I am considering purchasing a Maule M7-235. I want to use it both on amphib floats and bush wheels. Can anyone educate me on how long it takes to convert from wheels to floats and vice versa? Is this something an owner can accomplish on their own? Thanks!

Give Wipline a call, they can advise. First install takes longer, changes after first install take less.

I have the M-6-235 on straight floats. I have a hangar with a chainfall so lifting is easier. 2 guys changeover takes about 4-5 hours, it's not hard just time consuming if you are careful and take your time. Biggest thing I have learned is make sure your tanks have the same amount of fuel in both sides, otherwise it doesn't lift level and becomes a giant pain!!

Ian

Amphibious floats take a bit longer to change out than straight floats.

First, as noted above, you’ll need a SAFE place to lift the plane. Don’t make assumptions....that can be expensive, get someone who knows their ass from the proverbial hole in the ground to set up a lifting arrangement. And it needs to be inside. Forget the boom truck/fork lift, etc.

Second, when the floats are installed initially, MAKE CERTAIN that the folks doing the install use quick disconnects in the hydraulic lines.....including the brakes. Tell them you’re planning on changing regularly from wheels to floats, so this needs to be set up properly at the initial installation. I’d seriously consider a quick removable hydraulic pump as well, so you’re not lugging around 18 pounds of pump when on wheels.

With that all done, hire a mechanic to take you through the first two gear changes, one onto floats and one off floats. Pay attention and take notes.

Most important: Get some GOOD instruction on floats with emphasis on amphibs. First thing I’d do is install convex mirrors out on the wing struts that permit you to SEE the landing gear position. All those “Bitching Betty” devices are mostly an annoyance. Mirrors tell you where the gear is prior to each landing, and they never fail.

GOOD focused instruction is essential...no quickie rating/checkouts.

MTV

hotrod180 wrote:

mtv wrote:….Most important: Get some GOOD instruction on floats with emphasis on amphibs. First thing I’d do is install convex mirrors out on the wing struts that permit you to SEE the landing gear position. ….

https://youtu.be/NBkzh0LKe5I

That accident was close to home for me. Two older gents, at the end of a long flying day. Guy in right seat was video taping the landing. If you watch the video carefully, you’ll see the video camera blow through the windshield. Consider the forces needed to do that.

Fortunately, neither had serious injuries. Note how long it takes the passenger to surface, though.....

And, this was mid summer, warm water, in a city (Fairbanks) with a mechanic watching the “arrival” and with a boat handy.

I had friends who did something similar on a remote lake with very cold water. The results were not good.

I insist on a “sterile cockpit within a mile or so of touchdown in amphibs.....no video, no talk, focus on gear position.

MTV

Thanks everyone for all of your input. The Maule I am considering is already on amphib floats. MTV thank you for the wisdom there on quick disconnects. That is really great advice. I also really like the idea of getting that hyd pump out of there. And I like verifiable information so the mirrors will be something I add. Does anyone know of someone that would be good to use for a prebuy inspection? Maules are new to me and so are float planes.

Jeremy Ainsworth at Maules.com.

acro902 wrote:Thanks everyone for all of your input. The Maule I am considering is already on amphib floats. MTV thank you for the wisdom there on quick disconnects. That is really great advice. I also really like the idea of getting that hyd pump out of there. And I like verifiable information so the mirrors will be something I add. Does anyone know of someone that would be good to use for a prebuy inspection? Maules are new to me and so are float planes.

Brian VanWagnen, Jackson Michigan.
A&P, AI, DER
Maule and float plane expert.

Do you have any contact information for Brian in Jackson MI?

acro902 wrote:Do you have any contact information for Brian in Jackson MI?

I might in my plane's logs. I did a repair on mine before I bought it, and I talked to him before I purchased it. I'll have a look later.

http://www.airnav.com/airport/6H4
It appears he owns the airport in the link.
There is a phone number listed there.