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Thread: Floats

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  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Fairbanks,Alaska
    Posts
    4

    Default Floats

    Hello,
    I'm looking for some input on floats.
    Will be installing on my Kf 4 / 1050 gross Wt. Rotax 532.
    Realy like the aerocet but a little on the heavy side. The inflatables appear to be dirty getting off the water.

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    ON
    Posts
    14

    Default Re: Floats

    Hi Jim,
    I bought my Kitfox 4-1200 from a friend who had it on Full Lotus floats. Although I myself never flew it on Full Lotus I was aware of the advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side there was enough flotation. He even flew it off of snow. What he did not like was the tendency to porpoise on takeoff and the trouble of purging condensation in the bladder.
    I did not buy the Full Lotus wanting to have amphibs in order to hangar the plane. I ended up with Aerocet amphibs. They have barely enough flotation for my plane but should be fine for a 1050 Kitfox.
    If I had to do it again I would look into Zenair floats. I had them on a Challenger before and they were great but were not available when I was looking for floats for the Kitfox.

    Ron
    Kitfox 4-1200, 912S

  3. #3
    Senior Member av8rps's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Junction City, WI
    Posts
    680

    Default Re: Floats

    Jim,

    I did the test flying for a friends' Kitfox IV-1050, Rotax 582 warp drive prop on full lotus floats (non amphib version). I had no experience with Lotus previously and had only heard bad things about them. But after putting hours on his plane, I was actually pretty impressed with them. I also had the opportunity to experience them in the snow, and they were great there too. Anyhow, the IV-150 with the 582 on those floats made a nice seaplane. The only thing I would say I didn't like about the lotus is that they aren't good in rough water (but these little planes shouldn't be out in rough water anyhow), the amphib gear for them at that time was a joke (heard better now?), and I kind of like storage compartments on floats. But other than that they worked very well and provided plenty of floatation (his were 1260's). In fact, we learned later when a RANS S-7 buddy changed over his Lotus to Aerocet straight floats because he didn't like how draggy they were that they weren't as draggy as he thought, as he gained a whole 2 mph with the Aerocets. So removing the draggiest floats ever made (we thought) and replacing them with the cleanest aerodynamic floats only gained him that little difference says either the Lotus aren't as draggy as they look, or the speeds we fly our little planes at doesn't pay much attention to drag, or both. All that said, I learned first hand that full lotus floats are a better float than I ever expected them to be. And the fact that you can bang into docks or rocks with them and not worry, or use them as snow skis is just icing on the cake. I'd recommend them.

    There's my experience with Lotus floats on a 582 airplane.

    Paul S
    Wisconsin
    Mod 4-1200 912ul aerocet amphib

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Fairbanks,Alaska
    Posts
    4

    Thumbs up Re: Floats

    Still gathering input. All Mfg. have +/_ 's. Some say to go up one size for Full-lotus for more flotation. But to me it seems that their would be just more weight. Allso thay would trap even more water between the forword tubes and abrasion boot, adding to takeoff run.
    Re: Condensation, I would use nitrogen to fill chambers.

    I would like to compair performance spec's pre/post float intall.
    Haven't been able to find much on install kits or do's, don'ts other than Full-lotus web site.

    Thanks to all for your help.

    Jim

    Kitfox 4
    Mfg 06/01/1993
    Rotax 582
    Ivo IFA prop
    Empty Wt. 520 Lbs
    Top speed 117 Mph.
    Cruse 105 Mph.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Tx
    Posts
    36

    Default Re: Floats

    Quote Originally Posted by Breathless View Post
    Still gathering input. All Mfg. have +/_ 's.
    where did you end up on your float research for your Kitfox?

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    bc
    Posts
    8

    Default Re: Floats

    Hi All: I have a KF 111 (582) on Puddle Jumper amphibs. Have installed a linear actuator system for for activating the retracts and a celenoid for locking the gear down. Works great. But were I to do it again I would put a set of Czech floats with manual hydrolic system on it. One on my friends here has a Model 4 with 912s and Czech floats. Gets an honest 110mph cruise and is off the water in 8 seconds. To my mind this is the best combo on can get for the Kitfox.
    Don

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    MI
    Posts
    3

    Smile Re: Floats

    Hi,

    I have been flying my Kitfox IV on Full Lotus 1260 floats, using the Skystar mounting kit, for several years but they are showing wear and I am looking to replace them. Several years ago I bought a new set of Lotus 1260 floats, but they worked very poorly, and after spending a summer and a half with problems, I returned to my original floats. Given that the "new" Lotus floats don't work on my airplane, I need to look at composite or aluminum floats. The Zenair (formerly Czech) Floats look like a good option. I would very much appreciate any experiences you could share and if possible photos of mounting system, step/cg locates, relative angles, etc. Art

  8. #8
    Newkid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Caldwell, Idaho
    Posts
    66

    Default Re: Floats

    Just out of curiosity, what was different between the old and new Lotus floats?
    Ty
    Kitfox IV-1200
    912

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    187

    Default Re: Floats

    Jim,
    You must have the fastest Kitfox 4 on the planet with those posted speeds.

    On floats you will be around 80 to 85 mph in my opinion.

    Your plane a 520lbs will benefit you once you get floats going.
    I have seen Iv at 850 lbs !! YIKES on wheels double YIKES !!

    you will gain 150 to 200 lbs with amphib floats.

    Good luck , was on lake with mine last few days -- off to another lake soon today.

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