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 Previous Item - Look Out for Buck
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What Searey options to get? |
|  Next Item - Searey LSA to help seaplane pilots spread goodwill
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Dave Martin - Dec 20,2006
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I am planning to order a Searey and would like some suggestions onwhat options to get. <br /><br />I've been told the fuel pump is worth the weight cost, but the hydraulic gear is not.<br />Also, what about weight or strength benefit on carbon hull and turtledeck.<br /><br />Are there aftermarket options that are preferable to the ones that are available from P.A.?<br /><br />Thanks for ANY advice...
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Frank A. Carr - Dec 20,2006
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Dave,<br />There are many more knowledteable users than I but here are some ideas to consider:<br />1. Choice of engine<br />2. Propeller<br />3. BRS or not--affects which radiator is used.<br />4. Baggage deck--a definite yes for my money<br />5. Grove toe brakes and wheels.<br />6. Hooker Harness vice seat belt<br />7. Aircraft electrical harness from Recreational Mobility (Jim Ratte)<br />8. Safety mods per Dan Nickens<br />9. Carefull selection of Panel and Avionics items<br />10. Bilge pump<br />11. Bilge drain<br />12. Bow eye<br />13. Carpeting for hull interior and glare shield (if not standard)<br />14. Control grips ala Ray Allen or others<br />15. Tools. tools and more tools.<br />16. Facet fuel pump and other items from Lockwood Aviation<br />17. See John Dunlop Tips and stuff for sale<br />that's just for starters<br />Have fun.
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Frank A. Carr - Dec 20,2006
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A couple more:<br />18. Nav & position lights<br />19. Taxi light
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Dave Lima - Dec 20,2006
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Dave, do you mean options from the factory (when you order your kit), or options that you would like to add yourself?
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Dave Martin - Dec 21,2006
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Actually both. I know there are more options than just from the factory. I believe I'll have to select my factory options when I order at Sun-n-Fun. But if there are other options preferable to the Fasctory ones, I'd like to know so I don't upgrade twice for the same thing.
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John Slot - Dec 21,2006
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Dave, I think we met at Gator last month. Before I start, I did not build my SeaRey, so take my suggestions as a pilots perspective:<br /><br />Guiding Principle - Keep it light and simple<br /><br />Basics: <br />- C CF Hull (Safety / Weight) (No bow lights - looks neat, but doesn't seem to be useful)<br />- Manual Gear w/ Over center lock (Safety / Weight)<br />- B-spindles (adjustment)<br />- Manual Flaps (Simple / One stage will always be one stage - electric does not have stops)<br />- Electic Trim (Easy)<br />- 912S (If you keep it light 100 hp will be plenty)<br />- Panel (Basics - Tach, Airspeed, Alt, Trans, Comm, Portable GPS panel mount) - You don't fly a SeaRey looking at instruments  The smile on your face and the view outside makes it really hard to look inside anyway<br /><br />If you and your wife are still looking for land in Lake Wales give me a call 321-287-3558. The folks adjancet to us are looking to sell a couple acres. We are putting in the airstrip next year.<br />
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Dave Martin - Dec 21,2006
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Yes, that was us at Gator field. I really enjoyed getting thosse tips from you. It made me very serious about the carbon hull and manual gear to save the weight. Is the carbon turtle deck effective in the weight department?
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Steve DiGiacomo - Dec 23,2006
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IMHO, for the couple of pounds that you're saving by getting the CF turtledeck and nosedeck, it's not worth the considerable extra money.
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Don Maxwell - Dec 21,2006
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Dave, John's right about keeping it simple and smiling. But not everyone would agree about the electric flaps and hydraulic gear--or about anything else, for that matter. You won't find many disagreements on this site, however, as we use the 'SeaRey Technical Site' for those discussions. It's safe to say that all of the factory options have their advocates and their detractors. Your best bet, I'd think, is to get rides in several different SeaReys--basic ones and some that have the various options, and see what suits you.
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Steve Gromak - Dec 21,2006
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Dave, think about how you're going to use the plane and you can answer a lot of those option questions yourself, they are all good if you have a use for them...'you can't live without them', if not, it's just added weight, expense and time. Keep it simple : - )
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Don Maxwell - Dec 21,2006
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Steve, one of the things that tickles me is when a landplane pilot flies a SeaRey for the first time--and immediately goes up to 1500 feet AGL. I flew for 30 miles up the river the other day and never went above 100 feet MSL, except once to clear some power lines. That's how I like to use a SeaRey.
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Charles Pickett - Dec 21,2006
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Should have just gone under<br /><br />Who said that
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Steve Gromak - Dec 22,2006
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Don, I'm with you, very seldom do I fly over 500' AGL and the only reason to be that high is to be courteous of our ground-bound brethren. Being a 'Aqua-air-alcoholic' it's tough deciding on whether I want to be skooting along on the water or just above the water in the air.
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Chris Vernon-Jarvis - Dec 21,2006
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Personally, and all recommendations are going to be personal<br /><br />1. Electric gear. two ways of doing it, (well probably more but two I know of Dave Lima's and Mine. Dave has two actuators replacing the hydraulic pistons, I have one replacing the manual linkage. Seems to me the hydraulic is a pain and the manual is inconvenient. Depends whether you are a weight or convenience person! Actually I think Dave's is probably simpler.<br />2. Electric flaps are good, for me at least. Little modification to the basics and an indicator is easy to make. Don't have that big Al handle sticking out by your ear either. (Factory)<br />3.<br />4. Make a trim indicator, save $400.<br />5. EIS engine monitor. Add 2nd CHT, possibly EGT (4) OAT. Spec extra length cabling.<br />6. Baggage deck. Make it yourself from 3/16th ply. Easy. Same for deck bulkhead. <br />7. Bilge pump. Simple marine version available from all marine stores. Add a bye pass electric connection thru a float switch. Don't have to worry quite so much if you leave her on a dock for a night or two.<br />8. Bow eye. Simple and necessary.<br />9. Facet fuel pump. Vital.<br />10 Full harness. Don't ever fly without one. Hooker is OK but Motor racing verions are cheaper and good. MUST have single buckle full release (all 4/5 straps.)<br />11. Gear selection switch. Requires positive action to select gear position, which ever landing you are making and no matter were the gear is, for every single landing. Warns if you leave gear in unselected position. <br /><br />12. THE BIG ONE. Get the training.
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Chuck_ Cox - Feb 20,2018
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just wondering about your single actuator gear system, I have the two actuator version, but liked the idea of using just one and
having the over center lock.
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Ken Leonard - Feb 20,2018
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Chuck - if you already have the setup for twin actuators, going back to manual with single actuator may not be worth it. I had
manual and considered the single before going to normal dual. But I also upgraded to LSX bulkhead at that time.
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Don Maxwell - Feb 20,2018
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WKS. And, Chuck, this thread is more than 11 years old. The Searey's landing gear mechanism and the bulkhead have both evolved considerably since then. Also there's a huge advantage in using stock parts: they're available at the Searey Store, with overnight shipping to most locations in the US and (probably) Canada. That's extremely helpful when you're away from home and something gets busted.
Just to remind everyone, by the way, we try to keep technical discussions over on STS, the Searey Technical Site. This one has survived here on the "fun" site because it was begun by a person who was then in the process of ordering a kit and needed advice, yet was in that awkward position of being not quite yet eligible to join STS. He's been an STS member ever since his purchase was complete.
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Rob Britts - Apr 17,2018
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Hi Don, I just ordered my SeaRey kit. I see reference to the "STS" Can that be found here somewhere or is a completely different site with different log in credentials. Thanks kindly, Rob
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Ken Leonard - Apr 17,2018
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Welcome Rob. What Don said. You will find both tremendous knowledge on the owners site but also a community that has
repeatedly gone out of its way to help each other and make Searey flying safer and far more fun.
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Don Maxwell - Apr 17,2018
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Congratulations, Rob! It's a great airplane and fun to build.
STS is a different site. (It's on the same server, though.) The one requirement for STS membership is owning a Searey or a kit. So as soon as Progressive Aerodyne can give you your kit number, you're in. Just click on "Help" at the top of any Splash and Dash page and type in your name, email address, and kit number; and say that you'd like to join STS. You'll receive email with STS login instructions soon. (This is volunteer-run, so "soon" may not come for a day or two.)
Why is STS only for Searey owners? We've found that limiting access to owners--including builders--allows us to discuss freely anything concerning Seareys and Searey flying, without having to worry about leaking proprietary info to competitors (which happened before the requirement) or anything else. This Splash and Dash site, on the other hand, is for the fun aspects of Searey and seaplane flying and is open to everyone.
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Jim Thomas - Dec 21,2006
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You've gotten some good suggestions, Officer Dave.
You're still gonna come out to SFB and play with me when I bring the hull up to the hangar, aren't you? I hope to have the wing painted in the next couple of weeks and will have room for the hull, then. When I get it there, I'll make some decisions about what to change and what to keep.
I'm vacillating about elec/hyd gear vs. the manual installed now. Since I bought and installed the Nickens Safety Lock and the spring mod, I think I'll stick with manual, but with some kind of boost. One SeaReyer uses a block & tackle arrangement.
I'm definitely adding a hull drain, or 2. Sticking with the existing manual flaps. I have the hull lights, so will use them. It has heel brakes, that I may convert to toe, but may just add a flange to the stubs and keep heel. Prolly gonna use a Warp Drive prop on the 912S. I'm using steam gauges for alt, and ASI, but using PC Flight Systems eMon & eGyro. Also using AnyWhereMap. I'm not using carpet on the floor, seems like it'll get wet and add weight. I bought an oil cooler from John D.
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Dave Martin - Dec 22,2006
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Absolutely!<br />I was also thinking of avoiding carpet for the same reason.<br />Perhaps a pale color garage floor or truck bed lining paint
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Dennis Vogan - Dec 22,2006
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Dave, I tried my best to stick with the 'light and simple' philosophy. However, I like cockpit carpeting as a basic of creature comforts. I used automotive trunk liner material and it's installed with a few strips of the 'hook' side of Velcro stuck onto the hull floor. Not much weight there, but sure is comfortable on those barefoot summer days.<br /><br />Also, I'm not sure what fuel tank is std these days, but get the larger one with the sloped bottom so you're not hauling around 3 gal of unusable fuel as I do with the 18-gal tank.<br /><br />I have manual flaps and they've not been any difficulty or inconvenience. It also doesn't use many amps!<br /><br />I also have manual gear. If it's setup right, the manual gear's easy to use. If you choose powered gear, go with the Lima electric gear. It's the simplest powered version in all aspects (just my humble opinion!).<br /><br />I initially left out the bow eye and added it later after having to dock overnight a couple times without one.<br /><br />I shy away from PA's toe brakes because I think it'll place added strain on the rudder & hinges and I don't think the design is intended for that. I still have the old manual brakes but will no doubt upgrade to hydraulic at some point down the road.<br /><br />Get an Odyssey 680 battery from the start. This is my second after the first other brand couldn't cut it even when brand new.<br /><br />Don't get a 3-blade IVO just because the majority of SeaReys have it. Lotsa good props out there to consider.
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Frank A. Carr - Dec 22,2006
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Dennis, I was surprised how stiff it is in the PA plane to lower the manual flaps. Sort of like a one-handed pull <br />up.
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Dennis Vogan - Dec 22,2006
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Guess I'm stronger than I thought!
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Dennis Scearce - Dec 23,2006
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Frank: I found the manual flaps tough to lower also. So I made a 6' longer flap handle. MUCH easier to lower and not a problem with being in the way. In fact, I like being able to see the handle when on final so I know where the flaps are.
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Frank A. Carr - Dec 22,2006
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Dave,<br />I painted the inside of my cockpit hull with a non-slip diving board paint purchased from West Marine. It's a <br />textured gray and blends nicely with the black seats and side hull carpeting.
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John Slot - Dec 22,2006
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Don, The man asked for an opinion and I gave him one. As you stated this isn't the site for disagreements and you have been a source of good information for me during previous posts. How about we focus on providing Dave with opinions not disputing each others?
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Don Maxwell - Dec 22,2006
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Sorry, John! I didn't mean to dispute what you said--meant only to agree and to add that just about everyone has their individual preferences.
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Dave Lima - Dec 22,2006
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I seemed to have missed something as well. I thought Don was agreeing with John as well. But then again, that crafty veteran might have inserted some kind of subliminal message that I just don't understand. Watch him, he's smooth.
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John Slot - Dec 22,2006
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Don, Thanks for the clarification. I think I might have hit the egg nog too early
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Dave Martin - Dec 23,2006
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Thanks a TON. This is the input I really need. These are things I've never considered.<br /><br />I saw someone developing a mod where the window in the turtle deck opens. Is that something you would consider?<br /><br />What about pulse landing lights on the struts instead of the hull lights. I was thinking the separation when entering a more active area would make them more visible.<br />
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John Robert Dunlop - Dec 23,2006
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Dave, I used indoor/outdoor carpet (or marine carpet) on my last Searey and found it super to look after for four years of use. I am installing similar in my current build.Yes I think pulse lights on the struts is a simple and valuable mod. I always use my landing lights in high density boating areas. Strut lights are adjustable. hull lights are not...<img src="inline/10138-Carpet2.jpg" alt="Carpet2"><!-- >'"><br><font color=red size=6>' or > missing in user HTML. Please fix the HTML.</font> -->
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Charles Pickett - Dec 23,2006
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AS my friend Mike says hold it in your hand, let it go, if it drops to the floor leave it there, if it floats Use It.
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