We’ve got no experience with these and wondering what kind of performance we could expect compared to our old 2960’s? The upsides and downsides. Never been around a set, worth considering?
Thanks in advance.

I have two years experience with my 185 on CAP floats. I have Aerocet now, but am reluctant to sell my CAPS, because I really like them.

Pros:

Inexpensive on the used market. $6000 +/-
Fast - they have the least aerodynamic drag of any float, including my nice smooth Aerocets. My hypothesis is that the difference is in the tapered stern, and small transom. 5 kt. speed loss when I put my Aerocets on.
They’re tough - built for big waves. Smoother ride in high seas due to the deep V that cuts the waves instead of pounding through them.
Made in Vancouver, Canada, a source of pride for this Canadian aviator.

Cons:
Not supported - no longer produced. Overcome by the ability to buy a whole ‘nother set for the price of a few parts.
Not preferred for high altitude work. They were designed to work well at sea level, and in rough seas. They have a deep V, and require more power to get on the step than most other floats. Horsepower is diminished at higher density altitudes, so getting on step on a high altitude lake could be a problem. My highest was only 4000’. Wasn’t a factor yet at that altitude, and I’ve got no small lakes at high altitude that I want to get to. Smallest is about a half mile and 3000’ high.
Some claim a narrow sweet spot. I never felt like I was going to dig in a float. The sweet spot was always very evident to me, and I had no problem maintaining it to achieve lift off. I have no STOL kit. Needed full speed to lift off. I don’t find that my Aerocets are off the water any sooner, but they’re heavier and have the drag of the wheels.

Unless you’re in and out of lakes that are less than a mile long, and are high in the mountains, buy a set. They’re good bang for the buck. If you haven’t found any, I’ll let mine go for $5000 USD. They’re near Calgary and I have all the parts to install them.

^^^ That pretty well sums it up, excellent assessment, and I agree with everything he posted.

Buy em.

MTV

I had em on my 1974 bone stock 185. A 185 and a high GW 180 are pretty much the same airplane. I really liked them! Spend a little time with them and learn their "quirks" like all floats have and you will really like them too. I liked them better in rough water than my 3430's, they are much faster too. A little technique and you can really make em sing. I would buy a set with no hesitation, well, a good set.

That being said, I like Aerocets the best, amazing floats but a lot more money than CAP's.

My sea level straight float choice would be

1. Aerocets
2. CAP 3000E
3.Edo 3430
4.Edo 2960

I have not flown the PK 3000's or Wip's, they may rank in there somewhere between 2 thru 4, I couldn't imagine either one topping the Aerocets.
I would not consider a set of Aqua 3190's.

Kurt

I've only ridden as a passenger with a set on a C-185. We took off and landed ok but they appeared "wet" and threw lots of water sideways getting on step. I'd seen that from others taking off. Steep hull deadrise versus curved EDO bottoms, etc. They look like designed for rough water floats. Fast I'm told once airborne but if you get paid for charters by the flight hour that's not always a plus. One local op flat rates trips and makes money with them. Inexpensive compared with others...not sure why but lots for sale at times way less than $10K. Years ago local high time pilot claimed they were the best but he was a dealer.

I guess I'd want to fly them alongside 2870's or 2960's then decide.

Edit: Out of curiosity and ignorance I did a search for CAP 3000 floats. There's lots of comments available and opinions on the best float for various water conditions and weights. I gathered those that liked them had legitimate reasons while others had various opinions. Float weight seemed a concern but maybe that comes with strength and durability. Try them out and report.

Gary

Thanks for all the intel on these guys, we’re definitely interested in pursuing a set based on that. And Pinecone, you’re quite a ways from where we and our airplane live but I surely do appreciate the offer for your set. Will have a look at the logistics and the costs of covering that distance and see if it works. Thank you.

The 3000E floats are fantastic.

I fly often with, and in, a CAP 3000 equipped 180. The lead aircraft in my avatar.

I’d say a tad slower off the water than EDO 2870’s, as in a takeoff contest when light. But in real life, the perfect amount of buoyancy for a 180, and great in rough water.

They do have narrow walkways. Some have hatches, those that do have narrow openings. Specific gas cans will fit.

(There’s never any love for the Aqua 3190! Early models had a different hull design. Later models were much improved. Early 90’s?. Mine were built in ‘96; there are great in every way, particularly well sized for a Pponk 180)