The high mounting height has lots of advantages...prop up out of water,
missing dock posts, wider float stance for more stability and looking bigger
on the ramp!!
Cons are further to fall when you miss the first step, longer mounting
struts (thus more chance of compression collapse from bowing out during
compression load), higher thrust line that in a flat landing can help you
dig in (due to the rotational moment from the water that has grabbed your
floats, to prop height that is trying to pull you forward) and throw you
forward into your harness (not a great feeling and requires pant clean out
afterwards if you are lucky enough to stay upright and not get them washed
for you!).
Lower mounting has the advantages of the lower thrust line (thus less moment
arm from water level to the thrust line), shorter thus slightly stronger
struts, and of course a shorter ladder is required to fuel.
Cons are of course prop closer to water (erosion), narrower float stance
(but still probably wider than a C185!!), less wing clearance for dock
posts, etc
Every aircraft mechanic I have come across that works on floats states that
"the Rebel is mounted a WAY too high on floats and looks dangerous"! Haven't
heard any complaints from all the guys that are flying them mounted per
MAM's original height though, although I must admit that they do look less
awkward when lowered down about a foot to a similar height of a C172 on
floats.
Flip a coin and go for it! Remember also that the front strut is on a pretty
good angle to begin with (when viewed from the side) and the shorter you
make the strut the steeper this angle gets causing less chance that the
supplied end fittings will fit and more chance of collapse in a hard
landing.
Cheers,
Wayne
----- Original Message -----
From: <
Legeorgen@aol.com>
To: <
murphy-rebel@dcsol.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2003 8:37 AM
Subject: Re: 1800 Amphibs
Wayne,
I understand keeping the 45*angle on the struts is important. I believe I
understand the geometry and I won't make any cuts until I'm sure. But are
there
any benefits or disadvantages to handling or flight in altering the
original
MAM design.
I'm really not one to mess with the original MAM stock floats and I surly
don't want to be a real test pilot. Not having more than a few hours as
passenger
in a float plane and having to still get my rating I would have to see
some
real advantage to take the extra time and risk to change it.
Bruce
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