Looking for advice on new(old) Floats.

[Levi]

I am still searching for a set of floats for a 1941 BL-65. There is a pair of nice 1320's for sale near by, and then there is a pair of 1400's down in NH. The 1320's would be my first choice(I think) but they have J-3 rigging. The 1400's are very nice and complete with T-craft rigging, but the data tags seems to be missing. They do appear to be original EDO floats and I am under the impression I can get new data tags. Now these float are about the same price, and I am wondering which would be a better choice.

I am not sure about the strut length on taylorcraft rigging for the 1320's, so if someone could provide me with the lengths of the front and rear struts measured from hole to hole that would be great. Has anyone made struts to fit a t-craft from rigging for another plane?

Anyway I am in need of some direction on which pair is better as far as performance and maintenance. Any thoughts appreciated.

Levi

[Eric Tyson]

Re: Looking for advice on new(old) Floats.

1320s are the better float for you, guys run the 1400 because the don't have the 1320 which are lighter and perform better.
Even with the 1320's you may have trouble getting off with the 65, stick to big lakes till you get the feel of her.

I have a 46' model19, C90 on the Baumans (same as the 1320 only a bit wider)
Eric

[perryv1]

Re: Looking for advice on new(old) Floats.

I too feel that the 1320's are a better fit for your plane,besides I need some competition at Greenville.
PV

[Levi]

Re: Looking for advice on new(old) Floats.

Perry, you must know where there are a pair of 1320's for sale in western Maine. I have everyone looking from Beech Hill pond to Millinocket, but I've only come up with a nice set with j-3 rigging. If you could measure the length of the aluminium extrusions on your struts and the lenght of the diagonal, I could compare and see if the J-3 rigging can be cut down. On a side note, after that ride with you last fall, my 65 hp wont be much competition at greenville. -Levi

[Dick Smith]

Re: Looking for advice on new(old) Floats.

Levi,
I think the previous comments are right on the money. The 1320 floats will be much preferred with the 65 horse engine. I have 1400's with 85 hp. I like the extra displacement when you are hauling a load, but I think the 1320 has a better hull design, especially in regards to getting off "glassy" water. I used the strut material that came with my floats. They came off a PA-11. With the Piper tandem design, the struts were long enough to cut down and use on the Taylorcraft. Find someone with the 1320's on a Taylorcraft and ask to measure the lengths of the struts. Pay very close attention to the angles of the aluminum ends riveted or bolted to the ends of the individual struts, or you will consulting with your banker! Measure 10 times and cut once. They don't give that strut material away. Ask the people that have the 1320's mounted if they are satisfied with the "Opening Angle" at which their floats are installed, as you don't want to duplicate a "dog" of an installation. In any case, learning to successfully fly an underpowered floatplane like you will have will be an educational experience...! You will develop a sense of the "Sweet spot" and learn to move with it. Dick

[perryv1]

Re: Looking for advice on new(old) Floats.

Right now My floats are up for the winter,but I'm putting them on as soon as the ice is at least away from the shore,with the forcasted weather,that shouldn't be long.Ill get some pics and measurements,as soon as I can,,
PV
Ill check with a friend of mine about a set he was rebuilding for his T-craft,I havent heard of any progress, maybe he gave up.

[Levi]

Re: Looking for advice on new(old) Floats.

Thank you Perry. I think ice out will be early up here too. I am hoping to get on floats soon, I've only been off skis for a week and I miss flying the lakes. Levi

[Levi]

Re: Looking for advice on new(old) Floats.

The measurements are no longer needed Perry. I have a set of real nice looking floats with T-Craft rigging sitting in the hanger.

-Levi

[perryv1]

Re: Looking for advice on new(old) Floats.

OK,are the floats yours?,,,hey,Im interested in putting on a rudder on the right side.keep on the lookout for an attach bracket and the other pieces for me.Thanks
PV

[Levi]

Re: Looking for advice on new(old) Floats.

Yeah, I bought a pair of 1400's down in N.H. over the weekend. They are in 10 times better shape than any 1320's I have seen for sale. I will keep an eye out for rudder hardware. Hopefully we will see each other at some fly-ins this spring.
-Levi