Molt Taylor developed his Coot Amphibian from a World War II Marine assault glider design that featured the unique low “Float-wing” common to both Coot A and Coot B models. The former features a fiberglass hull, the latter a twin-boom tail. Both prototypes have been flying for a number of years. The Coot Floatwing design eliminates the need for tip floats for lateral stability, provides a “deck” to step on for hand-cranking the propeller, protects the engine and propeller from spray, and provides ground-cushion effect for shorter takeoffs. Taylor considers the optimum engine to be the Franklin 180-hp Sport Six, which permits a smooth-water takeoff at 1950 pounds gross in six to eight seconds from a standing start though power can be supplied by any engine from 150 to 220 hp with a controllable propeller. A deep-V hull design permits rougher water operations than possible with twin-float designs, and a low thrust-line offers optimum elevator response for faster water liftoff. The Coot is a comfortable two-place ship with side-by-side seating and dual controls. The folding wings make road towing and home storage possible. With all his aircraft designs Molt Taylor emphasizes that performance and specification figures are greatly dependent on such variables as engine size, fuel capacity, etc.
The first Coot-A flew in 1969. Two prototypes were built, Coot A with a single tail, and Coot B with twin tail booms. Sooper-Coot Model A was a series version of the former.
The Sooper-Coot-A two place amphibian price in 1982 was $12,000 (Excludes engine and instruments). Units delivered to June 1982: 100.
Over 400 reportedly were being constructed by home-builders by 1977 with various 100-180hp engines.
Coot
1969
Engine: Franklin 335, 180hp
Wingspan: 36’0″
Length: 20’0″
Useful load: 850 lb
Max speed: 140 mph
Cruise speed: 130 mph
Stall: 56 mph
Seats: 2
Coot A
Engine: Franklin, 180 hp
HP range: 100-225
Construction: wood/fiberglass
Wingspan 36’-37’
Wing area: 180 sq.ft
Weight empty: 1450 lbs
Gross: 1950 lbs
Baggage 100 lb
Fuel capacity 24-50 USG
Height: 7 ft
Length: 22 ft
Seats: 2
Landing gear: retractable nose wheel
Speed max: 140 mph
Cruise 100-130 mph
Climb rate: 600-1250 fpm
Stall 45-50 mph
Takeoff run (land) 200-600 ft
Takeoff time (water) 10-12 seconds
Service ceiling: 15,000 ft
Range: 500 sm
Designed: 1967
First built: 1968
Coot A
Empty weight: 700 kg
Wing span: 11 m
Wing area: 14 sq.m
Fuel capacity: 151 lt
Engine: Lycoming/Continental
MAUW: 1043 kg
Seats: 2
Max speed: 190 kph
Cruise speed: 177 kph
Minimum speed: 97 kph
Climb rate: 5 m/s
Fuel consumption: 23 lt/hr
Plan price (1998): $205
Sooper-Coot-A
Gross weight: 1,950 lb
Empty weight: 1,250 lbs
Useful load: 700 lbs
Seats: 2
All Aero 