Seaplanes West Inc, Float Kits
From 2950 to 3350,
Adds 400 pounds to your useful load!
The Cessna 182 Gross Weight Increase is Complete!
... did someone say we couldn't do this?
click on to view the following docs...
FAA STC SA02854NY
Canadian STC SA10-6
Gross Weight Sales Data
Gross Weight Comparisons
Now here's some 182 Value!
* A higher gross weight than a Cessna 180 ... and even with a Kenmore Tail Mod Increase!
* Higher gross weight capacity than a stock Cessna 185!
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THE CESSNA 182
Building certified float kits for 30 years of 182 airframes
1956 thru 1986
We've tested and certified all 3 major brands of floats on the Cessna 182 airframe. We have put it thru the tests, and exceeded all requirements for certification, and done with a base-line original 0-470 engine and original 82" 2 blade prop. This way you can add any other STC that is compatible, including 520 and 550 engines, carb'd or fuel injected. And any prop thats compatible with the engine and airframe.
We do not convert the "re-start" 182's (S & T) primarily because we have found the airframes to be 200 lbs. heavier than the R models (which depletes your useful load). Lycoming engines are used in these models, and there just are not any STC mods for higher horsepower at this time, where in the Continentals there area vast number of proven HP increases available.
This is the Original ...
"Gentleman's Float Plane"
The Cessna 182 float conversion kit. All our floats kits are STC’d by the FAA, Transport Canada, and EASA.
Seaplanes West offers a complete package to convert a Cessna 182 to float configuration. With this conversion you are able to seasonally add and remove floats quite easily, usually within ½ day.
Each float conversion includes a new engine mount. This engine mount adds extra strength to the firewall area by spreading energy loads throughout the hard points on the firewall. This is very effective while on floats because we totally remove the nose gear system and re-attach the floats to the lower outer corners of the firewall.
When we designed this system, it was apparent that the original engine mount would be replaced. Since we needed a new mount for bracing requirements, it was suggested that we address some of the vibration issues associated with all the Continental 6 cylinder engines. Especially since there are quite a few STC’d larger horsepower engines available, plus larger and heavier propellers STC’d for these 182 airframes. It appeared that no-one had addressed the engine mount isolators issue in these installations. Simply because of these heavier assemblies themselves the original small rubber isolators couldn’t hold up for any length of time before collapsing, plus the technology used was designed in the 1950s.
Seaplanes West added very large isolators to all 4 positions. This was all incorporated into our new engine mount. This mount remains installed for floats or wheels. There are other design features that are covered further in our airframe data.
Our new engine mount system comes included in every float kit, but is ALSO available separately under a different STC number for all Cessna 180s, 182s and Cessna 185s (see our "Engine Mount" section for applicability)
All float conversions require bracing through the windshield opening. This is provided through stainless cross-wires which are ¼” round wires that attach to the upper wing root and criss-cross just over the glare shield and bolt thru to the back of the upper engine mount bolt.
Alternatively, a V-brace is still available for the pilot that wants a 1/2" stainless solid tube.
This also provides bracing while on wheels. This eliminates cabin squeaking and rocking that is heard while taxiing around at airports or strips.
Water rudder steering works directly off the rudder pedals and independant of the air rudder. A ventral fin is provided that provides required directional stability.
There are a few internal stiffening doublers in behind the firewall plus one external all formed and included.
We install lift-rings for hoisting, re-fueling handles and re-fueling fuselage side steps.
You should call Seaplanes West with any questions that have not been addressed here. We stand behind our products and love to discuss them with you.
For the past 13 years we had only offered this conversion as a kit form. We have recently changed our policy to streamline all installs here at our facility and we now offer the expertise that created the 182 floatkit.
WE CAN NOW DO FULL INSTALLATIONS AT OUR NEW FACILITY IN VERNON, BRITISH COLUMBIA.
About 90 miles north of the US border.
We also have pick-up and delivery ferry service available.
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Fuselage Reinforcement, click for larger view.