Home       Aeronca    Stinson                                                                                                               ... by John Baker

Stinsons make great float planes.  Below are some photos.  As time permits, I'll add more photos.  If anyone can provide technical information (weights, performance, etc) for float equipped Stinsons, I'll add that here as well.  The best source for technical information I have found is at David Miller's "Flightlines" website.  That's an early photo of David's 108-2 below. David's page of technical information includes drawings and rigging information for Edo 2425 floats.  Follow this link:

Edo 2425 floats were approved for the Stinson 108 series at part of the original type certificate.  Other floats have been approved by STC, including Edo 2440's and Edo 2870's.  Most owners report that the Stinson flies better on floats with more power.  With 165 HP, the Stinson makes a pretty good two-place float plane, but to carry a full load, a conversion to a larger engine (F-220, O-470) is recommended.

Float Fittings: Univair sells the float plane fitting kit that complies with the original type certificate. The part number is 108-3901001. It includes blueprints for the installation.  Installation requires welding.  Cost in 2007 was about $780.  The kit does not contain struts or spreader bars - just the fuselage fittings.   Stinson rebuilder Bob Reynolds offered additional details on the float fittings in 2007.  Bob is in Canada and holds the Canadian equivalent of an A&P license.  Here is Bob’s information on the float fittings:

 “The float fittings kit includes blanking plates to weld into the ends of the spar carry-thru’s on the fuselage, so the wings have to come off for that. The primary purpose of the blanking plates is to prevent water and salt spray from finding its way into the spar carry thru. The front attachments weld to the fuselage structure at the base of the front door post. The rear fittings weld to the fuselage structure at the base of the vertical tube at the rear of the rear seat. There is also a split tube reinforcement that welds over the existing horizontal tube running between the two vertical tubes at the rear of the rear seat. The alignment of the fittings is relatively critical as the angle to the float has to be fairly accurate.  It’s a fairly extensive job and best done with the fabric cut well back from the weld areas, and with a large fire extinguisher nearby. The ideal time to add float fittings is when you have the fabric off for a recover job.”

 Stinson 108-3 on floats, restored by Bob Reynolds. 180 HP Franklin, approved larger rear window modification.  Bob also has received approval for a number of other modifications, including an new instrument panel and modified wing tips.  Bob is based in the Penetang area on the Southern Georgian Bay in Ontario. Almost all of Bob’s Stinson time is on floats.

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