Battson wrote:

DJ Balla wrote:What should I expect to pay for a decent 4-place Bearhawk?

Prices on the open (public) market range from $60k US to $145k, and you get what you pay for. "Decent" is a subjective term.

If you are on a tight budget, it would be much cheaper to buy a rough one at 60k and upgrade / fix rather than buying a prize-winner.

DJ Balla wrote:

Battson wrote:

DJ Balla wrote:What should I expect to pay for a decent 4-place Bearhawk?

Prices on the open (public) market range from $60k US to $145k, and you get what you pay for. "Decent" is a subjective term.

If you are on a tight budget, it would be much cheaper to buy a rough one at 60k and upgrade / fix rather than buying a prize-winner.

Understood that “decent” is subjective...my definition is: straight airframe, as strong as specified, Steam gauges, fabric interior that isn’t shredded, fabric and paint with at least 15 years left assuming that the plane gets hangared and no known engine issues.

DJ Balla wrote:All, thank you for the responses; they have been extremely helpful!
That said, I called my insurance broker and was shocked at the rates given for a Maule...I need to confirm if those rates are for the fleet or only the taildragger. I also need to see how the insurance costs compare to a C180 as well.

OregonMaule wrote:

DJ Balla wrote:All, thank you for the responses; they have been extremely helpful!
That said, I called my insurance broker and was shocked at the rates given for a Maule...I need to confirm if those rates are for the fleet or only the taildragger. I also need to see how the insurance costs compare to a C180 as well.

I fly a Maule. My insurance is comparably to 180/182 same value. I am maybe 15% higher. If you are a low time TW pilot with no Maule time, you will get hammered the 1st year or 2. After that it will come down if you do 100 hours a year.

Back in 2007 I bought my 2000 235HP TW Maule for 130K I had 0 TW time and 100 hr in 152/150/172. The first year was $6500 I about died.
08 paid $2900
09 paid $1300
10-18 it has gone up a little every year. I have the hull at 105K now and pay $1550

Cheers...Rob

OregonMaule wrote:

DJ Balla wrote:All, thank you for the responses; they have been extremely helpful!
That said, I called my insurance broker and was shocked at the rates given for a Maule...I need to confirm if those rates are for the fleet or only the taildragger. I also need to see how the insurance costs compare to a C180 as well.

I fly a Maule. My insurance is comparably to 180/182 same value. I am maybe 15% higher. If you are a low time TW pilot with no Maule time, you will get hammered the 1st year or 2. After that it will come down if you do 100 hours a year.

Back in 2007 I bought my 2000 235HP TW Maule for 130K I had 0 TW time and 100 hr in 152/150/172. The first year was $6500 I about died.
08 paid $2900
09 paid $1300
10-18 it has gone up a little every year. I have the hull at 105K now and pay $1550

Cheers...Rob

CamTom12 wrote:

OregonMaule wrote:

DJ Balla wrote:All, thank you for the responses; they have been extremely helpful!
That said, I called my insurance broker and was shocked at the rates given for a Maule...I need to confirm if those rates are for the fleet or only the taildragger. I also need to see how the insurance costs compare to a C180 as well.

I fly a Maule. My insurance is comparably to 180/182 same value. I am maybe 15% higher. If you are a low time TW pilot with no Maule time, you will get hammered the 1st year or 2. After that it will come down if you do 100 hours a year.

Back in 2007 I bought my 2000 235HP TW Maule for 130K I had 0 TW time and 100 hr in 152/150/172. The first year was $6500 I about died.
08 paid $2900
09 paid $1300
10-18 it has gone up a little every year. I have the hull at 105K now and pay $1550

Cheers...Rob

That’s a pretty good rate, Rob. I’ve a 4-place experimental at $40k hull and pay a smidge over $1k annually.

DJ Balla wrote:Understood that “decent” is subjective...my definition is: straight airframe, as strong as specified, Steam gauges, fabric interior that isn’t shredded, fabric and paint with at least 15 years left assuming that the plane gets hangared and no known engine issues.

StuBob wrote:It’s so seldom I have anything to contribute to BCP, but I do know a little about airplane ownership, mission, and homebuilts. So, in an effort to get my post count up. . . .

Just buy a Maule!


No, no, no. That’s not it.

Is the family realistically going to fly with you and are you realistically going to go camping and whatnot? If not, just get the Pitts and be done with it. If so, get the minivan 182. Every mechanic can work on them and every potential partner can already fly one. You could probably get a 180 within your budget. It ticks the tailwheel box and keeps all of the 182’s features, though it might be a little smaller inside, depending on which 180 you’re comparing to which 182.

You’ve gotten some other good recommendations (I like Stinsons and REALLY like Aeronca Sedans), but I wouldn’t recommend something so exotic for a first-time owner. And there’s no homebuilt and no airplane with sticks that’ll do this mission, even for double your budget.

Timberwolf wrote:Sorry brother but you're incorrect on this one. STOL/XC/ sticks and experimental do exist. Murphy super rebel, Yukon, or moose meet these goals. More room and payload than a 180/182. Plus speed depending on engine choice. And they can be had for a very reasonable price if you're willing to spend some time looking and waiting.

StuBob wrote:

Timberwolf wrote:Sorry brother but you're incorrect on this one. STOL/XC/ sticks and experimental do exist. Murphy super rebel, Yukon, or moose meet these goals. More room and payload than a 180/182. Plus speed depending on engine choice. And they can be had for a very reasonable price if you're willing to spend some time looking and waiting.

I hope you’re right, but he has a budget of $65-85k. Have you really seen any of those models in that price range?

DJ Balla wrote:After much consideration I am adjusting my mission specs as I think I went too narrow and ran out of options under $100k:

Yokes are ok, taildragger is not a requirement, 115kt cruise is ok but 4-place still required and although I probably just described a c172 or Cherokee I am looking for a more unique experience.