Sea Plane Vocabulary

Words that need to be known

Bow

Front of the float

Bumper

Protects against low speed impacts

Spray Rail

Prevents water spray from impacting the prop

Chine

Where the top and the bottom of the float meet.

Keel

Provides structural integrity and directional stability

Hydrodynamic Lift Booster (Sister Keelson)

Helps to provide directional stability and also churns water towards the keel to mix the air with water to lessen drag during takeoff.

Step

Structural separation of the float inline with the lateral (pitch) axis that separates water from the aft section of the float.

Skeg

An extension of the keel past the step that strengthens the structure, and also connects the forward and the aft of the float.

Pump Out

Opening located on the top deck of the float for each compartment used to pump out water.

Water Rudders

Retractable fins located on the back of the float that are connected to the air rudder though a system of cables and pulleys used for directional control at low speed on the water.

Struts

Structures that connect the floats to the aircraft.

Spreader Bars

Structures that connect floats to each other

Bracing Wires (flying wires)

Source of tension for the float attachment rigging.

Mooring Cleat

Metal attachment on the top deck of the floats used for rope tie off.

Float Compartment

Storage space in the float located in the step compartment.