You need a smaller project, how about one of these?
I'm a big fan of pusher aircraft, and combine that with floats and I go a little nuts.
Homepage:
http://www.creativeflight.com/floats.html
Gallery:
http://www.creativeflight.com/gallery.html
AEROCAT TRX - $94,000 (US)
The Aerocat is essentially a fastbuild kit. The airframe assembly requires factory-dedicated mold and vacuum-bag layup. Wings, fuselage, power arch and all control surface areas will be factory made and shipped out as complete parts. Aerocat builders can have the essential fuselage parts shipped to their build site or may want to take advantage of a quickbuild facility right here to complete the bulk of the required bolt-on and control cable assembly.