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Thread: Installing water rudders for Full Lotus

  1. #1

    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Early, TX
    Posts
    1

    Default Installing water rudders for Full Lotus

    GM,

    I just purchased a KF 2 that has Full Lotus floats. It came with a new set of water rudders that have never been installed. I contacted Full Lotus and was advised there are so many variations that they do not offer a full installation kit-rudders only.

    Has anyone installed these? Any help, advice, pictures would be great!!

    I have been flying the KF in Key West and have brought it home to TX to a much smaller lake that will require smaller turning ratios. I am hoping the rudders will be some what effective.

    Joe
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  2. #2
    Yamma-Fox's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Park rapids, Minnesota
    Posts
    11

    Default Re: Installing water rudders for Full Lotus

    Hey Joe,

    My KF2 on Full Lotus turned on a dime with no water rudder. I bought the rudder kit but found no need to install it. Just slow taxi and a blast of air over the rudder worked great for me.

    Been awhile but as I remember the only challenge was getting the plane to turn downwind / "quarter" downwind in slow taxi with a wind above 15 or 20 mph. The rudder would have helped there for sure, but under reasonable conditions it was manageable.

    Of course I always had the trusty paddle for the real fancy manuevers

    I'd say give it a try and practice your technique... might be able to go without.

    Nice looking rig BTW!
    Last edited by Yamma-Fox; 06-21-2018 at 01:21 PM.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    Reddick, FL
    Posts
    82

    Default Re: Installing water rudders for Full Lotus

    Joe
    I had water rudder on a larger plane and learned to use power and rudder backing with wind otherwise from behind. I suspect on lotus without a substantial keel you will find using the wind to move you backward can put you where you want to be. The airplane becomes a sailboat in strong wind.
    Bud
    IV Speedster
    912 UL
    IVO ground adjustable

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