I like the DHC-2 Turbo Beaver amphibian (or wheeled version), flies well and looks good outside, the VC is a bit rough though. (at least it has a VC).

http://www.premaircraft.com/turbo_beaver_FSX/index.html

 

Lake Renegade:

http://flyawaysimulation.com/downloads/files/4935/fsx-lake-renegade/get/

The plane works although the model is pretty dated and the VC has some issues.

I would suggest the Quest Kodiak; it comes in an Amphib version, and is a little faster than the Turbo Beaver.

 

 

Sent from my AT100 using Tapatalk 2

 

 

 

 

My fav is the BeaverX by Aerosoft.

+1

 

Unbeatable - especially for the region that you intend exploring!

+1 on the beaverX

+1 on the Kodiak.

Flying two AS-BeaverX/MAAM-SIM 47C, waiting for one /AS-TwinOtter-Amphibian.

FSD has an amphibian porter and you get the three versions for the price of one.

 

The birddog has an amphibian version too.

 

The Islander is also great without floats.

C185 is really nice I bought it whent it come to the market and still flew it a lot in ORBX Pacific Fjord / Tongass region where there is plenty of seaplane base.

it's a good compromise of speed, STOL capacity, size and being a high wind aircraft you have a nice view.

 

I also own the beaver but don't flew it that much, the VC is really dated for today's standard (and is a bit too slow for my taste as well)

Out of all of the above mentioned, is the A2A J3 really the only one that simulates the step?

You can get A2A's Accufeel 2.0 which adds float/water physics (such as getting on the step) to any aircraft that might not have detailed water handling. Plus you get great sound effects.