Morning, looking to refloat my new to me 185. Came on really ratty 2960s, and I’m of the mind it’s likely Edo 3430s or Aerocet 3500s. With an affordable stop at CAP 3000Es a very likely ending too.

The only ones I’ve flown from the group are the CAPs, a bit underfloated but just a lovely float in all other regards. There’s a strong chance if I found a great set they’d be the conclusion for a good while.

This said, the oft mentioned benefits of 3430s always jumps to my mind, build the plane once. And Aerocets are a completely new concept to me, with a completely new price range too. I do coastal and mountain, rocky beaches so composites make me nervous. Not sure how tough they are.

If you are wondering how tough Aerocets are, here's a good picture. Flipped over in a cross wind landing. Floats are totally fine. The floats are about 2 years old, 3500Ls very nice floats. Similar operating conditions to what you operate in.

CAP 3000s are GREAT floats....unless you need to work the plane heavy. Then, they are okay floats, IF you are disciplined enough to abide by the GW restriction. But, for most recreational ops....great floats. I really like the way they perform, and they're even pretty good in big water.

I really love EDO 3430s on a 185. There's not much to NOT like on those floats, except they are pretty big, but big is better than small when it comes to floats.

One float that I would consider, particularly if you're on a budget, is a set of PeeKay 3500 C floats (later model straight floats).

Here's what I wrote on this forum a few years ago:

For much of my float flying experience, I always assumed that the EDO 3430 floats were THE ideal float for a working Cessna 185. In 1986, I was assigned a brand new (1985) Cessna 185 on PK 3500 C floats.....and I groaned. I groaned because I had previous experience flying a 185 on PK 3500A and B floats (straight and amphibious versions of the earlier PK floats), and those floats were water loving mothers, to say the least.

But, I wasn't buying the airplanes, I was being paid to fly them, so....for the next ten years, I flew that airplane and during the summers, I flew it on those PK 3500 C floats. I adapted. And it turned out the C and D model PKs are VERY different floats than their predecessors. After ten years, the engine in that airplane suffered a broken crankshaft in flight, and I parked the plane on a mountainside. It wasn't pretty.

So, my employer found a "loaner" 185 for me to fly till they could replace the airplane. The "loaner" was equipped with EDO 3430 floats....WAHOO!! (I thought).

My first few takeoffs at max weight were pretty disappointing as it turned out. The airplane just didn't perform as I'd remembered the EDO equipped airplanes. So, I went out with the plane and "relearned" what those floats want from the pilot to get them to perform.

At the end of the day, I found that the EDO equipped airplane would get airborne at almost exactly the same point (takeoff distance) as the PK equipped (3500C) airplane at max Gross Weight. I operated out of the Fairbanks, AK float pond, which is a narrow 5400 foot long water lane, with airplanes parked along it's entire length. So, it was easy to judge takeoff distance, based on "I got airborne right next to the blue and white Citabria" etc.

There are some even better floats out there nowadays, but either of these floats will work hard for you. That said, the PKs are going to demand more precise performance from the pilot. The secret to the PKs is they have a really narrow "sweet spot", and it takes some practice to hit that spot quickly so that the airplane accelerates well. The EDOs have a much larger sweet spot, and thus are if anything a little easier to fly well.

Both have very large lockers and flat tops. Both are good rough water floats, though the EDOs will pound more in wave action, due to their fluted bottoms. Repairs on the PKs are much easier, since everything on them is flat metal, whereas the EDOs have fluted bottoms. Parts are readily available for both, I believe. Aerocet offers PMA'd EDO rigging, as does, of course, EDO (now owned by Kenmore Air Harbor). PK is now PeeKay Floats, based in Maine, and owned by Alton Buchard, who is supportive and very knowledgeable.

I'd find out what a set of pork chops for those PKs are going to cost.

Otherwise, I'd look carefully for corrosion, and check for leaks, particularly on a set of floats that have been sitting outdoors for a long time, probably without anyone checking on their welfare. Easy to let water get in through the tops, then freeze and open up seams, etc. Do a leak check with a vacuum cleaner exhaust and soapy water before you get too far down the road to purchase.

I wouldn't be afraid of either set. They will both do a great job. As noted, the PK's will make you work a little harder at it, but their performance CAN equal that of the EDOs or at least so close you can't really tell the difference.

Now, the EARLY model PK 3500s (models A and B)....don't even think about going there.

Aerocets are great floats....bring money. I too am a little leery of rocks and composite floats, but I know guys who work those pretty hard. Bring lots of money.

The CAPs don't gain you a lot over 2960s on a 185, though they are great floats, and a LOT easier to get off the water. Either 3430s or later model 3500 PeeKays would be my choice.

MTV

A1Skinner wrote:If you are wondering how tough Aerocets are, here's a good picture. Flipped over in a cross wind landing. Floats are totally fine. The floats are about 2 years old, 3500Ls very nice floats. Similar operating conditions to what you operate in.

Getting upside down doesn't put much stress on the barrels....or keels. Rocks do though. Good news with Aerocets is they are pretty easy to patch.

MTV

CAP 3000S and buy WingX with the money you saved.

Fraser Farmer wrote:CAP 3000S and buy WingX with the money you saved.

Actually, I’d rather buy the PeeKay 3500 C and install the Wing X or Flint extensions. The PeeKays would permit using the upgross.

And with the (even more) money you saved on the floats, buy gas.

MTV

mtv wrote:

Fraser Farmer wrote:CAP 3000S and buy WingX with the money you saved.

Actually, I’d rather buy the PeeKay 3500 C and install the Wing X or Flint extensions. The PeeKays would permit using the upgross.

And with the (even more) money you saved on the floats, buy gas.

MTV

Now you're talking. A real win/win there.

I've grown to like the PK's for a different reason: The engineer and marketing guy (small company) at the modern incarnation of PK is a member here and has become a friend. Levi Guimond is a good guy and loves float flying like we do. He sometimes chimes in here. He knows a lot about floats and the legacy PK's and the modern manufacturing process.

I know it's an irrational bias to side with a company just because they are on this website, but it I'd be giving them a ring, and I will if I ever get the Bearhawk flying. They've never given me a dime but I've felt more support and interest from them than any of the other currently operating float manufacturers. And in such a small vertical I think having the support of the company and a rapport with their people is important.

I think there's a set of PK3500Cs with 185 rigging for sale in Red Deer.

Fraser Farmer wrote:I think there's a set of PK3500Cs with 185 rigging for sale in Red Deer.

PeeKay (FYI, that's the spelling the company used when they were owned by DeVore, and when the 3500s were built) really shot themselves in the foot with the early PeeKay 3500s. And, once the word gets out.....you'll hear ALL the experts telling you PeeKay and PK floats are terrible performers.

I had PeeKay B2300s on my 170. I actually had a set of straight 2300s on that plane the first season it was on floats....loaners. And, those early 2300s were pretty awful floats. The B2300s were a few inches longer in the afterbody, and performance was significantly improved.

BUT, like the EDO 2960, you have to learn to fly PK floats. Most of them, including the late 3500s, have a very small "sweet spot". They'll make you learn to fly them off the water. But, that said, if you've flown EDO 2960s, you've had to learn to fly a set of floats, so you'll figure it out. But, the PeeKay 3500s do take a pretty fine touch on the step. As I said in earlier post, they'll perform right close to EDO 3430s, but, the PeeKays will make you work harder to get there.

And, they are TOUGH floats. Also, every skin is flat metal, so repairs are pretty straight forward if necessary. Gonna beach in rocks? PeeKays will take the abuse with the best of them.

I've always liked the company, through it's various iterations. When DeVore owned it, I spoke with one of their engineers in New Mexico, and was really surprised with his knowledge of floats. And, very helpful. Alton Bouchard was an absolute prince. Sold me a ventral fin for the 170 for peanuts....said nobody really wanted the things these days anyway....I don't know the current owner, but they have a very good history of support.

MTV

I don’t have a lot to compare it to, but got my first float plane this year, a 185 on 3430’s.

Learned to fly floats in an under floated Aeronca Sedan.

My 185 is 3600 lb gross, and I’ve been flying it that heavy often.

All I can say is no issues at all and nothing sketchy about it. Very solid combination.

It could carry a lot more. At 3600 lbs the aft end (stern?) of the floats is high and dry, and I’m off in 1500 ft with no help from wind. This is with rookie float skills.

It’s a true 4 adult, full fuel, plus baggage airplane.

I paid 6 grand for my dented up 55 year old floats. But they work.

Ross4289 wrote:I don’t have a lot to compare it to, but got my first float plane this year, a 185 on 3430’s.

Learned to fly floats in an under floated Aeronca Sedan.

My 185 is 3600 lb gross, and I’ve been flying it that heavy often.

All I can say is no issues at all and nothing sketchy about it. Very solid combination.

It could carry a lot more. At 3600 lbs the aft end (stern?) of the floats is high and dry, and I’m off in 1500 ft with no help from wind. This is with rookie float skills.

It’s a true 4 adult, full fuel, plus baggage airplane.

I paid 6 grand for my dented up 55 year old floats. But they work.

Oh, there’s no question that EDO 3430floats are great! If you can find a set for that price, that’s fantastic.

And, with many folks going to Aerocets, there may be more 3430s out there than usual.

MTV

To add to that I’ll probably get Aerocets one day when the piggy bank gets a little heavier.

My background is Cirrus airplanes, and I own an aircraft restoration shop. Composite doesn’t fatigue or corrode, and it doesn’t leak. It’s also more dent resistant. Another advantage is a repair is invisible when you do it properly.

About the only con I can think of is repairs can be more complex and time consuming, and require a different skill set.

mtv wrote:

Ross4289 wrote:I don’t have a lot to compare it to, but got my first float plane this year, a 185 on 3430’s.

Learned to fly floats in an under floated Aeronca Sedan.

My 185 is 3600 lb gross, and I’ve been flying it that heavy often.

All I can say is no issues at all and nothing sketchy about it. Very solid combination.

It could carry a lot more. At 3600 lbs the aft end (stern?) of the floats is high and dry, and I’m off in 1500 ft with no help from wind. This is with rookie float skills.

It’s a true 4 adult, full fuel, plus baggage airplane.

I paid 6 grand for my dented up 55 year old floats. But they work.

Oh, there’s no question that EDO 3430floats are great! If you can find a set for that price, that’s fantastic.

And, with many folks going to Aerocets, there may be more 3430s out there than usual.

MTV

I’ll sell my 3430’s for $20k!

You’re right though, the other shop at my airport has two planes in the shop going from Edo’s to Aerocets this week.

They don’t look too bad on 3430’s either, as long as you don’t zoom in on the dented floats!

As usual, owe a debt of gratitude to the forum. The cumulative experience here, is incredible.

Happy to have joined the 185 world, after pushing it off for too long with Wilga and Murphy. Sounds like a 50’s sitcom.

I have a decision to make and the dollar sign is likely the biggest factor right now. Nice as Aerocets would be.

I have Aerocet 3500Ls and I love them.

The float hatches are fantastic. Tons and tons of flotation and a huge sweet spot.

When considering cost one thing to remember is Aerocets come with all the hardware and bits and pieces in good shape.

3430's are hard to beat for a working 185. CAP's are faster in cruise for sure, but the rounded tops ruin it for me. I like the big wide and flat tops of the 3430's. They are a great combination on a 185. Aerocets are of course the trend, and for good reason I'm sure, but like you, I'd cringe at the thought of beaching them anywhere. Another benefit of the 3430's over CAP's or 2960's, is the large removable compartment covers. If you have to replace a pump out plug, hose or fix a leak, the large covers sure are nice to have compared to the small round ones on 2960's.

Other than 3430's or Aerocets, I'm not sure what other floats will qualify for the 3525 upgross with Wing X if you were to go that route. Be worth looking into.

I was lucky to be able to look at 185s yesterday with three of the four float options discussed installed (including 2960s). CAPs weren’t present but ran them for years on the Wilga 2000 so no mysteries there.

Having all of them in front of me didn’t help matters, it made me want Aerocets. They were my favourite, as the float lockers had the biggest openings and seemed the easiest to load. Everything in the lockers was dry, too. We’ll probably use the lockers often, as I have three kids and will use the 3rd row seat option and have no internal baggage space.

Finally, it was very clear the Aerocet was a composite 3430. But for whatever reason, the installation I looked at and measured was nearly a foot shorter than the 3430 installation at the tail. I have to figure out if different eras of Aerocets had different rigging, as Aerocet themselves quoted me 13’ and change tall for 3500s at the tail.

The 185 I measured on Aerocets was 12’6. This matters for me as my hangar has a 12’ door, and allegedly CAP 3000s come in just under that. At 12’6, I could move the beacon to gain 4”, and use ramps to dip the tail under the door beam. Or, build a beaching gear that can tilt. My hangar is harder to replace where I live than the plane is, so I’m quite married to it.

Ardent wrote:I was lucky to be able to look at 185s yesterday with three of the four float options discussed installed (including 2960s). CAPs weren’t present but ran them for years on the Wilga 2000 so no mysteries there.

Having all of them in front of me didn’t help matters, it made me want Aerocets. They were my favourite, as the float lockers had the biggest openings and seemed the easiest to load. Everything in the lockers was dry, too. We’ll probably use the lockers often, as I have three kids and will use the 3rd row seat option and have no internal baggage space.

Finally, it was very clear the Aerocet was a composite 3430. But for whatever reason, the installation I looked at and measured was nearly a foot shorter than the 3430 installation at the tail. I have to figure out if different eras of Aerocets had different rigging, as Aerocet themselves quoted me 13’ and change tall for 3500s at the tail.

The 185 I measured on Aerocets was 12’6. This matters for me as my hangar has a 12’ door, and allegedly CAP 3000s come in just under that. At 12’6, I could move the beacon to gain 4”, and use ramps to dip the tail under the door beam. Or, build a beaching gear that can tilt. My hangar is harder to replace where I live than the plane is, so I’m quite married to it.

Category: Rumor.....so take it for what it's worth.

My understanding from someone who should know is that the Aerocet design came from the EDO 3500 float, NOT the 3430 float. Many folks assume that the 3500 (only in amphibious configuration) was just a 3430 with wheel gear, but according to JJ Frey, who was Vice President of EDO Float Operations when the 3500s were developed, and actually did a lot of the flight test on them, the EDO 3500 floats were actually designed after the old EDO 4000 floats, NOT the 3430s. In fact, JJ had quite a story about actually finding a set of 4000s to use for prototypes, which involved going to Canada and buying a set that were sitting in someone's yard. Seems some of the drawings/whatever were lost for those old floats, so they reverse engineered the 3500 barrels from that set of 4000 straight floats.

So, IF all that's true (the EDO part is direct from JJ Frey, so I THINK it's accurate), that could explain why the Aerocets are different size from EDO 3430s.

I was in stitches when JJ was telling us the story about trying to find a set of EDO 4000 floats. I'm going to miss that guy for sure, amazing stories about the genesis of many of these floats.

MTV