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Skis for Kitfox's
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Kfyellowbird(at)cs.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 9:25 pm Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

Lynn-Check out trickair.com.  They make what you are looking for.

 

 Lowell N560KF  [quote][b]

eskflyer(at)lvcisp.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 1:07 pm Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

40LBS of skis for $3600. yes three thousand six  hundread big ones . I dont think so . these are for the so called certified  aircraft .  Now if they got them down to around 10 pounds each and a  reasonable 500 bucks then they would probably be worth the money . If you read  on the website after certification the price is going up more, what a rip off .  

 I wish the company well in there  endevores

  

 Merry Christmas everyone

 John Perry

 [quote]   ---

crazyivan

Joined: 25 Aug 2006
Posts: 62
Location: Pensacola

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 5:43 am Post subject: Re: Skis for Kitfox's

I'm glad to see that somebody else thought that $3600 for experimental skis is nuts.  And they aren't even painted.  Seems to me that either their manufacturing process is too expensive or they are trying to get a premium profit just because it's aviation.  



I'd be willing to pay $1500 max for a new set of LIGHTER, wheel penetrating skis that have had some market exposure and positive feedback.  (I prefer John's suggestion of 500 bucks)



I don't know if I should wish these aviation entrepreneurs good luck or be mad because they are trying to make the aviation lifestyle that much more expensive for us regular Joes.

_________________
Dave
Piper PA-22/20

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 6:18 am Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

Funny you should mention lighter, wheel-penetrating skis...I'm in the  

process of ordering/building a set right now, based on the best ideas  

that I've heard/seen/read about. I'm certainly not in any position to  

market anything....just building a set for my own pleasure, if the  

snow ever comes this way. Maybe I should be glad there's no snow  

yet...might be tempted to clamp on some barrel staves, and give it a  

go. : )



There are others out there that might be better suited to build/ 

market a set, and maybe your comments will stir some  

activity....anyone...John, Dave, Michel?



Lynn

On Dec 28, 2006, at 8:43 AM, crazyivan wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   



 I'm glad to see that somebody else thought that $3600 for  

 experimental skis is nuts.  And they aren't even painted.  Seems to  

 me that either their manufacturing process is too expensive or they  

 are trying to get a premium profit just because it's aviation.



 I'd be willing to pay $1500 max for a new set of LIGHTER, wheel  

 penetrating skis that have had some market exposure and positive  

 feedback.  (I prefer John's suggestion of 500 bucks)



 I don't know if I should wish these aviation entrepreneurs good  

 luck or be mad because they are trying to make the aviation  

 lifestyle that much more expensive for us regular Joes.



 --------

 Dave

 Speedster 912 UL





 Read this topic online here:



 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=83933#83933

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

dave

Joined: 22 Sep 2006
Posts: 1382

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 6:46 am Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

yes  3600 out of my pocket book  for a Kitfox.

There are some manufactures that make them for about 1500 for challengers 

but a Kitfox is a bit heavier and those are straight skis.   I think 1000 $ 

would be a very fair price for a pair of  4130 wheel skis.   I have straight 

skis now and when I get my 21 iuch tires from Jim, perhaps i should make a 

set that would accommadate others? I have 16 inch golf cart style tires now 

so I do not think that that would e a common size tire/ski combo?



Dave



---

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http://www.youtube.com/user/kitfoxflyer
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Float Flyr

Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 2704
Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 7:12 am Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

I have the straight skis but would prefer to have the penetration skis.

Loading the plane on a trailer is easier with the wheels, not to mention

putting it back in the garage.



May be the way to go would be for someone to offer a ski kit.  That would

remove all liability and could lower the prices.  The kit should include

Axels drilled etc to accept the ski mount, the ski frames and a ski skin

along with cables, bungees and the cable fittings.  Done that way I could

see the cost drop close to the $500 mark.



Noel



[quote] --

_________________
Noel Loveys
Kitfox III-A
Aerocet 1100 Floats

kitfoxmike

Joined: 05 Dec 2006
Posts: 373

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 7:17 am Post subject: Re: Skis for Kitfox's

hay I just got a thought, what about mounting some snow boards to your plane.  Maybe a stupid idea, so don't take me seriously. just thinking out loud.

dave

Joined: 22 Sep 2006
Posts: 1382

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 7:24 am Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

Noel,

NO chance of 500 $    unless you talking EACH !!



4130 is  3 to 5 $ a foot alone.

you will need  20 to 25 feet per ski



UHMW is about 3 to 4 $ a square foot.

10 sq feet needed.



Am I missing somthing ?



Also ........  A tip to move in shot on skis .....  use a 2 x 6  that fits 

under the axles and between the calipers and put on a floor jack .  lift up 

a few inches and pull the plane on floor jack .  If you have a tail ski it 

will drag ok or put a dolly under the tail ski.



Dave

---

dave

Joined: 22 Sep 2006
Posts: 1382

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 7:29 am Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

yes

but only on real light planes imo.



Dave



---

crazyivan

Joined: 25 Aug 2006
Posts: 62
Location: Pensacola

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 11:31 am Post subject: Re: Skis for Kitfox's

Sportflight.com photo and file share page has a lot of ideas for home made skis.  Check this one out:  http://www.sportflight.com/cgi-bin/uploader.pl?action=view&epoch=1070714137

Not too sure how effective these are but it's a brilliant (simple) idea to work from.

_________________
Dave
Piper PA-22/20

Fox5flyer
Guest

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 12:40 pm Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

Those were my skis Dave that I made for my M2.  They were fine (and very

effective) for that airplane at just over 500 lbs and would be OK for up

through the IV if kept light, but wouldn't be enough surface area for the

heavier models like the 5+.  Interesting enough, the total weight of each

ski was less than the wheel and tire.  Axle bushings were just hardware

store bronze units at a couple bucks each.  The ABS plastic skis provided a

very slippery surface and takeoff was about the same as the wheels.  I even

used them on bare concrete a few times with very little scuffing.

Unfortunately, when I sold the II, the skis went with it.  Fairly easy to

make though.  If anyone has any questions about them just let me know.

Deke

(Darrel Morisse)



---

Michel

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 966
Location: Norway

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 2:09 pm Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

On Dec 28, 2006, at 3:19 PM, Lynn Matteson wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   There are others out there that might be better suited to build/market 

 a set, and maybe your comments will stir some 

 activity....anyone...John, Dave, Michel?


	


Just a second, Lynn, I'll take a crash course in welding then I'll make 

you a nice pair of skis ... kidding! 

Just an idea: I think wheel penetration skis don't have to be very 

strong. If they are, and you hit a rock hidden under the snow, they 

might bend your gears. If the are not, you'll bend the skis but your 

wheel will still be there and that what's matter, isn't it? You can 

then remove the skis and fix them while the plane is ready to fly for 

the summer. Just a thought.



Cheers,

Michel

_________________
Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200

Richard Rabbers

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 114
Location: Benton Harbor, MI - USA

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 4:22 pm Post subject: Re: Skis for Kitfox's

Skiplane fly in - Jan. 27th 2007

- probably a pretty good opportunity to check out various ski set ups.



http://www.eaa.org/communications/eaanews/061221_skiplane.html

_________________
Richard in SW Michigan
Model 1 / 618 - full-lotus floats (restoration)

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 4:35 pm Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

I was actually referring to your friend...Paul?...who welded your  

skis. Incidentally, I noticed that you don't have a diagonal brace  

from one side to the other...was that a part of the 'not too strong'  

school of thought? I'm not being picky, just observing.

I also just noticed your use of the phrase: crash course in  

welding...hmmmm...interesting. : )

By the way, there is a guy over here in Michigan who is a flight  

instructor and serves some other aviation job, and his last name is  

Krashen...wonder how many folks walk away after being introduced to  

him as their flight instructor?

Lynn

p. s. I ordered the tubing for my skis yesterday. I've got a little  

extra ordered to do some practice welding...gas and MIG...and to do  

some practice bending. I like the bends that appear on the outside of  

your skis, at the pivot point...keeps the leverage nice and short.

do not archive

On Dec 28, 2006, at 5:08 PM, Michel Verheughe wrote:

 	  Quote: 	

 On Dec 28, 2006, at 3:19 PM, Lynn Matteson wrote:

> There are others out there that might be better suited to build/ 

> market a set, and maybe your comments will stir some  

> activity....anyone...John, Dave, Michel?

 Just a second, Lynn, I'll take a crash course in welding then I'll  

 make you a nice pair of skis ... kidding! 

 Just an idea: I think wheel penetration skis don't have to be very  

 strong. If they are, and you hit a rock hidden under the snow, they  

 might bend your gears. If the are not, you'll bend the skis but  

 your wheel will still be there and that what's matter, isn't it?  

 You can then remove the skis and fix them while the plane is ready  

 to fly for the summer. Just a thought.

 Cheers,

 Michel

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 4:37 pm Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

That's a long term goal for me, if I can get mine done by then...be a  

shame to build skis and then find better ideas there, though.



Lynn



On Dec 28, 2006, at 7:22 PM, Richard Rabbers wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 <rira1950(at)yahoo.com>



 Skiplane fly in - Jan. 27th 2007

 - probably a pretty good opportunity to check out various ski set ups.



 http://www.eaa.org/communications/eaanews/061221_skiplane.html



 --------

 Richard in SW Michigan

 Model 1 / 618 - full-lotus floats (restoration)





 Read this topic online here:



 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=84076#84076

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

eskflyer(at)lvcisp.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 4:57 pm Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

Dave where in the heck are you buying your 4130 cuzz i am not paying that 

much 7/8 .035 is only $2.59 a foot and if i buy more than 100 feet i get it 

cheaper .



Fly safe fly low fly slow and quick takeoffs to all.



John Perry

dave

Joined: 22 Sep 2006
Posts: 1382

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 5:15 pm Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

.875  x  035 wall is 4.50 a foot here..........

If  I ordered  form Wicks or spruce it would be near 50% to 100% more that 

price FOB there due to the customs brokers and couriers sticking it to 

us........



Like i said on average    4130  is

 	  Quote: 	
		  4130 is  3 to 5 $ a foot alone.

you will need  20 to 25 feet per ski<<
	




Now our money is about 12 % differance plus duty in Canada



---

eskflyer(at)lvcisp.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 5:38 pm Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

OMG , That is horrible Dave , We need to just load our planes with the stuff 

as we fly over and just say its spare parts for our own planes  if we have 

trouble lol . and stock it at your place .



Take care fly safe fly snow



John Perry



---

Float Flyr

Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 2704
Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 6:51 pm Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

Dave:



The floor jack is a good idea for getting in and out of the shop but

wouldn't help me get it on the trailer.  I have been considering bulling a

bit of snow up with my J5 and pulling the plane directly onto the trailer.



The WX here is a bit colder here today but we are a good ways off seeing the

bay freeze over.  I'm not planning on taking the floats off until it is well

and truly frozen... We are only about 12 WK away from spring break-up.....

Of course in this part of the world spring break-up occurs when the ice

breakers come in to open the bay for lobster fishing.  Late march... Fresh

water may not open until mid April.



The last few years have been pretty poor for ski flying...  Less snow and no

sea ice.  Inland you can land just about any where.  There are laws that

don't permit the building of roads close to ponds so getting the plane off a

trailer in location that is usable for flying can be fun.  The last owner

used to tow the plane behind his snowmobile about a half a mile to a frozen

bog he used as a strip.



Noel



[quote] --

_________________
Noel Loveys
Kitfox III-A
Aerocet 1100 Floats

Michel

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 966
Location: Norway

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:41 am Post subject: Skis for Kitfox's

On Dec 29, 2006, at 1:36 AM, Lynn Matteson wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   I was actually referring to your friend...Paul?...who welded your skis.


	


Yes, here is the story, Lynn. I got some good photos of wheel 

penetrating skis from a Norwegian Avid pilot. With the photos in the 

background, I went to make a technical drawing, at scale (scaling on 

the tyre diameter) of what I felt was a good reproduction of the Avid 

Flyer's skis. Then I asked my friend Paul, who has been a welder for 40 

years, to make them for me, from the drawings and the photos. But 

first, I took him for a flight, we looked at the gear construction, the 

axis, etc. Then he made them.

I even trusted them enough to go flying with me after the first trial 

that I have published on my web page. Incidentally, he is also the guy 

who welded my Jabiru engine mount. Those who have seen it say that it 

is a beautiful welding job.

Should I hit a rock under the snow, I don't know what will give up 

first. But, from taking the plane in and out of the hangar, it becomes 

evident to me that a side force on one end of the ski will give a big 

twisting moment and will probably damage the entire gear. So, my wish 

is that it would only bend the ski and not the gear. Does that make 

sense?



Cheers,

Michel

_________________
Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200

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