7ECA on PK Floats Performance?

D

daveee

New member
7ECA on PK 1800's. I am building a 7AC into a replica 7ECA with a Lycoming 0-235-C1A engine. 115 HP and a Sensenich 73 3/4 x 44 prop. The plane has gained weight via engine, mufflers, small starter/ alternator, prop, spinner, fiberglass cowls, 1/8" plexi-glass windows, full night panel, lights, strobes, interior panels, vacuum system, electric trim, sky light, radio / intercom, seaplane door, hydraulic brakes.
I don't know what it will weigh when finished but is there any point trying to put it on floats?
My cottage bay is 2,700' long and I am concerned it would not be long enough.
If so, the project is for sale. 90% finished.

Thanks, Dave Elsey. dave@elsey.ca
 
My 7AC/CONV has on O-235C2C and is on PK 1500's. It performs pretty good but it doesn't quite have all the stuff as your's. Sky-Tec starter but no alt. VG's, droop tips and13 gallon tanks in each wing and retains the 13 gallon header also. I have a plexi-glass seaplane door also. It weighs 891 on wheels. I weigh 160 and it is a little hot-rod when loaded lightly but get it at gross or over (I would never do such a thing) and the T/O distance increases dramatically. 2700' would not be that bad as long as it wasn't heavy.
 
Mr W
What prop and what is the HP of the C2C please?
Are your cowls aluminum or fiberglass?
Did you ever try it with the previous engine?
Would the 1800's get on step easier than the 1500's?
Is the C of G in a good place or did the heavier engine / floats require lead ballast?
What is the incidence of the wing vs floats?

Sorry for all the questions.
Thanks
Dave
 
Sorry but I can only answer a couple of your questions. The plane and logs are at my home in MN and I am in Hawaii for the winter.
The C2C is rated at 108/115 HP (2600/2800RPM). I'm not sure of the prop but if I remember correctly it a Sensnich 76-2x42 (it may be 44 pitch)....does this sound about right? Sounds like the same exact prop as you have.
The cowl is a two door aluminum with fiberglass nose bowl. I'm no expert on floats since I just got my rating last summer and logged 50 hrs last summer. Personally I think the 1800 might be a good float. Am I to understand you aren't worried about LSA, so your gross will be higher and the 1800 will have better floatation. Not sure how much more the 1800's and their attach fittings weigh verses the 1500'. Seems that mine are less than 200lbs. (180-188?) The nice thing is I GAIN useful load with floats verses tires. No lead ballast that I am aware of. I know when I am at gross (or over) my 1500 set pretty low in the water and take a bit to get on step. The CG on my plane seems prefect. I've had 30+ gallons of fuel and my dad (230) in the back and never had a problem other than the loooooong take-off.
If you want, I can email some photo's of my Champ if you send me an email. Can't figure out how to post a picture within a post.
Keith

PS. Remove those hydraulic brakes and send them to me......you won't need them when you're on floats!!! :lol:
 
W
I also wish there was a way to post pics.
My plane is in the experimental catagory there for I can pick any gross weight. (~1500 lb)
My prop is 74", 76" sounds better.
My E-mail is dave@elsey.ca
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top