Originally Posted by
djk7
I think speed would also be an issue, and possibly fuel consumption. Are there any retractable float seaplanes? Jet seaplanes?
I would expect maintenance costs and downtime to be higher too, especially if salt water ports were used.
Not really a "seaplane" but Beriev makes the Be-200 for fighting fires. It's pretty cool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E858ja856Cw