History of PK Floats, Inc.
PK Floats was started in 1954 by Peter Kelner of International Falls, Minnesota. He designed a small seaplane float to accommodate the Aeronca “7” and “11” series aircraft, as well as the early versions of the Piper PA-18. Since he had only developed the hull and not the attach gear, Peter was able to get FAA approval to use existing EDO float attachment struts and fittings to install his floats on the aircraft.
The success of his PK1500 design prompted him to develop a larger PK1800 series float to be certified on aircraft with higher gross weights. Both the PK1500 and the PK1800 remained in production through the mid 1960’s.
In 1964, Peter sold the company to an engineer from Massachusetts named Kort Converse. He was interested in developing floats for larger aircraft, such as the Cessna 180/185. With assistance from Devore Aviation, a deep-V hull with flat top decks was produced and certified as the PK3500 series. An unfortunate aviation accident in 1968 claimed the life of Mr. Converse. Gil Devore purchased the PK Floats from his estate.
In 1970, all manufacturing was moved to Sanford, Maine. Aerofab, maker of the Lake Amphibian, produced PK’s under contract from Devore Aviation. Art Ritter, an engineer from EDO Corporation, was brought on board and during the 1970’s. He was responsible for developing and certifying models including the PK2050, PK2300, PK3000 and the amphibious PK3500 and PK4000. These floats were approved on Cessna, Maule, Piper, Bellanca and Helio aircraft.
A slowdown in general aviation in the late 1980’s prompted Devore to limit production of new floats and all manufacturing was moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. They continued to produce floats and replacement parts on a made to order basis.
In 1999, one of Devore’s long time float dealers, Alton Bouchard of Old Town, Maine purchased PK Floats and moved everything to a manufacturing facility in Lincoln, Maine. Mr. Bouchard was responsible for designing and certifying two new float models; the PK3050A for the Cessna 185 and the PK2250A for the Aviat Husky. Both of these new float models were amphibious and featured many new innovative designs. Alton’s unfortunate passing in 2013 halted production and the company remained dormant until 2015.
In 2015 PK Floats was purchased by SR Aviation. This purchase coupled with a substantial investment in the Lincoln, Maine facility breathed new life back into the company. Many of the former employees returned, and in the fall of 2015 PK Floats was back in production.
Three years later, in 2018, a group of local investors purchased PK Floats from SR Aviation. All of the investors are pilots, including the President, Patrick McGowan. In 2020, PK Floats developed several new floats for the experimental market, including the PK 2050A for the Carbon Cub and Super Legend Cub. Now PK Floats is busier than ever. With more orders coming in and more floats going out. The owners and employees are focused on building the “world’s finest seaplane floats” and growing this legendary brand and company.
Management Team
Josh Michaud – President
As President of PK Floats, Josh brings a strong background in manufacturing, business leadership, and operational excellence. He is commited to continuing PK Floats’s strong tradition of craftsmanship and customer support in the aviation industry. A Maine native, Josh is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys explorying the vast wilderness of the North Maine Woods.
Levi Guimond – Vice President of Operations
Levi was raised right here in Lincoln Maine, where aviation has always been one of his passions. He graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. In 2020, Levi led the development of the PK 2050A. This new float was created specifically for Experimental Super Cubs. Levi has a private pilots license, with a float rating, tailwheel, and complex endorsement. After owning two airplanes and flying hundreds of hours he understands the trust you must place in your equipment when operating in the backcountry. This understanding goes into each product here at PK.
PK Floats, Inc.
Lincoln Regional Airport (KLRG)
32 Flyaway Dr. / P.O. Box 309
Lincoln, ME 04457
207-794-0180 M-F 7:30-4:00 Eastern Time