Seaplanes rock.

Great video.

Fresh water? Brackish or salt? How do you keep the plane clean and free of salt?

I just saw a patient this morning who built a home in Newport City. Great place.

Mountain Doctor wrote:Seaplanes rock.

Great video.

Fresh water? Brackish or salt? How do you keep the plane clean and free of salt?

I just saw a patient this morning who built a home in Newport City. Great place.

Thank you! It's definitely saltwater. First, I must say, the Scout, Wipaire, MT Propellers, Lycoming handle the harsh world of seaplanes great. Outstanding performance. Next is the owner (me). I passionately clean and lubricant the seaplane. Here are some products I use both on boats and seaplanes:

At some point I'll need to decide whether to keep my plane on fresh water or both. So many cool salty destinations around here.

You obviously decided the extra maintenance is worth it.

I've been told the Cessnas like mine ('63 182) are susceptible to salt water getting into the tail cone where it is really hard to rinse out.

Is that not a problem with the Scout or have you figured a way to rinse it?

albravo wrote:At some point I'll need to decide whether to keep my plane on fresh water or both. So many cool salty destinations around here.

You obviously decided the extra maintenance is worth it.

I've been told the Cessnas like mine ('63 182) are susceptible to salt water getting into the tail cone where it is really hard to rinse out.

Is that not a problem with the Scout or have you figured a way to rinse it?

You may want to get approval for more inspection ports in areas where you can NOT see and clean/lubricate. That goes for both the tail, fuselage, and wings. I have seen Cessna tails literally fall off in Hawaii because of neglect! But, it was the owner's fault for letting the issue get worse and worse until its too late. Same could happen to any aircraft. But, seaplanes are very maintenance intensive no matter what model.

The 8GCBC was designed with sea, ski, land, and AG approvals from day one. It's easy to maintain. The factory rep for the 8GCBC said used commercially in salt they recommended getting a fuselage every ten or so years. The fuselage is relatively inexpensive and easy to switch on the Scout. I have zero corrosion used for pleasure flying and do not expect to have any issues for a long long time!

Is there any utility, other than joy, in some freshwater splash and goes after saltwater exposure?

You'd think anywhere salt can get into the freshwater can also and reduce exposure at least some.

Mountain Doctor wrote:Is there any utility, other than joy, in some freshwater splash and goes after saltwater exposure?

You'd think anywhere salt can get into the freshwater can also and reduce exposure at least some.

The best world would be to have a FRESHwater lake with very low dissolved mineral content and do three touch and goes after every flight after being in or around saltwater. Yes, I believe a dip in freshwater is a very good thing! And of course a good garden hose with some protective oil/wax/grease when needed.

There are many cool places to go with saltwater ops. Millions of areas virgin to aircraft still, especially in North America!

Some equipment essentials for salt, brackish water:

* (5) Gallon ShopVac (great for blowing off dust and water too, besides a vacuum)
* Corrosion X Spray kit (including rods etc), I use ACF50 however in the atomizer.
* Plenty of fresh water from a garden hose

This morning ....

Rinse, cycle, lubricant; keeps the salt water corrosion under control. But, as mentioned it's a big commitment using amphibs in saltwater. I am having a great time doing it. But, would not recommend it if time is an issue maintaining the aircraft.

Looks like the time is worth it.

A lot of work but you get to enjoy countless places to land and explore.