Aqua 1500 Floats

Question 1

Define Keel:

Answer 1

Reinforcement strip on the bottom of the floats. It guides the floats in a straight line through the water and resists sideways motion

Question 2

Define Sister Keelson:

Answer 2

The two longitudinal members add strength to the floats and function as additional keels. The main purpose is to provide increased hydrodynamic lift by redirecting the water down.

Question 3

Define Bulkhead:

Answer 3

The structural partition that divides a float into separate compartments. It provides additional strength, prevents sloshing and isolated flooding.

Question 4

Define Step:

Answer 4

The step is located slightly behind the aircraft’s center of gravity (CG), approximately at the point where the main wheels are located on a tricycle gear land plane. This is a sudden break in the float allows the seaplane to rotate (pivot) into the take off attitude. The water flows freely behind the step but the minimum for action so the seaplane can lift out of the water (least drag, best acceleration point-sweet spot). The step allows the floats to operate in two modes: displacement (boat), planing (ski).

Question 5

Define Chine:

Answer 5

Reinforcement strip that connects the side and bottom of the floats. They guide water away from the float, reducing drag.

Question 6

Define Skeg:

Answer 6

A short, strong extension of the keel directly behind the step. It’s smoothes out water flow, reduces drag and helps provide directional control stability on the step. On a level, hard surface, the skeg is a pivot point for the seaplane. Do not stand on the deck aft of the skeg because the seaplane will tip backwards on the rear section of the floats.

Question 7

Label each area of the floats:

Answer 7

Answer: