Cessna 180 Floats; a Question..

[HS-748 2A]

What is the difference in weight between EDO 2960s and 2870s?

Also, can anybody tell me if the 2960 is actually approved on the old (short cabin) 180s, or does T.C. just tend to turn a blind eye to it?

I have heard, but it is unsubstantiated that they are approved but only with use of the ventral fin?

Thanks in advance,

'48

[Brewhouse]

Hey 748,
I grew up in a 56 C-180 on 2960's, the aircraft did not have a ventral fin, and I believe it was all legit. I can't see 2960's weighing much more than 30 or so pounds over the 2870's. It's only an extra 18 inches.

[lost in the north]

Stick to the 2870's,you will be very happy with them.

[rigpiggy]

My understanding is they are just the 2870's that were extended to the rear. Quote I got was "they're fast, but they'll drag there heels

[624]

It's been a while but IIRC the one model I can say is not approved is a 1954 180. But you don't need 2960's on them. They are approved for cap 3000's but you definitely don't want them on there.

[HS-748 2A]

So if a guy say had a 1957 180 on 2960s but had an option to pick up a set of 2870s in good condtion, that would be a good way to go?

I have heard that the 2960s tend to dig the heals a little on rotation.

Have also heard the weight difference to be up around 80 lbs, but that sounds suprisingly high to me.

thanks for your replies.

'48

[Brewhouse]

If you plan on hauling loads with the aircraft, or operating in bigger water, I would definately stick with the 2960's. I have helped convert a set of 2870's to 2960's and it was 18 inch extensions to the heals of the floats.

[HS-748 2A]

If you plan on hauling loads with the aircraft, or operating in bigger water, I would definately stick with the 2960's. I have helped convert a set of 2870's to 2960's and it was 18 inch extensions to the heals of the floats.

Interesting. Did you have the heals off 2960s and graft them on or did you buy new parts?

Is it a splice or is the whole heal different?

[Siddley Hawker]

HS I've never flown the 180, so I can't offer any comment on it, but I have flown the 182.5* on the 2870's and the 185 on the 2960's. I never experienced any problems with digging the heels on take-off, that I can remember, and we flew them out of big lakes, small lakes and off salt water on the coast.

*Early 185 with the 260 HP engine. Ain't a 180, ain't a 185 either.

[Brewhouse]

748
As far as I know it was an extension kit from EDO. We had to get a set of data plates off a wrecked set of 2960's, and when all was said and done our 2870's were 2960's. As previously noted I have not experianced the heals digging in either. Those early model 180's are great aircraft very good performers, you are lucky to have one.

[lost in the north]

I have lots of time in the 180,I would go with the 2870's any day.If you're not careful it is very easy to drag the floats on take off, prolonging the distance.The 2870 float you can pop it out of the water if its rough or in a smaller lake.I have a friend with 2960's and is looking foe parts to convert to 2870's.Also if you are not flying overloaded there is plenty of floatation.