Skybolt Experience ?? Floaters vs Fixed
 

I am fitting my cowling and have an old Skybolt set (2004ish never opened) with all floating receptacles. The Skybolt instructions imply that they now only recommend 6 floaters on the firewall. I don't know what is used along the cowl sides.

Skybolt (mil spec too) users with some hours on, what is your experience with all floaters? If not favorable, where should fixed be used vs the floaters?

Your help is appreciated.

Thanks

I am installing skybolts on my cowling as well, and their instructions for the floaters seems vague. I guess I don't understand what they will do for me.

The floaters were recommended to be installed around the firewall.


Glenn Wilkinson

This is what the instructions say, and the second photo is what they recommend. Maybe when done it will make sense, but to just read it something gets lost in the reasons:
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OK, as stated in the OP I have ALL floating receptacles - ALL 48 of them, NO fixed at all.

Historically, when the Skybolt kits were first (to my knowledge) used in early 2000's all floaters were used. Apparently, there were a lot of people that had trouble with all of them as there was cowl movement when fastened. Skybolt kindly swapped out for existing customers, and changed the kits to have much fewer floaters ( down to 6??) and the remainder became fixed (real facts needed here).

I am trying to get direct connection with owners with skybolt fasteners, of all combinations, to come to a conclusion about what to do as I believe it is universal that all floaters will not result in a sufficiently rigid cowl.

I would think it would allow that portion of the cowl to mount differently each time if all were used.
I wonder if they want them used on the ends of the bottom cowl as well? I am using them all around on my cowl.

They should
 

Ned is good people. I'm sure he will swap out as needed. They've been great to me and easy to work with.

I used all floaters on the firewall. When I replace the bottom cowling, I simply fasten only two or so at the split line so I can get the front baffling in position. Then I attach the upper cowling with two fasteners attached. Next, I insert my side pins into the hinges. I stand in front and wriggle/seat the cowling in its "natural" spot and then proceed to secure all the fasteners.

It simply doesn't move after that. Remember that the fasteners are adjustable in depth and that allows you to set a comfortable yet firm grip. With 25 or so fasteners and the hinge pins it simply is not going to move.

At least that has been my experience so far.

Don

I am using Skybolts for connecting the two halves, as well as to the firewall

Floaters
 

I am using the Skybolt system on my RV-8 for 135 hrs now and have No Problems with them . I have Floaters on the Firewall and Non Floaters on the seam between the upper cowl and lower cowl . I also have one #8 screw on each air in let outer and 3ea. #8 screws to the spinner side . It works well for me . :) That being said ------ if I were to do it again I think I would not use the Floaters on the Lower cowl verticle lt. & rt. Sides , I would use Vans Hinges and pins here only ! I think it would be easier to put the lower cowl in place drop the the pins streight down and it is all firmly in place ! Then use the Skybolt fasteners to finish the attachment of the cowl , butta bing / butta bang !:D