JDK wrote:
Thanks for the input, and answers!
Mr Widgeon wrote:
The tip floats were really no problem since the struts were fairly short and the floats were well braced.
True, but I'd think inferior in terms of safe landings and take-offs on rough water to a sponson arrangement. I'm no seaplane pilot (as well as no pilot) but the stresses, turning moments and chance of float loss are presumably much more significant than the buoyancy and 'tender' return to upright (without risk) of the sponsons, on a choppy sea with floats hitting crests or going into waves.
Don't forget the Boeing 314s habit of digging in the down wind wingtip when turning in anything more than a breeze.
They also had a problem with leaking sponsons.
The biggest problem with sponsons is that if you DO sink a wingtip there is nothing to keep the rest of the wing from continuing to flood and the airplane turning turtle.
I'm no seaplane pilot either but I've spent years and years around them.
The floats aren't really a problem until you slow down and come off the step.
Through the years PBYs and Albatrosses have operated in heavy seas with no problem regarding floats.
Of course there are always exceptions to any rule.
Landing in open water is always dangerous, more so when the sea is rough and the wind is up.
Open water landings under those conditions are only done under extreme need.
Knocking off a float is usually the least of your problems since the airplane is much more likely to open seams in the hull that will prevent a takeoff.
Then it's hope the rescue ship(s) gets there before you sink.
More flying boats have been lost to that cause than to having a float knocked off and rolling over.
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