Thinking ahead for floats

[Chris In Milwaukee]

So, I know that there are only a couple of Bearhawks on floats that I am aware of, and one of them is still under construction up north. I seem to recall there is one around on Clamars, but I've never seen any additional information on it. But I'm going to go ahead and ask the question anyway, in hopes that someone has flown a similar aircraft on floats and has an answer!

Does anyone have any idea what one should expect for float performance as far as the takeoff run is concerned for this or a similar aircraft (like a Maule)? I'm looking for lake property, and I want to make sure I find a lake that can handle a Bearhawk (or a lake that I can handle!). I have one on the short list that has about 4,000 feet of water in one direction, and about 3,300 in another. Knowing what I know about Bearhawk land performance, how does that equate to its sea legs? Is that adequate?

Assuming 235HP or higher on the nose.

Thanks for insights and opinions! I only want to buy a lake property once.

~Chris

[Ed.Meyer]

I am new to the forum and cannot speak out of experience with the Bearhawk. However, I have worked for quite a few years at the Lake Hood airport in Anchorage, Alaska and have watch literally thousands of float plane takeoffs and landings. It sounds like your lake lengths are long enough as long as you have good approaches. It seems to me like the airplanes that have trouble are loaded real heavy and/or under-powered. I have watched many airplanes go a very long way at full power, and I imagine cook their engine, without ever getting on the step and aborting. It seems that if they can get on the step they can get airborne. I think a factor in that is in choosing the right floats with more than enough capacity being better that to little. From what I understand about Bearhawks, I doubt you would have any trouble especially with and O-540 up front. Large diameter props help too. I think one of the first to use the larger diameter was the Borer prop developed in Alaska specifically for seaplane use.

[alaskabearhawk]

Boy, 4000 on water can be really short or more than enough. Are there others that fly off the lake? There are a bazillion factors involved.

[Chris In Milwaukee]

I know of very few that fly off of lakes around here, except for maybe one, and I only get to see him once a year at Oshkosh. The one that I know of flies a Kitfox and a Lake off of one of the local lakes, but it's a lot bigger than what I'm looking at. Only one of those bazillion factors you mentioned could put me in a bad way, so it's pretty obvious that a lot more research is needed on my part! I know that posing the question here is a stretch, but I hoped you'd answer since you're the guy closest to the float-equipped Bearhawk other than the owner.

I, too, am hoping that a BH with an O-540 or similar will perform well, but as you said, lots of variations.

Appreciate your thoughts!
Chris

[alaskabearhawk]

I would first look at the lake itself. How shallow is the lake? Does the bottom drop away quickly or are there shallows on the ends of the lake? Are there shallow spots in the middle? Will you have to share the lake with other users, such as fishermen, canoeists, jet skiers? Is there a HOA that has rules against noise? Are there regulations that may prohibit you from doing maintenance on your aircraft (i.e. changing oil) while on the water? Are there petroleum spill laws for the body of water? Can you fuel your aircraft on the water? Will your neighbor across the lake, who happens to be a lawyer, take exception to your flying? What are the prevailing winds? Are they along the long axis of the lake or will it always be a crosswind landing? Will the long axis of the lake always have you taking off or landing into the sun? Is there enough room to turn around at the ends of your proposed takeoff spots? Will you share the lake with waterfowl? Are there seasonal nesting areas or species that use the lake that are protected by state or federal law? Waterfowl droppings are corrosive. Will they want to use your floats for a roost and crap everywhere? Are there other birds that may be a problem in using your airplane for a roosting spot? What is the PH level of the lake? Some lakes are pretty brackish and will play havoc with your floats if they are aluminum. Are there large trees along the lake? Are there other obstructions along the edge of the lake? Is there rising terrain on the favorable takeoff direction? Is there only one favorable takeoff direction or are there options? Is there a boat launch that is available and adequate for lifting your airplane in and out of the water? If not, is there a lake close by that you can use to change to wheels if you want? Will your part of the lake be a sheltered spot when it gets stormy or is it out in the open? If it does get stormy, will you be able to get the plane secured enough so it doesn't beat itself to death on the bottom or shore? Where is controlled airspace above the lake? That's about it for starters...hope this helps Chris.

[Chris In Milwaukee]

Wow, all great things to think about. Much appreciated!

[Helidesigner]

I have done some float plane flying in Main in C-172, and PA-18's. I have fitted my Bearhawk with float fittings. I did a bit of research and performance estimation regarding floats on a Bearhawk. At 210 hp or more the Bearhawk should do well. I have 260 hp in mine. I just started flying it so I am not on floats yet. I thought if I'm going to have the weight of a 540 engine I might was well get the extra 25 hp. Most of the extra power comes from more RPM (2500 vs 2700). The Bearhawks excellent low speed handling qualities is a real plus. I think the Clamar floats are the best size. Montana makes an aluminum set but they are for a 3000 lb aircraft. The Bearhawk would be a bit overfloated with those which is nice but you would pay a weight penalty of at least 50 lbs. The Bearhawk vertical tail is not generous. I strongly suspect a lower ventral fin as you see on Maules or other aircraft be considered.

[Enewton57]

One of the Bearhawks up in Canada that are on floats on it had an O-360 in it. He shared some performance numbers with us and I posted them on my website. One interesting note is that he later installed an O-540 in it. Here is the webpage: http://mybearhawk.com/floats.html

[Mark Goldberg]

I think he put in a IO-390 on the nose of his BH with a fancy FADEC. Ot maybe it was one of those IO-375 stroker engines. Mark

[alaskabearhawk]

We are installing EDO 2870s. Excellent design, great performance and plentiful (read affordable). My first choice would be a modern set of Aqua 2400s which are actually 2550s, but they are spendy even used.

[Chris In Milwaukee]

Taking your advice and suggestions into account (many thanks for that!), we were lucky to stumble into a lake property that is perfect! This particular lake even has a seaplane base on it (according to the charts) that is at the local airport, which is also on the lake and only a mile or two away from the property. Best of all worlds!

Thanks again for the tips. It really helped us narrow down an appropriate location.

~Chris

[alaskabearhawk]

Sounds perfect!