Tower Hobbies Seawind 1.4m PNP - Model AV8R Fun Flight/Overview

[@BillKisel]

Seeing the taxi in and out of the water was really cool.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

That is what sold me on it. Very cool to do with a model!

[@madmaxxmiami]

Really nice job of showing off the plane at all angles in great lighting... and that 4th landing... like butter. ;) Great video. Well done.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much!

[@northernfpv9562]

You really did this old thing justice. Beautiful flying and filming!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much.

[@SlowFlyer85]

another great plane I am going to start playing the lottery want all the planes coming out lol I like that loop drop and really cool driving it in the water and out great video Adam and Heidi keep them coming ☺👍👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Frank! Lol...me too. I want em' all, but not enough room!

[@odwatchguy]

Something different and cool with wings. Thanks Adam and Heidi for another great video.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is! Thanks man!

[@cliffshepard2166]

Adam, I bought this plane through your link and built it as my first PNP, with an AR631. It looks a bit tricky to fly but I look forward to a maiden sometime this week. Thanks for a great video!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Cliff congrats on your first PNP, and thank you man for using our link. We appreciate that very much. It's not bad at all, and will be even better with AS3X. Stay ahead of it landing. If you need to go around just remember to advance the throttle smoothly and you'll be fine. Good luck on your maiden!

[@SunriseRCAviator]

That looks like a sweet plane!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Fun in the water!

[@RickyD1968]

Very cool airplane/seaplane. Your second water landing was perfect !!!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is! Thanks, yeah after the first one I had to try again.

[@mikessi]

Well that looks like fun and not the typical model we see these days. Excellent video Team AV8R!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Mike!

[@Serialcrasher]

Very cool 👍

[@hechtspeed]

Dude how sick is that! Gorgeous lake too!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Dude. I was kinda not really interested in it. Nice plane, but not my thing personally...then I taxied it down the boat ramp into the water. That's a rap. Love it!

[@IansRCExploits]

What a wicked plane!! I love the way the wheels fold up for it to become a sea plane!! Looks great in the sky too Adam, great video as always Adam and Heidi 😀👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It really is Ian! Different.

[@JN24185]

Wow. What a gorgeous plane and some masterful flying. That was beautiful.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@FlyingT5150]

I was all set to get FMS Maule , then I saw this! I will be doing bounce and goes all summer off different lakes with this!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Decisions decisions...lol. Great airplanes both.

[@DronemanJoeRc]

Excellent idea on taking the hatch off. I did the same and its much easier to then work with. Thanks bud.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Glad that helped. It makes the process easier for sure.

[@DronemanJoeRc]

@@ModelAV8RChannel the only prob I had was once I fired it up and cycled the rear gear the servo started to grind and it was toast. when looking at how to change it. well if you haven't looked at how tight of area it to get changed. Im very upset and TH will only send me a new servo and wont advise on the best way to change to. Im so pissed off now!! bc its not a easy change out for that servo!! Any advice I would appreciate it? Let me know bud!!

[@DronemanJoeRc]

any idea on how to change that rear gear servo and advise?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@@DronemanJoeRc Oh dang man, that sucks! You are right, it isn't easy. I did it for a buddy years ago (He was a really old fella, didn't have steady hands anymore). I had to cut a hatch out from the top of the plane to make getting it easier. Water never really gets up there so it was fine, plus you can tape around it to make it water tight. I'm not gonna lie, it was tedious, so be patient so you don't hulk smash it. Lol. I hated to cut it, but it actually looked fine when all said and done. This newer version is supposed to have the end points set from the factory. Mine worked fine (obviously). When you get the new servo in, turn the servo travel down on both ends in your transmitter before you power it up. Once you power it up, you can adjust the travel so it gets to where it goes, then stops with no binding.

[@DronemanJoeRc]

@@ModelAV8RChannel I finally took it out and trust me its not meant for choppy water, the wind was calm and when I got to the lake it was choppy so I said Im going for it. My first mistake was taxi in safe..wrong you dont get much control. also being stupid to change camera angle water seems to have got into the cabin with the gear down. when I landed I had it in safe and being stupid I didnt switch to safe off so the water being choppy and it was hard to turn and I wasnt think. dumb..however I noticed when you taxied into the water your gear goes up fast and mine kinda goes medium speed if that. I cant figure out how to get mine to pull up as fast as yours. Love some more advice bud!!

[@kboat5524]

Man that is cool great video

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Adam great demonstration, nice float option. Jeff in LA USA

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Jeff!

[@djr01974]

Fantastic. 👍🏻

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@carlosponce3766]

Very nice video

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you so much!

[@Bellairvideo]

Once again, a well explained & flight detail of a very innovative aircraft model. I would love to land her in the surf & up onto the beach… before the rust sets in😁 Great show Adam & Heidi✔️✔️✔️🦘

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Noel! Ha! That would be awesome!

[@SteffenRC]

Great review. What a cool plane. Really liked the taxi in/out of water. I think it would be a real crowd pleaser at the club or boat dock. Nice job on the scale landing.. That bounce landing was totally unacceptable. 😀

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Will. The boat ramp sold me on it! Yes...I couldn't let that crappy landing go...

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Great review and flights of a really unusual model, Adam. If we hadn't have moved house away from the flood plain flying field, I would totally have bought one of these based on this video.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Gina! The boat ramp ops are so much fun!

[@JustEnoughRC]

This is a super fun plane to fly. Seems this one has more power than the original. Although the one I flew was pretty beat. Nice flying and video my friends 👊👍✌️

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is Jude! Thanks man!

[@dronepilot260rc]

Definitely a unique style 🎉

[@tomorrow517]

So excited they released this plane! 😎

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is a fun one!

[@jollyroger2226]

Very cool! Sorta looks like something James Bond would have used. That second landing was really sweet! ( I knew you could do it. ) And thanks for the hints.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It kinda does! Thanks man, yeah after that first landing I couldn't stop on that one. Lol

[@jcb6713]

now that's something ! great vid...

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! Its different. I like it a lot after that first trip down the boat ramp! Lol

[@davidsnyder238]

Very cool 😎

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is pretty neat David.

[@payitfwdrcl6171]

Real nice. I too am glad to see old models coming back. This one is cool, but a balsa version sure “wood” be sweeter. This one is on the radar. 😉

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is Brad, and yeah...an actual amphibious balsa one...maybe glassed where needed would be sweet!

[@payitfwdrcl6171]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Adam. Now you talkin! ❤️

[@AeroNautical100]

It’s nice having a plane too where you don’t need floats , it just works both ways

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yep! Very fun airplane!

[@robertnordeck9547]

Great job Adam; now if I didn't have 5 floatplanes and had more $$'s than cents I'd be all over this one

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! Lol

[@CR5rc]

Nicely done Adam. Looks like a plane I may just have to try 😊

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is fun Chris. At first I was like "meh", cool plane but not my thing personally. Then I taxied it down and up that boat ramp. That's a rap, I love it now! Lol.

[@tughillrc6327]

Great Job on the video, Snow ops is the order of the day here. I wonder if it would do o.k. on snow. Love the price point and may pick this one up just to try it on snow.Enjoyed watching. Miss Bubba's input.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Tug. Should do fine on snow, I've seen guys fly it off of wet grass.

[@jayaustin3096]

Best review yet. I would be worried about the tail rudder that comes down when the landing gear go up. I guess you have to watch that. Short grass or unhook the water rudder. Awesome plane. Something different for a change, and it has lights. Hard not to buy. Thanks for the spooky code.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Jay! The way the plane sits on the ground with the gear up, the "Boat hull" keeps the water rudder clear. I think if you don't flare to a high angle of attack you'll be good. Yeah the codes make it a steal.

[@charlie1571]

Wow! I thought I saw it all at 74 yrs. old.

[@Videolinquency]

I think the hidden advantage of planes like this is the fact that they can do safe ground take offs from a very cramped runway like a country lane or a drive, and then land gear up in much larger grass or snow covered areas that are impossible to take off from, but easy to land in, like your neighbour's field. I do a lot of FPV from home, and this is what I always wanted - a low risk ground take off from a small patch of hard ground, and a low heart rate belly landing in a much larger area than the tiny drive I took off from!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

That is definitely a possibility. It really is a versatile plane. Once I drove it down the boat ramp the first time, I was hooked! Lol

[@RubyS.1]

Thanks Adam just ordered it. 243 plus 4x points is good but it's the most beautiful/ugly plane I've ever seen.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Ha! Thank you Ruby! Yep I get it, gorgeous with the gear up, not so much when they're down!

[@anvil49]

I still have the old flyzone model. Flys great but you MUST tape the canopy down after inserting the batt. The water will gush in on takeoffs and landings because the nose want to dig in.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

If you watch the video...that wasn't an issue for us. Because of the thrust line...you have to advance the throttle slowly and smoothly on takeoff or it will shove the nose forward. On landing you have to come in with power and slowly lower power or the same thing happens. It is a matter of technique.

[@Freedom1776usa]

I have that one as well and I learned the hard way about taping canopy down. Ruined an ESC. Dried out the receiver.. added more magnets to canopy but still nosed her under the water on a different flight... looked like a submarine. lol. so yes tape is necessary. The Flyzone is very light compared to this one. I wonder how it fly's in comparison? I think I would tape this canopy as well. Anyone who has one of these knows!

[@Freedom1776usa]

great review. I noticed it sounds like you have some type of a vibration related to the motor speed. Did yo notice this or investigate? great airplane.. Can it take 4S?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! It can't take 4s, but has enough power on 3s. The vibration is the hatch.

[@InTheTubeDeepRC]

Great video thanks! I had mine for months NiB assembled a few weeks ago having a blast on the beach- what a great plane! I ventured into the ocean the retracts got wet of course sand got in the mechanism now its jammed cannot get it cleaned out tried everything! Any ideas on the nose gear ? thicker pushrod wire?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks. Years ago I replaced a retract servo in the older version of this for a guy...had to cut an access panel in the top of the plane. Only way I could get to it. On the nose gear if I remember right it collapses under pressure unless the plane is plugged up. The servo holds it in the extended position. If you're taxiing in sand...yeah you may need a stronger nose gear pushrod, or put a carbon tube over the existing pushrod.

[@InTheTubeDeepRC]

@@ModelAV8RChannel I pulled the plastic cover plate on nose gear hard to really see but looks like the pushrod clevis might be molded to the wire! I'll have another look after my morning fly and try to really blast it with water and air- way too many moving parts in that mechanism!!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yep, this one is old school. Not as easy to service as the newer designs unfortunately.

[@christhorney]

cool plane, would be awesome for fpv with no nose prop, i wonder if it would take 4s liion for some nice long fpv flights at the lake

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is. Only rated for 3s though.

[@christhorney]

@@ModelAV8RChannel most of my 3s planes have 5s capable esc, so I run them on 4s, would be a shame if it's only 3s max capable esc. My 3s planes usually take 4s liion well cos the liion packs sag so much and don't deliver high amps like a lipo the extra voltage helps make up for the loss of power

[@KyleS.Outdoors]

This looks awesome! It’s very exciting to see companies re-releasing past models, especially ones like this! Also, I have a question for you Adam. I’m looking into buying a larger scale foam bush plane and I am between a couple right now. What would you recommend as far as the best all around?

[@GregJ228]

Have you considered the carbon z-cub?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Hey Kyle. If you're talking 6s powered bush planes, then my hands down favorite is the E-Flite CZ Cub. Big, lots of presence, tough gear, and flies better than any other I've flown. Takes a few minutes to assemble at the field though, but worth it. I've flown them all, and to be fair at that size they all fly good, but the CZ Cub is exceptional, second for me would probably be the Grand Tundra, third the Arrows Husky (the only one of the three with "Meh" gear, the covers come off a lot).

[@richardhensley8281]

Going to pick one up fly it on lakel

[@rafaeltorres2886]

I just bought 😊

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Awesome Rafael! Enjoy it man!

[@rafaeltorres2886]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Thanks, it'll be my first amphibious plane.

[@droneschillan1738]

The Seawind looks fantastic, it's a good option, although I'm still waiting for the Icon 5 to be produced again. Regards.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It does! The Icon was fun back in the day.

[@marcosandreas7078]

I wish they had these in the UK, the only place that do sell them deliver to the US and Canada only! Such a shame for an amazing plane!!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Man that is unfortunate!

[@marcosandreas7078]

@ModelAV8RChannel Whilst I have you, what is the best sized 4s for the Efl SR22T? And what flight times do you get with the chosen one?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It flies great on both the 2200 and 3200, but we prefer the lighter pack. It slows down better on the 2200 4s and we have our timer set to 6 min. We'll get 6 min if we are throwing it around and we can get 7 or 8 just doing touch n goes. We have an episode on that one if you want to check it out. Great flyer.

[@marcosandreas7078]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Perfect, thank you! Your channel is amazing and very helpful!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much! We're glad it is helpful!

[@ironmover5800]

That’s awesome, I didn’t think they would ever bring cool things like this , should work good on snow also If gear is down is that to much drag to take off in water ?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is a really cool, different plane! Yes, way to much drag with the gear down in the water.

[@johnbrandon5493]

Knowing that there's a full size Seawind makes me wonder if it too can do a water landing then taxi up a boatramp? I'd say yes if wing clearance was adequate...

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yes the full scale Seawind can.

[@robieosborne7369]

😮😮😮😮

[@robertsmith8162]

Does anyone know what color of red is used on the seawind Towa1575?. I am trying to clean up the stabilizer and rudder

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

You can take a part with the red on it to Home depot...they can scan it and make you a small sample can that matches.

[@ajslug]

Have you figured out what that bottle in the package is for??

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is a squeeze bottle for sucking the water out should you get any in there.

[@ajslug]

I assumed that was the case, but wouldn't inverting and shaking the plane do a better job??

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yep, thats what I would do. That said knock on wood...we didn't get water in it when we flew it.

[@ajslug]

@@ModelAV8RChannel I just got it yesterday. Price was only $179. I couldn't resist! Some cyber Monday sale. Anyway, when the rain stops, and the fog lifts, and the wind is calm ( whenever that will be), I will maiden.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Have fun with it...we enjoyed it!

[@leerenslear1064]

Snow OP's should be just fine too???

[@FlankerTanker]

I had the flyzone one - but no water so I gave it up ...

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Makes sense...much more fun off water!

[@RickyD1968]

It would have been cool if they had a EDF version also ???

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

That would be interesting.

[@matthewmorrissey2568]

Can it run 4S?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Just 3s to my knowledge.

[@jerrylast4461]

can it handle a 4s?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Not rated for 4s, just 3s.

[@jerrylast4461]

I was just wondering because it has a 40a esc..@@ModelAV8RChannel

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@@jerrylast4461 I haven't put it on the watt meter, but the motor could be the weak link. Being capable of both is a good selling point, if they didn't go with that I'm sure there is a reason, but to be fair I don't know for sure.

[@jerrylast4461]

thanks, that makes sense.@@ModelAV8RChannel

[@brynhelling2755]

Wear can I by this and how much is it

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Link is in the description. That and the price are in the video...watch more than the flying. That is why we take the time to talk about it...all the info you need is in the video.

[@brynhelling2755]

Ok thanks

[@trevorfurlotte]

I mean who doesn't need another float plane. Am I right???

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yes Trevor...you are! Lol

[@davidharrington956]

Hey it's getting hard to find gift cards that I can use out of country. PayPal can't find that card any more. So my question is does tower hobby except gift card US only?😊

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Sorry I don't know.

[@vrosi1963]

flyzone ST Model to be exact ,still have several looks better with the prop off the e-flight Cirrus three blade and spinner and 60 amp esc and 850kv out of the turbo beaver

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Hopped yours up I see. Cool.

[@jameswilberger]

Stock is boring.will print some nice scale 3d printed pilots