Zenair Float Sizes
Zenair Floats are given a designation number depending on their size (see LEFT column below). This designation number also corresponds with the flotation (buoyancy) of the floats. For example, the #1450 floats are designed for use on aircraft with a MTOW of up to 1,450 pounds. Note that the #1150 amphibious floats are more like 1250 floats and will work well on an aircraft with a MTOW of 1,250 lbs., however, they are too small for an LSA aircraft with a 1,430 pound gross on floats.
Warning: With many popular aircraft designs, the designer/manufacturer has designated a higher MTOW for float-equipped models than for the original wheeled-version of the aircraft. This is to allow the float-equipped aircraft to retain much of its original useful load, HOWEVER, increasing the Gross Weight will reduce the "G" loading of the aircraft as well as its performance! Before increasing the Gross Weight of a float-equipped aircraft, contact the designer/manufacturer of your aircraft to adequately modify the "G" limits and the performance figures (stall speed & rate of climb) in the Pilot Operating Handbook! Remember to always check/calculate the W&B prior to first flight on any aircraft with newly-installed floats...
Also: While floats on an aircraft will greatly increase its utility and fun factor; make sure, that when installing floats, you do not inadvertently surpass the maximum allowable gross weight (legal MTOM) for the CAA category that your aircraft is registered in:
CATEGORY: MAX. GROSS WEIGHT ALLOWED:
Experimental category................................... No Maximum Weight limit in most countries
Light Sport category (LSA).............................1,320 lbs + float allowance (110 lbs) = 1430 lbs
Advanced Ultralight (Canada)..........................1,232 lbs (there is no float allowance for AULA)
ULM category (Europe).................................. Different for different countries; check local rules...
Warning: With many popular aircraft designs, the designer/manufacturer has designated a higher MTOW for float-equipped models than for the original wheeled-version of the aircraft. This is to allow the float-equipped aircraft to retain much of its original useful load, HOWEVER, increasing the Gross Weight will reduce the "G" loading of the aircraft as well as its performance! Before increasing the Gross Weight of a float-equipped aircraft, contact the designer/manufacturer of your aircraft to adequately modify the "G" limits and the performance figures (stall speed & rate of climb) in the Pilot Operating Handbook! Remember to always check/calculate the W&B prior to first flight on any aircraft with newly-installed floats...
Also: While floats on an aircraft will greatly increase its utility and fun factor; make sure, that when installing floats, you do not inadvertently surpass the maximum allowable gross weight (legal MTOM) for the CAA category that your aircraft is registered in:
CATEGORY: MAX. GROSS WEIGHT ALLOWED:
Experimental category................................... No Maximum Weight limit in most countries
Light Sport category (LSA).............................1,320 lbs + float allowance (110 lbs) = 1430 lbs
Advanced Ultralight (Canada)..........................1,232 lbs (there is no float allowance for AULA)
ULM category (Europe).................................. Different for different countries; check local rules...
FLOAT SIZE |
Weight per Float* |
Length |
Max. Width |
Standard Parts Kit (SPK) |
#1150 Straight |
55 lbs |
15.5 ft |
24 inches |
Available |
#1150 Amphibious |
90 lbs |
15.5 ft |
24 inches |
Available |
#1450 Straight |
60 lbs |
15.5 ft |
27 inches |
Available |
#1450 Amphibious |
100 lbs |
15.5 ft |
27 inches |
Available |
#2200 Straight |
110 lbs |
17.5 ft |
32.5 inches |
Available |
#2200 Amphibious |
160 lbs |
17.5 ft |
32.5 inches |
Available |
#2500 Straight |
115 lbs |
17.5 ft |
34 inches |
Available |
#2500 Amphibious |
165 lbs |
17.5 ft |
34 inches |
Available |
OTHER SIZES: In the past, Zenair also offered aluminum float for ultralights (sizes #550 and #750). These have been discontinued. Drawings, manual and/or kits for these two smaller float sizes are no longer available from Zenair.
RIVETS: ZENAIR floats are designed to be primarily assembled with closed-end (sealed) blind rivets and marine adhesive in order to facilitate assembly, to keep costs down and to simplify maintenance. On larger float sizes, the bottom keel extrusions are nevertheless solid-riveted to maximize strength. Kits are supplied with all rivets required for assembly. Customers who prefer classic solid-rivet construction throughout may certainly assemble their floats with solid-rivets (use quantities listed on the packing-lists to order your own rivets). Note that using the pulled (blind) rivets will speed up the building process by more than 50%.
PUMP: The standard hydraulic system (to extend and retract wheels in amphibious models) includes an electric pump that can be conveniently mounted anywhere inside the fuselage; a manual hand pump (that must be mounted close to the pilot) can be installed instead of the electric one (or as a back-up). Manual pumps are no longer available from Zenair.
RIVETS: ZENAIR floats are designed to be primarily assembled with closed-end (sealed) blind rivets and marine adhesive in order to facilitate assembly, to keep costs down and to simplify maintenance. On larger float sizes, the bottom keel extrusions are nevertheless solid-riveted to maximize strength. Kits are supplied with all rivets required for assembly. Customers who prefer classic solid-rivet construction throughout may certainly assemble their floats with solid-rivets (use quantities listed on the packing-lists to order your own rivets). Note that using the pulled (blind) rivets will speed up the building process by more than 50%.
PUMP: The standard hydraulic system (to extend and retract wheels in amphibious models) includes an electric pump that can be conveniently mounted anywhere inside the fuselage; a manual hand pump (that must be mounted close to the pilot) can be installed instead of the electric one (or as a back-up). Manual pumps are no longer available from Zenair.
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* Float weights are approximate and includes the wheels/brakes in amphibious models. Weight does not include Rigging / Spreader bars kit or hydraulic pump, paint and/or other optional equipment. For fuselage mounting hardware, contact the airframe manufacturer.
All information is subject to change without notice and figures are approximates only.
All information is subject to change without notice and figures are approximates only.
NOTICE: If you are considering Zenair Floats for a Type-Certificated aircraft (NOT EXPERIMENTAL), please read the Q&A.