Originally Posted by
Bill Rusk
Paul
Long ago far away in a former life....... I had a Smithcub. I also found a set of Bauman floats off a Husky and was able to use the rigging "as is". The floats were mounted at Baumanns by Joe Birkemeyer before the place was shut down. If the rigging had been very far off I'm sure Joe would have not done that. The only issue as I recall was a little higher than normal angle between the floats and the wing. It came off the water pretty quick and I could not see any issue with cruise. The downside is it will come off the water a little slower, and unlike wheels you can not just "force" a floatplane to stay on the water to get a higher liftoff speed like you can on wheels. The hydrodynamic drag coupled with pushing the front of the floats down to stay on the water just does not work out. On landing you will need to be a little slower at touchdown to keep from landing on the front of the floats.
I would say try it as is, and after a season if you do not like the performance, then make the mods to adjust the rigging.
Just my opinion and I am not very knowledgeable or experienced.
Bill