Cross-posted from the SPA site, but there's nobody there to answer......

I'm in the tire-kicking stage, having about 50 hours in a friend's 172 on amphibs. I live in Indiana, so wheels are an absolute must. Looking at airplanes in the 172 price and performance range, I see that the Stinson 108 is reputed to be a good float plane. But I can't seem to find any on amphibs, or anyone currently selling new amphibious floats with Stinson on their STC.

Is there an STC for amphibs on the Stinson?

Thanks in advance.

Nope, none that I know of. Only float ever approved on the Stinson that I know of is straight EDO 2870.

Amphibs have been proven over and over again to be very hard to do on a budget. They're spendy buggers, no way around it.

I think if I were in the lower 48 looking for amphibs, I'd be looking for something experimental. Either that or have two planes, one on straight floats and one on wheels.

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There was a stinson up in Canada on amphibs.. he crashed doing taxi tests, which according to the witness at the tribunal said "included flying." I think it was in Vernon bc if I have my facts straight (somewhere around 2004). They weren't installed legally though., gave the owner a bit of a headache and some fines. Which I doubt helps your search..

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Halestorm wrote:Nope, none that I know of. Only float ever approved on the Stinson that I know of is straight EDO 2870.

Amphibs have been proven over and over again to be very hard to do on a budget. They're spendy buggers, no way around it.

What he said.....except there were some Stinson approved on the old EDO 2425 straight floats, but I don't know if they were STCd.

I would recommend looking for something experimental as well. Montana Floats made some very nice amphibs for EX.

But as he says, bring $$$$.

MTV

BCP delivers!

Thanks, guys. I was looking at an Aeronca Sedan but found the same problem with amphibs.

Experimental is definitely within consideration, as is a 172. 180's and up would require selling the Bonanza, which isn't going to happen.

Thanks again.

StuBob wrote:BCP delivers!

Thanks, guys. I was looking at an Aeronca Sedan but found the same problem with amphibs.

Experimental is definitely within consideration, as is a 172. 180's and up would require selling the Bonanza, which isn't going to happen.

Thanks again.

Just look carefully at the honest useful load of any such airplane. Amphibious floats are notoriously heavy, and an airplane like a 172 doesn't have a lot of useful load on straight floats, let alone amphibs.

But if your mission is for two fairly light folks and not a bunch of gas, that could work.

MTV

mtv wrote:

Halestorm wrote:Nope, none that I know of. Only float ever approved on the Stinson that I know of is straight EDO 2870.

Amphibs have been proven over and over again to be very hard to do on a budget. They're spendy buggers, no way around it.

What he said.....except there were some Stinson approved on the old EDO 2425 straight floats, but I don't know if they were STCd.

I would recommend looking for something experimental as well. Montana Floats made some very nice amphibs for EX.

But as he says, bring $$$$.

MTV

Stinson 108's were originally approved on EDO 2425's. Then there came an STC for 2440's...they work wonderful. Then came an STC or approval for 2870's. I've heard both that they were great and that they stunk...so take that for what it's worth. I've never heard of an approval for amphibs, but anything's possible...
John

108-3 on straight 2440s with an O-470- now you're talking a sweet machine.

The problem, of course being that both 2425 and 2440 floats are scarce as hens teeth. Not to mention finding appropriate rigging. Both great floats, though.

MTV

I have no experience with a Stinson.

But why buy an uncommon airplane and try to find scarce parts? Sounds like the more expensive route to me.

One summer I did fly a 172XP on straight floats and with full fuel and another guy, legally we couldn't take our lunch pails lol. So Id scratch a 172, wouldn't even be on my list.

I really think you could find a 180 and not blow your budget, on wheels or straight floats. Down the road upgrade to amphibs and a 520 or 550 (300hp), maybe Stol kit. And be laughing.

Lots of 180s around and a favourite in the bush and lots of parts and upgrades.

IMO payload in a 180 I find is only 100lbs less than a 185 (straight floats). You can ask me and a few moose lol.