1966 Citrabia 7ECA

[jc pacquin]

Bob.....please see Havre de Grace Maryland seaplane base. (Google) Wonder how long it would take you to come down? If you ever have the time, I'd be glad to pay your gas and oil both ways, and buy you lunch. Very close by is 0w3 which is where I've flown from over the years. Best, JC

[WWhunter]

I had a guy call me the other day that is looking at a similar plane. I have to agree with what the others have said, the EC on floats is heavy and its useful load is limited. The plane he was looking at is also an EC with an O-235. I explained that he might want to look for a 7BC/CCM, etc. that has an 85+ HP engine if he is wanting to fly floats. His need is for him and flying his grandkids around on the local area on joy rides.
He found out that an older 7AC has a better chance of carrying more load than the newer EC models. He had actually called me asking if I wanted to sell my floats (PK1500's), I told him I would sell the plane and floats. I don't currently have it listed for sale but as with anything....it's for sale for enough money. Had listed it last year but had to leave MN for a few months and have several guys waiting for me to get so they can 'look at it'. Damned tire kickers!!!

[v1vrv2]

Ok guys all this info is forcing me to do alot more research. I guess thats a good thing.
I’ve joined the seaplane forum as well thanks for the heads up on that.

Im away from home at the moment on rotation, so I may have to delay the final decision for a while.

In any case I Totally enjoy the forum. Keep up the good work Joe.

Regards,
Bob Kenalty

[WWhunter]

Bob,
I sent you a reply in regards to your inquiry.
I also wanted to say that my original intentio with my Champ was to do exactly what you are wanting....that was to put amphibs on it so I could keep the plane at my strip instead of at a local lake/seaplane base. I was waiting for Baumann to get their amphibs approved on Champs when they went out of business. So I am not sure if they completed their approval for the floats on the Champ series of planes.
Wipaire is currently in the process of building 1450A amphibs for our smaller planes. I think the last update I recieved from them (yesterday) was that they hope to be complete with certification sometime this year. I would guess they will NOT be cheap though.
Here is a link to their website: www.wipaire.com/wipline/1450.php

[rkittine]

Thanks WW. Yes they will be pricey I bet. With the performance of my 7CCM on 1400 straight floats, I am not that interested in Amphibs for them. Baumann never even got the straight 1500s approved. Also depending on how the wheels are actuated will determine if the amphibs will meet at least the current amphib LSA requirements.

The Baumann Amphibs for the Cub / Taylor Crafy had an INTRODUCTORY price of $26,000 for the first 10 sets only and that did not include rigging or installation.

Not holding my breath, so for me it is two LSAs.

Cheers - Bob

[v1vrv2]

Hi WW
I received it… as I mentioned my ultimate goal is to have it on Amphib’s. I guess I’ll wait and see what WipAire comes up with. Or follow your footsteps and get a Rans S7S.

In the meanwhile thank you for your replies its much appreciated.

Bob K

[v1vrv2]

Deleted Dual post… sorry

[WWhunter]

v1vrv2 (Bob),
You are welcome, I enjoy helping anyone that asks. I will aslo mention that I bought a set ofFull Lotus 1260 amphib floatas for my S-7. I have not gotten them mounted yet as I have not had the time. Personally I think they are not the most appealing looking float. The other issue is they are yellow/black and my plane is Red/White so the color combination might be a little off. I can't complain though as I got them for a very reasonable price and the fact that they were already rigged for an S-7. The other great feature with the Full Lotus floats is their ability to land on snow and ice.
You have a little more flexibility up there in Canada when it comes to using the Full Lotus floats on a certified plane than us lower subjects of the realm.

I will say that after flying each of the planes, the Champ is really a better plane. Hard to explain but it feels more like a real plane. Not the mean the RANS isn't, but the Champ just feels more substantial, solid, like I said...hard to explain. The Champ is extremely stable when on floats and flies hands free. Granted, I haven't flown the S-7 on floats yet but being that it is a 'short-tail' version it is definitely more susceptible to any side wind and much more 'touchy' on the controls. It is a great performer though!

[v1vrv2]

Hi WW

Thanks again for all the help, I know a friend who has a set of straight Full Lotus floats he has used them on snow/Ice his comments regarding this is they were squirly at best, and he was worried to puncture them.

Anyways I’m sure you will enjoy the Rans on Amphib’s and besides the home built category is so much less complicated.

At this point I envy you twice you have 2 toys lol

Bob