COLONIAL SKIMMER
SPECIFICATIONS

N6595K - Colonial C-1 Skimmer Prototype 1948
Photo: © David B. Thurston via John Staber

Model C-1 Skimmer

Janes All The World's Aircraft, 1951-1952 edition, gave the following specifications for the Model C-1 Skimmer protoype, then still under development:

TYPE - Single-engined 2/3-seat amphibian.

WINGS - Cantilever shoulder-wing monoplane with tapered wing sections attached directly to sides of hull.  Structure consists of duralumin leading and trailing-edge torque boxes separated by a single duralumin main spar or beam.  All-metal ailerons.  Hydraulically operated slotted flaps over 80 per cent of span.  Gross wing area 150.6 sq ft (14 m²).

HULL - Single-step all-metal structure.

TAIL UNIT - Cantilever monoplane type.  All-metal construction.  Controllable elevator trim tabs.  Span of tail 10 ft (3.05 m), vertical tail area 19.42 sq ft (1.8 m²), horizontal tail area 26.39 sq ft (2.45 m²).

LANDING GEAR - Retractable tricycle type.  Knee-action oleo struts on main gear, which retracts into wings.  Long-stroke nosewheel oleo.  Nose wheel protrudes when retracted to serve as bumper when docking on water.  Hydraulic retraction by Adel electric-hydraulic power package.  Goodyear wheels, tyres and single-disc hydraulic brakes.  Nose wheel is free to swivel 30° either way.

POWER PLANT - One 125 hp Lycoming O-290-D four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine mounted on pylon above hull and driving an Aeromatic propeller of 6 ft 1 in (1.8 m) diameter.  Fuel capacity 40 US gallons (151 litres).

ACCOMODATION - Enclosed cabin normally seating two side-by-side. but third person may be seated behind.  Throw-over wheel control standard but dual controls available.  Blind-flying instruments, two-way radio and landing lights standard equipment.  Baggage capacity of over 40 cu ft (1.13 m³). available in passanger compartment.

Colonial C-1 Skimmer CF-IZS

PRODUCTION SPECIFICATIONS - During the final stage of development, the engine was again changed, this time to a 150 hp Lycoming Model O-320 engine.  The gross weight was increased 200 lbs.  When the production Model C-1 Skimmer was approved by the FAA and issued Aircraft Type Certificate No: 1A13 on 19 September 1955, the following specifications were given in the Type Certificate Data Sheet:

Engine

Lycoming O-320-A2A
150 hp @ 2700 rpm

Propeller

Hartzell 2 bladed 74 in

Never exceed speed (V_ne)

142 mph CAS (123 kts)

Limit speed - flaps extended (V_fe)

125 mph CAS (109 kts)

Limit speed - gear extended (V_lo)

125 mph CAS (109 kts)

Limit speed - maneuvering (V_a)

113 mph CAS (98 kts)

Limit speed - structural cruising (V_no)

113 mph CAS (98 kts)

Maximum weight

2150 lbs

Maximum baggage

200 lbs

Fuel capacity

40 US gal

Manufacturer's serial numbers

1-14, 16-20, 22-25

Model C-2 Skimmer IV

Colonial C-2 Skimmer IV

During 1957 the C-1 Skimmer was improved and developed into Model C-2 Skimmer IV.  An 180 hp engine was installed, the cockpit was redesigned to accommodate four seats (giving the "IV" designation), the horizontal tail surfaces were redesigned for added area, the wing floats were modified, the trim system was changed and structural improvements were made to the engine pylon and the wings for increased gross weight.  The C-2 Skimmer IV was approved by FAA on 24 December 1957, under ATC # 1A13.

Engine

Lycoming O-360-A1A 
180 hp @ 2700 rpm

Propeller

Hartzell 2 bladed 72 in

Never exceed speed (V_ne)

146 mph CAS (127 kts)

Limit speed - flaps extended (V_fe)

125 mph CAS (109 kts)

Limit speed - gear extended (V_lo)

125 mph CAS (109 kts)

Limit speed - maneuvering (V_a)

121 mph CAS (105 kts)

Limit speed - structural cruising (V_no)

122 mph CAS (106 kts)

Maximum weight

2350 lbs

Maximum baggage

200 lbs

Fuel capacity

40 US gal

Manufacturer's serial numbers

115, 126-143

Updated: 2003-10-08

Copyright  © 2003 John H. Staber & Steinar Saevdal

E-mail: Steinar Saevdal
E-mail: John H. Staber