Amphibs vs. Straight

[Paul]

Amphibs or Straight?
I know it depends on situation and use so here's how it shapes up for me.
I'm based in Phoenix where I'll fly my EX for 9 or 10 months of the year. For summer, I plan to fly to our cottage in Ontario, Canada. 5 minutes from the cottage, in Kenora, ON is a seabase where I could have the gear switched up for floats. Once I'm on floats, I'll stick to lake country. I don't envision travelling cross country with floats but I spose with amphibs I'd have that option.
Dollars are a factor but really not that big of an issue for the difference.
I'd appreciate any comments and feedback on this question.
thanks

[Pete D]

I don't know the specific $ figures but you might look at insurance rates for straight vs amphib when considering your options. I don't believe there is a large difference in performance with the Carbon Cub, depending on which floats you are considering anyway.

[JohnM]

Pete brings up a good point about insurance when considering straight vs amphibs. The other consideration (besides your specific mission requirements) is weight. The straight floats will be considerably lighter than the amphibs. The straight float version of the Mead Amphibs I have on my SportCub are 70 lbs lighter than the amphib version. If you don't really need the wheels, why carry the weight.

JM

[v.schmidt]

When you consider that most of the time you'd be utilizing a standard gear configuration for your landings around Arizona, the amphibs are more costly overall. The convenience is great, but you will also likely pay more for maintenance, insurance during the 10 months you won't really utilize the floats I'd imagine.

If you were going to use the floats for more than a couple months out of the year, I think you'd have a better argument for the amphibs, but I'd stick with the straight floats. I'd think you'd get more use out of the standard gear for all your backcountry adventures during the rest of the year as well. Good luck with your decision!

[wwibby]

I flew straight floats for many years on my PA 18....then went to Wipline Amphibs/160hp conversion...loved 'em. I recently picked up this beauty from Yakima....a 'Carbon Cub Rocket Ship' on Aerocets....beyond my wildest dreams!L1010520.jpg