Since I'd bought my 180 I've been on the hunt for the right skis. Finally found a pair of nearly perfect Fluidyne (Wipline) C3200's. As mine had never been on wheel-skis before, the initial install was a big job - nearly 50 hours. It required the install of the ski brackets, all plumbing under the floor for the hydraulic lines, install of bulkhead fittings x 8, pump, firewall mounted reservoir, etc. The under floor plumbing through the inspection covers sucked. Otherwise, just took time. Tested them out last week, they worked perfect. Will be ice fishing in no time.

Hydraulic skis have a steep learning curve during installation. But, having wheels to sit on is a utility that opens up a lot more options.

Totally stoked to see the pictures. I have a mild case of "Ski Envy" now.

Looks great on skis. Where did you mount your pump?


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Tom wrote:Looks great on skis. Where did you mount your pump?


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Thanks Tom,

I mounted it to the right of the flap tunnel, as forward as I could. It's what the drawings called for, and seems to be a decent place for it.

upnorth180 wrote:

Tom wrote:Looks great on skis. Where did you mount your pump?


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Thanks Tom,

I mounted it to the right of the flap tunnel, as forward as I could. It's what the drawings called for, and seems to be a decent place for it.

I hope you installed quick connects on the pump so you can quickly remove it in spring.

I’ve given quite a bit of dual instruction in these things with the ski pump installed over there, and feet on pedals is awkward at best.

Also, is there plastic on the bottoms? Couldn’t tell from photos.

Have fun......but carry a shovel.....

MTV

You might want to consider a tail ski in case you get into any kind of deeper snow.
DENNY

You may like this item also:

STC https://www.wipaire.com/wipline-airglide-skis/wipline-airglide-ct3000-tail-ski/



Caveats: may need to add a couple of washers on ABI 3200 tailwheel fork axle as spacers

It's a solid piece of gear that should last a lifetime.

mtv wrote:Have fun......but carry a shovel.....
MTV

....3 shovels and 2 extra guys.

Squash wrote:

mtv wrote:Have fun......but carry a shovel.....
MTV

....3 shovels and 2 extra guys.

And some of these. They both work well in my experience:

https://www.amazon.com/Maasdam-PowR-Pul ... B000PWJTC8
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_screw

Gary

8GCBC wrote:You may like this item also:

STC https://www.wipaire.com/wipline-airglide-skis/wipline-airglide-ct3000-tail-ski/



Caveats: may need to add a couple of washers on ABI 3200 tailwheel fork axle as spacers

It's a solid piece of gear that should last a lifetime.

Actually, Burl’s Magnum tail ski is the best there is. I’d go there way before one of those little skis.

MTV

I hope you installed quick connects on the pump so you can quickly remove it in spring.

I’ve given quite a bit of dual instruction in these things with the ski pump installed over there, and feet on pedals is awkward at best.

Also, is there plastic on the bottoms? Couldn’t tell from photos.

Have fun......but carry a shovel.....

MTV[/quote]

Yes we installed bulkhead fittings on the tunnel and firewall. It can be removed in minutes.

I have a tail ski for it, don't need it yet.

PA1195 wrote:

Squash wrote:

mtv wrote:Have fun......but carry a shovel.....
MTV

....3 shovels and 2 extra guys.

And some of these. They both work well in my experience:

https://www.amazon.com/Maasdam-PowR-Pul ... B000PWJTC8
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_screw

Gary

I love my rope comalong, bought for ski flying but now my "go to" comalong for most things that need persuasion. I also carry a couple hundred feet of mule tape.

I've had a few tail skis. The Aero's break and bend but can be remodeled. The Federals are well made and work but need reinforcement or will bend the front tip up if they hit ice chunks. The Federals are sensitive to weight distribution and can shimmy if loaded up with ice. Landes used to make some like a cup that worked without a wheel, but MTV is right Burl's is the best if flotation and durability is desired. Never had a Burl's but have seen them survive some real abuse(rs).

Gary

[
I love my rope comalong, bought for ski flying but now my "go to" comalong for most things that need persuasion. I also carry a couple hundred feet of mule tape.[/quote]

I bought a rope comalong but haven't thrown it in the plane because I don't relish the bulk of 100 feet of rope. Will mule tape work on a rope comalong? I wouldn't think so, but maybe if it folds over on itself??

Rope is your friend....it's what keeps the plane from departing without you and gets you to a better place when stuck. Park in a big blow or get stopped in a bad place and the weight will be forgotten.

Gary