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06 Jul 2025, 13:11 [ UTC - 5; DST ]


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 Post subject: LSA Seaplane....?
PostPosted: 22 Aug 2024, 15:56 
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Joined: 11/01/10
Posts: 345
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Location: Anniston, AL (KANB)
Aircraft: 2013 Bonanza G36
Searay, Super Petral XP, or ICON A5.
I have zero baseline knowledge but will be retiring on a lake. This would be fun.
Any info/thoughts appreciated. My biggest concern is how to securely dock/store/hangar one of these at the lakehouse.


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 Post subject: Re: LSA Seaplane....?
PostPosted: 22 Aug 2024, 16:00 
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Joined: 11/03/08
Posts: 16386
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Location: Peachtree City GA / Stoke-On-Trent UK
Aircraft: A33
if you are not a large person, add the Volmer to your list. With a C-90 or a C-85 stroker they aren't bad performers, from the few times I've been in one.


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 Post subject: Re: LSA Seaplane....?
PostPosted: 22 Aug 2024, 17:47 
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Joined: 05/11/10
Posts: 13111
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Location: Indiana
Aircraft: Cessna 185, RV-7
Do you need an amphib? If not, a J-3 on straight floats should be at the top of your list. Or a SuperCub on amphibs, though it wouldn't be an LSA.

For the price of an Icon, you could have a 180 on Aerocet amphibs. That might not be what you want, but it's worth noting.


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 Post subject: Re: LSA Seaplane....?
PostPosted: 22 Aug 2024, 19:51 
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Joined: 07/31/16
Posts: 69
Post Likes: +16
Location: Signal Mtn, TN / KCHA
Aircraft: A36, RV-12, exSearey
We owned a Searey LSX with a C hull (latest gen, kit built) for a couple of years. And had demo flights in the Super Petrel and the Icon A5.

The icon a5 flew fine, but was very underpowered. It was begging for a larger engine and I was at Oshkosh and saw a company who offers an upgrade to a 916, which I’m sure makes it much better (and lightens your wallet even more).

The super petrel is what I would buy if I wanted icon like fit and finish, a nose wheel, and a factory built plane. It’s way less expensive than the icon and the company is not bankrupt.

I have not flown their new version with the larger engine.

If you want to buy a Searey, talk to Jim Ratte at https://seareyspecialist.com/. He builds kits, supports the fleet and is a great resource. There is a classic searey vs the LSX. The difference was all the redesign and improvements to make the SLSA (factory built) version are in the LSX kit. Some classics have gotten some of the upgrades. There are 3 generations of hulls. You want the C hul because it is the most stable.

Ours was a rotax 914 (turbo) and it was a great performer. Don’t even think about one that does not have a rotax engine. The fit/finish on a searey varies from the factory built and welll done kits to bare bones. Ours was nice, but everything is a little more exposed (which is great for maintenance) than a Super Petrel or Icon. We did not have the engine cover and I was glad about that because it serves no purpose besides looks and weight and getting in the way of maintenance.

There is a private owners group that is a good resource, but factory support is limited because the Chinese ownership decided to not further fund the losses and shut things down. Want to buy and airplane company?

Tailwheel is a consideration, as well as recognizing that these are lightweight airplanes and really not fun (or safe) to fly on a really windy day. In addition phantom boat wakes and wavy days are not fun.

Overall, hull based amphibians are a fun to fly, but remember they do not do well with docks. You want to beach them or pull out on a ramp.

I hope that helps!


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 Post subject: Re: LSA Seaplane....?
PostPosted: 22 Aug 2024, 19:59 
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Joined: 05/05/09
Posts: 5212
Post Likes: +5233
Aircraft: C501, R66, A36
400 hours in Seareys. It's a blast but it's a piece of junk. I called it the flexible flier. Insanely fun machine but definitely made to fly 1000 hours and throw away. If you're not a good tailwheel pilot, it is easy to make a bad landing and do some damage. The tailwheel is pretty flimsy.

My partner has an Icon. It's very well made (think Cirrus) and flies great. I probably have 20 hours in it. Underpowered but manageable. Much better with the 4 blade prop. He has two of them and would sell one, I think it has 150 hours or so. I would get the 916 upgrade. It would be perfect.

I've flown the Super Petrel (old version) it's excellent. Nose wheel is fragile. Flies very nice and well made. XP version looks exceptional and I think it's a great value compared to a new Icon.

2 of the 3 are out of business basically and the last one is in Brazil so who knows about parts support.

Grumman Widgeon...best of the best!

I have 5 hours in float planes which is nothing but I prefer flying boats.


Last edited on 23 Aug 2024, 07:38, edited 1 time in total.

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 Post subject: Re: LSA Seaplane....?
PostPosted: 22 Aug 2024, 22:32 
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Joined: 03/24/19
Posts: 1462
Post Likes: +2054
Location: Ontario, Canada
Aircraft: Glasair Sportsman
I have zero experience in these types. I have, however, had extensive conversations with a very high-time float pilot (C185, Beaver, Otter and his personal Glasair Sportsman on Aerocet amphibs - a very sweet-handling floatplane). This gentleman has fairly extensive experience in several different Searay airframes, from old hulls to brand new hulls. His comments regarding handling characteristics have pretty much taken the Searay off the menu for me.


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 Post subject: Re: LSA Seaplane....?
PostPosted: 22 Aug 2024, 23:36 
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Joined: 06/17/14
Posts: 5929
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Location: KJYO
Aircraft: C-182, GA-7
Doc Tarver flies so much heavy iron that he thinks the Widgeon is an LSA.


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 Post subject: Re: LSA Seaplane....?
PostPosted: 23 Aug 2024, 00:10 
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Joined: 05/02/15
Posts: 977
Post Likes: +693
Location: Austin, Texas and Argentina
Aircraft: L-39 Albatros
AirCam? 2 rotax engines

Edit: Nevermind.. it's not LSA!


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 Post subject: Re: LSA Seaplane....?
PostPosted: 23 Aug 2024, 00:15 
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Joined: 05/05/19
Posts: 1224
Post Likes: +695
Company: West Nyack Aviation, LLC
Location: Sag Harbor and Manhattan, New York
Aircraft: C24R C340 C172 A15C
I have flown many of the current LSA sea planes and really don’t like them. A close friend died in an SeaMax a year ago October.

I currently have an Aeronca Sedan on straight floats , which si a ballast. If I needed an LSA float plane I would do another Aeronca Chief or a Piper J4A

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Robert Kittine
CFI CFII CFMEI
West Nyack Aviation
http://www.WestNyackAviation.com
New York


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 Post subject: Re: LSA Seaplane....?
PostPosted: 23 Aug 2024, 01:18 
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Joined: 01/03/15
Posts: 7
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Location: Somerset West, ZA
Aircraft: Baron 58
I have been flying planes on floats for 25 years now
Cessna 180 on straight and amphibious floats and a Cessna 206 on amphibious
This past June I was able to start flying a Aeroprakt A22 on amphibious floats
that particular plane had the 100 hp Rotax which is enough power for it and it had a Garmin 500 AP
That LSA in my mind is a great seaplane
well behaved and performed just like the heavier ones on water
alone in it I was airborne in 450 ft of water in very light wind
2 up it took 850 ft
I would suggest you look into these planes
the A32 looks even a bit smarter and is slightly faster with the same engine
https://aeropraktusa.com/


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 Post subject: Re: LSA Seaplane....?
PostPosted: 25 Aug 2024, 11:08 
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Joined: 11/12/18
Posts: 521
Post Likes: +590
Aircraft: P35, Pitts S1S
I have flown a few LSA seaplanes, owned one, and a buddy has flown a few more. I have been recreationally shopping for a new one.

My Ranking:

Legend Cub on Amphibs. It's a CUB... On FLOATS. You can fly from the front and it has a starter. I am quasi actively looking for one.

Rans S7. I didn't like the Amphib system otherwise I might have bough it. Gear system required you to manually pump the gear up or down. I thought about adding an electric pump but at the price point for that plane I didn't want to buy something that was not turn key.

Super Petrel. Everyone I have talked to has told me this is the king of the flying boat list although I have not flown one. Enough people I trust have said this is the top dog that I would seriously consider it.

SeaRey. I have owned a "A" hull and I would not recommend the A. Very quick off the water, but landing the angle of arrival between a bounce or skip and a good landing is very small. I have also flown the "C" hull and loved it. One thing I like about the SeaReys are that either door can be in any position while flying. And you can move them in flight with no problem. As a TW plane, super easy to land. Just make sure the TW is locked or land three point so it has enough speed to slap it straight before trying to turn the plane. I'd buy another under the right conditions.

Super Drifter. I simply love this plane. If I can find a Super Drifter kit with Amphibs I'm gonna have to make space in my hangar. I actually talked to LockWood twice and they say they still make the kit, but then they never follow up with me. Any ones I find for sale are the 2 stroke versions, don't have the amphibs, or seem to be in horrible shape.

Adventura. This one had the best "boat" qualities. In the air the stick forces felt very heavy but it flew fine. I don't like the teleflex cables for elevator control... Can't really point to any one reason, I just don't like them.

Icon. Another I have not personally flown. Fit and finish is great. Everyone says it lacks power. For the price you could buy two SeaReys.

SeaMax. Fastest of the group. Water performance was good. Didn't like the yaw stability, it would yaw off center and you had to actively keep it pointed straight. They have since added additional vertical fins on the horizontal stab... Might make it better. My buddy had trouble finding support and had an issue with de-lamination of the hull and it spent a good amount of time in the shop.

Honorable mention, AirCam on floats. This plane was stupid fun... But at the price I'd buy two other planes. And it is not LSA. I'd get the enclosure. I'd put this after the Cub. If price was equal.... Eh.... Eh, I'd get the Aircam.

My opinion... worth what you paid.


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 Post subject: Re: LSA Seaplane....?
PostPosted: 25 Aug 2024, 17:09 
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Joined: 01/11/11
Posts: 1218
Post Likes: +622
Company: FUSION
Aircraft: B300ER B200 C90 DHC6
Username Protected wrote:
Super Petrel. Everyone I have talked to has told me this is the king of the flying boat list although I have not flown one. Enough people I trust have said this is the top dog that I would seriously consider it.
I have flown the Super Petrel, very impressive on all surfaces, ocean, beaching, etc. This would be my choice :thumbup:


Please login or Register for a free account via the link in the red bar above to download files.


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 Post subject: Re: LSA Seaplane....?
PostPosted: 25 Aug 2024, 19:34 
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Joined: 12/17/13
Posts: 6652
Post Likes: +5960
Location: Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
Aircraft: Aerostar Superstar 2
Nobody ever includes the Lake La-4-200 Buccaneer in these for some reason. Well built planes, easy to fly, certified and has lots of mods. I have a whopping 4 hours in one, but loved it. ;)

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 Post subject: Re: LSA Seaplane....?
PostPosted: 25 Aug 2024, 20:28 
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Joined: 11/12/18
Posts: 521
Post Likes: +590
Aircraft: P35, Pitts S1S
Username Protected wrote:
Nobody ever includes the Lake La-4-200 Buccaneer in these for some reason. Well built planes, easy to fly, certified and has lots of mods. I have a whopping 4 hours in one, but loved it. ;)


Cause I think he was asking about LSA aircraft.


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 Post subject: Re: LSA Seaplane....?
PostPosted: 26 Aug 2024, 02:09 
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Joined: 12/17/13
Posts: 6652
Post Likes: +5960
Location: Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
Aircraft: Aerostar Superstar 2
I know, but then everyone else was chiming in with endless non-LSA, so just wanted to add the Lake into that.

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