I can't see the direct-drive 1/2 VW having near enough thrust to drag along a set of floats, much less take off from calm water.....
A DE with re-drive on the other hand......
By 1931, most light aircraft had two seats rather than one. Airplane owners naturally wanted to share the pleasures of flight, and even more important was the fact that a second seat was necessary if the plane was to be used for flight instruction. In order not to lose its lead in the field, the Aeronautical Corporation of America set about developing the C-3, a larger version of the C-2 with seating for two side by side. Power was to be provided by the new Aeronca E-113 engine of 36 hp. Two prototype C-3s were put through extensive tests in 1930 and production started in March of the following year.
Aeroncas were also offered as seaplanes after the first fifty C-2s had rolled out the factory door. The single and two-seat versions were designated PC-2 and PC-3, respectively, the "P" standing for pontoon. Floats were manufactured by Warner; Aircraft Products Corporation; and the Edo Corporation of Long Island, New York. Edo was the largest supplier and also offer their Model D-990 and D-1070 floats as a conversion kit for wheeled Aeronca at a price of $750 The year 1932 saw the introduction of detachable cockpit doors with inset windows. "
Seems a 37hp does have enough thrust, or am I missing something? I actually have no idea, just hopeful.What you are missing is the rpm at which rated power is produced. The E-113 produced 36 hp @ 2500 rpm. The 1/2 VW produces 37hp @ 3600 rpm.
http://www.fiddlersgreen.net/models/aircraft/aeronca-flyingbathtub.html (http://www.fiddlersgreen.net/models/aircraft/aeronca-flyingbathtub.html)QuoteBy 1931, most light aircraft had two seats rather than one. Airplane owners naturally wanted to share the pleasures of flight, and even more important was the fact that a second seat was necessary if the plane was to be used for flight instruction. In order not to lose its lead in the field, the Aeronautical Corporation of America set about developing the C-3, a larger version of the C-2 with seating for two side by side. Power was to be provided by the new Aeronca E-113 engine of 36 hp. Two prototype C-3s were put through extensive tests in 1930 and production started in March of the following year.
Aeroncas were also offered as seaplanes after the first fifty C-2s had rolled out the factory door. The single and two-seat versions were designated PC-2 and PC-3, respectively, the "P" standing for pontoon. Floats were manufactured by Warner; Aircraft Products Corporation; and the Edo Corporation of Long Island, New York. Edo was the largest supplier and also offer their Model D-990 and D-1070 floats as a conversion kit for wheeled Aeronca at a price of $750 The year 1932 saw the introduction of detachable cockpit doors with inset windows. "