DIY Network

Model Plane-to-Seaplane Conversion From "Radio Control Hobbies" episode RCH-209

Conversion of an RC trainer like the Bonnie to a seaplane version is a simple upgrade that just takes a few minutes.

In this segment, Chris Chianelli converts the Bonnie® trainer plane from Hobby Lobby® into a seaplane. He installs floats onto the Bonnie and shows how to make the necessary adjustment to the orientation of the plane to allow for takeoff from the water's surface.

Important: This demonstration provides some of the basic information for assembly and operation of this particular model. There are variations in assembly for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with yours, whether it is this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the model can be found in the manufacturer's instructions.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Seaplane Conversion

• Remove the cowl, front wheels and nose gear from the trainer (figure A). The nose gear is mounted to the firewall with screws and two brackets.

• Transfer the two brackets to the front piece of the hardware for the floats (figure B). The floats for the Bonnie are available from Hobby Lobby, the plane's manufacturer. They are made from fiberglass and come in several sizes.

• Remove the rear wheels from the landing gear using a small Allen wrench (figure C). Leave the main landing gear on the plane, as these fit into the rear set of brackets on the floats.
  
• Position the plane to place the main landing gear into the rear brackets on the floats (figures D and E).

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

  Figure F

• Secure the landing gear to the float brackets using the same wheel collars (figure F) that you took off the wheels. The wheel collars tighten easily using a grub-screw and Allen wrench.
  Use the same four screws that held the nose-gear assembly onto the firewall to secure the bracket that is now attached to the hardware for the floats (figures G and H).

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  

  	Figure I
  	Figure J

  Replace the front cowl. This particular cowl simply slides on and is held in place with transparent tape.

  
  

• Replace the prop and spinner and tighten down using an adjustable wrench (figure I) to complete the conversion

  
  

• Important: With planes mounted on floats like this one, it's essential that the top of the floats are either parallel to the center-line of the fuselage or at a slightly nose-up angle -- i.e., a positive angle of about one or two degrees off the center line (figure J). If the angle of the plane is even slightly negative or nose-down in relation to the floats, it will make takeoff difficult.

In the segment that follows, Chris gives a flight demonstration and offers tips and advice for flying seaplanes.

Hobby Lobby's Bonnie

• Wingspan......55 inches
  
• Weight...... 3.8 lbs.
  
• Length......38 inches
  
• Top Speed......61 mph
  
• Street Price ?.. about $155

Chris Chianelli's Mailbag

Q: Edward J, a DIY viewer from Charleston, SC writes: Yo, Chris! I just put together a seaplane. I only flew it twice and the radio seems to be totally dead. Can You help?

A: Since you're from Charleston, did you fly your plane over salt-water? It's advisable to fly RC seaplanes over fresh water. If you do fly over salt-water, it's especially important to seal the electronic components very well. Salt-water can create havoc with electronic parts and metal parts. Try washing down your engine and oiling it to see if that helps.