1/4 scale floats for my Balsa USA J3 Cub turned into a PA11 Cub Special (cowled engine & flaps).
I have them at the stage where they look like realy good floats. This is just before you put the bottons on and every thing inside will be out of site forever!!! What I would appreciate is some suggestions on how to seal as in (make water tight or water proof) in the area arround where the spreader bars got through the float. I have decided that the pattern for the cutout on the plan is basicly useless and Balss USA should perhaps consider an update of their plans. I have cut new caps for the Inner and the outer sides that will now fit reasonably well. However they will still require some thing to seal them. I am trying epoxy with a sandable filler added but it makes for very slow progress. Those of you who have built these floats do you have any suggestions.
I have flown on floats for some time and know that if there is any way the water can get in it will and the mould will follow.
Sincerly
Trying to keep the floats dry
Clive Sharpe
Proptup

[Guest]

Hi Clive hope things are good your way and you've had a Merry Christmas. We have an active group of float flyers here and most of the guys cut theirs out of foam then use water based contact cement to cover them with 3/32 balsa sheeting. After covering them with Monokote or Ultracoat they remain relatively water proof. The amount of time they actually spend in the water they don't seem to absorb any moisture. Unlike the hollow floats which have split on hard landings these take a licking and keep on ticking. Now you have them built you could pick up some marine 2 part expanding foam and use it to fill the floats before you cover the bottoms. I remember using a polyurethane glue to accomplish a similar effect during a float repair.

http://www.shopmaninc.com/foam.html

Another lightweight possibility is the spray can of insulating foam for home use.

Dennis

[proptup]

Thanks Dennis, we had a good Christmas and I wish you a Happy New Year.
I will get some foam as it will be the solution.
Cheers
Clive

[Guest]

You might want to try a few different ones for weight.

Dennis