Ran across a Cessna 172 that was advertised with a "factory float kit". I assumed this meant that it was a 172 that had been built by Cessna as a floatplane when it was originally manufactured. Well, you know the saying about when you "assume" something ........... It turns out that this aircraft was a regular 172 landplane when it left the factory, but then 12 years later, an A&P ordered some Cessna replacement 172 float-plane parts, attached them to this SEL and turned it into an SES. The logbook entry read,

"Installed all gussets, stiffeners necessary for float installation. Installed floatplane brace, lifting eyes & refueling steps. See 337."

The logbooks were sort of disorganized, so, I couldn't find the 337. But, is that all it really takes to make a Cessna 172 "factory float kit"?

Thanx, Dave.

Abosulutely can be done, but the log entry makes it sound easier than it really is. There are a lot of extra parts to be added, but there was a day when parts and labour were affordable. I wouldn’t scrub a deal over it, but I’d make a list of what parts should be there from an Illustrated Parts Catalogue, and then check to make sure they’re all installed.

Are there different motor mounts on Cessna 172 factory seaplanes and landplanes?

That’s one of the most important “parts” of a Seaplanes West aftermarket conversion of a C182.

I don’t believe a special engine mount is required, but your best source is going to be the illustrated parts catalogue for that airframe, and a mechanic that can read through it and identify the individual parts. For example, there are extra stringers in the tail and there are extra reinforcements in the area of the firewall.

If you like the airplane, then the next step is to establish a price based on the airplane being as represented. Enter into a purchase agreement, and then have the airplane inspected, with extra attention given to ensuring it comply with the requirements for floatplane configuration.

No it wont make it a factory float plane. A float plane yes, factory float plane no. A factory float plane will have all the skins primed on the inside. That's one of my favorite things about them. Not a deal breaker, but not right to call it what it's not.

A1Skinner wrote:No it wont make it a factory float plane. A float plane yes, factory float plane no. A factory float plane will have all the skins primed on the inside. That's one of my favorite things about them. Not a deal breaker, but not right to call it what it's not.

I’ve found that most Cessna factory floatplanes were actually primed internally after fuselage assembly, ie no primer in the skin laps where it’s most needed. A careful ACF-50 treatment can give you most of the performance of a hastily applied wash primer.

There were also factory floatplanes delivered with no corrosion treatment. Years ago there was a customer 206 that came thru the shop with a caveat in the logs, the factory log entry, that it was only to be operated in the interior of Canada as a floatplane.

Seaplanes West floatkit for the 182 is quite different, and imho superior, to a factory 172 kit.

Checking the IPC for a parts listing may not be enough to know if the job is done right.

The kidney blocks need to be specifically located in the fuselage and there is a process to get them tight to the bulkhead. If not done right, the fuselage can deform when the outside blocks are tightened up.
Has it ever been on floats? If not, I'd verify locations with a set of drawings and mount a set of kidney blocks (dont know the real name) to make sure the kidneys were installed properly.


The 337 filed should be available from the FAA. You can order a CD with all records for that aircraft for a few bucks. A must before buying any airplane IMO.

Halestorm wrote:

A1Skinner wrote:No it wont make it a factory float plane. A float plane yes, factory float plane no. A factory float plane will have all the skins primed on the inside. That's one of my favorite things about them. Not a deal breaker, but not right to call it what it's not.

I’ve found that most Cessna factory floatplanes were actually primed internally after fuselage assembly, ie no primer in the skin laps where it’s most needed. A careful ACF-50 treatment can give you most of the performance of a hastily applied wash primer.

There were also factory floatplanes delivered with no corrosion treatment. Years ago there was a customer 206 that came thru the shop with a caveat in the logs, the factory log entry, that it was only to be operated in the interior of Canada as a floatplane.

Seaplanes West floatkit for the 182 is quite different, and imho superior, to a factory 172 kit.

That's great to know. All the ones I've seen were primed. I agree that a good ACF50 coating is great. We do it on most planes.

Thanx Guys!

Copy that green primer on the inside wasn't on every factory seaplane, and that there are alternative anti-corrosion treatments that can be used from this point forward. Heck, I've even seen some C182 landplanes with it installed from the factory. Supposedly done for folks who were heading out into the jungle or swamps with their new airplanes..

I also understand that a specific floatplane engine mount is not "required" when converting a landplane C172.

But, does a special Cessna factory 172 floatplane engine mount even exist???
Or do all factory C172 floatplanes have the same engine mount as their landplane siblings?

I've never seen nor heard about a 172 engine mount specific to float plane usage.
180's yes, they have an additional cross brace but not a 172.
Best bet is to check out the IPC for that model and year. If there was a second motor mount, it would be listed.

BluNosDav wrote:Thanx Guys!
I also understand that a specific floatplane engine mount is not "required" when converting a landplane C172.

But, does a special Cessna factory 172 floatplane engine mount even exist???
Or do all factory C172 floatplanes have the same engine mount as their landplane siblings?

No, there is NO special engine mount for a 172 seaplane, period. Same, same. Until you get to the S models, which I assume we're not discussing here.

MTV

Found the FAA Form 337: