SeaPlane Kit vor Cessna 172P

[NorbertK]

Good day,

new to this board. We do operate a PA18 on Wiplane2100A in Europe. Just bought an Cessna 172P which I would like to convert to the Amphib 2100A. Where can I get more information on a Cessna SeaPlane Kit for the C172?

Thanks!
Norbert

[TrilliumFlt]

If your looking for a Canadian solution these guys might have a answer, they currently offer the same for the 182.

https://www.acornwelding.com/float-kits

[SeptRepair]

Good day,
new to this board. We do operate a PA18 on Wiplane2100A in Europe. Just bought an Cessna 172P which I would like to convert to the Amphib 2100A. Where can I get more information on a Cessna SeaPlane Kit for the C172?
Thanks!
Norbert

Contact Wipaire and explain your situation. You will need to purchase the STC for the installation of the 2100's on to a different serial numbered aircraft. Once you have the floats registered to your aircraft they can then possibly send you the drawings applicable for installation of said floats. You will need to buy the 'Porkchops" and other rigging items applicable to 2100's on a 172. You may still need to access some Cessna drawings as well. Wipaire is good for letting you know what drawings are needed, but you need to contact Cessna for them. I'm basing this off my experience of a 206 and what hoops I have jumped through. Good luck.

[PilotDAR]

I suggest that you go and fly a 172 amphibian before you invest in converting one. They're not rockets, and won't carry much. Before doing the conversion, do a very precise weight and balance for the proposed modification. It is a requirement that the plane be able to carry the pilot and full fuel, and all seats occupied (only two, I expect) and enough fuel for 1/2 hour at full power (which is not adequate for reserves anyway. Even a 172 as a straight floatplane is pretty limited, the weight of amphibian wheels takes more away from the useful load. Here in Canada, 18x Cessnas are common amphibians, often with an engine upgrade. There are very few 172 amphibians, they are not popular.

Consider a 182 instead, they have a lot more potential as an amphibian. Either Seaplanes West, or Wipline are very familiar with the 182 as an amphibian.

This 182 has the Seaplanes West conversion, and gross weight increase, and with that is still not a four seat airplane.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgn3N12rTTk&t=112s

[Big Pistons Forever]

Empty weight of an average float kitted C172P on wheels is around 1550. The floats add 296 lbs which equals 1846, which leaves 554 lbs. So 2 guys, no bags and 2.5 hours of fuel. OK for float training but useless for pretty much anything else. The 180hp upgrade doesn't give you much as you are float limited to a gross of 2426 so with the heavier engine you actually have less payload.

[PilotDAR]

Empty weight of an average float kitted C172P on wheels is around 1550. The floats add 296 lbs which equals 1846, which leaves 554 lbs.

And that's a straight 172 floatplane, not an amphib, correct?

[Big Pistons Forever]

Empty weight of an average float kitted C172P on wheels is around 1550. The floats add 296 lbs which equals 1846, which leaves 554 lbs.

And that's a straight 172 floatplane, not an amphib, correct?

No that is for an amphib according to the Wipline webpage

[PilotDAR]

Hmmm, okay, 300 pounds sound light for amphib floats, but I'm used to bigger floats.... Wipline would know!

[Big Pistons Forever]

The 296lb is the exchange weight after subtracting the weight of the regular wheel gear. I find it plausible as the Wipline floats seem to be lightly made. The downside is they are not as tough as EDO’s or CAP’s.