WIPLINE MODEL 8000 SERVICE MANUAL
Page 52 of 62
1002554 • Rev H
7.0 REPAIRING FLOAT HULL SKINS, BULKHEADS AND SHEET METAL
The float hull is manufactured from the following aluminum alloys: Top skins and side skins
are .032" thick, 6061-T6, the bottom skin is .040" thick, 6061-T6; the nose bulkhead is .100" thick,
6061-T6; all remaining forward bulkheads are .032" thick, 6061-T6; The aft wheel-well bulkhead is
.050" thick, 6061-T6; the afterbody skin is .032" thick, 6061-T6; all afterbody bulkheads are .040"
thick, 6061-T6.
Damage to the skins, bulkheads and any other sheet metal may be repaired per Figures 7-1,
7-2, 7-3, or any acceptable repair method listed in FAA Advisory Circular 43.13.1A.
Any float hull skin or bulkhead or part thereof can be purchased from Wipaire to aid in repair.
To simplify repairs, the skins can be ordered precut to shape.
All outside hull skins are bonded to the extrusions with a special heat pressure 3M adhesive.
This bond adheres skins to the inside of all extrusions.
Skins may be reattached to extrusions by methods shown in figures in 7-4, 7-5, and 7-6. If the
skin bond must be broken from an extrusion for a long distance the caulking material must first be
removed from the exterior crack. Then heat the extrusion with a propane torch until the bond
starts to loosen. Caution must be taken not to heat and loosen bonds not needing replacement.