Years ago, our aircraft division asked me to evaluate a Maule M-7-235 on floats for consideration as a fleet airplane. I put ~ 200 hours on that plane, conducting wildlife surveys/telemetry and hauling loads.

My report to the aircraft folks was to buy the airplanes (Maules) for specific stations, specifically where the legs are relatively short with loads, and with wildlife work to do. The point being the Maule has great LONG legs with those 72 gallon tanks, but with full fuel, useful load is not great. So, like many/most planes, the Maule is a cabin load OR full fuel plane.

No question those cargo doors are great. Over the years, I learned to dislike Skywagon doors, having loaded lots of Zodiaks, outboards, etc, etc. But, most folks don't carry that kind of stuff.

The 180 is FAR tougher than the Maule. And, frankly, if hardware store type accessories bother you, don't go Maule. Over the years, Maule's fabric work and workmanship has significantly improved, which is good, cause the older ones look pretty rough after some years.

A side note, for what it's worth, which may be nothing: Maule MIG welds it's fuselage structures.

I do find it humorous and handy i can buy replacement gas caps at napa and oleo oil is for Ford tractors

mtv wrote:The 180 is FAR tougher than the Maule. And, frankly, if hardware store type accessories bother you, don't go Maule. Over the years, Maule's fabric work and workmanship has significantly improved, which is good, cause the older ones look pretty rough after some years.

We got some good classic characters to chime in, here! Too funny reading the nostalgic posts—the new heyday can be now! And perhaps if I can lock in an airplane, it will happen. I think part of waning engagement is due to migration to mobile-first experiences, and I am working on making that better.

As far as 180 vs M7, I love seeing no clear winner in these replies. I can find pros and cons to both types. I loved the point about "putting a dent in a Cessna and it never forgets". So true. I've spent a fair about of time in both with friends and it's still not a clear decision.

The lines and aesthetic of a Skywagon are simply gorgeous...it has no peer, IMO. Especially a late 180 or 185 with the bigger vertical/dorsal.

For some reason I identify with the rag and tube fuselage of the Maule. I love exposed tubing, skylights, the promise of an easy (kinda) restoration if the fabric wears beyond salvage. It's one reason I started building the Bearhawk years ago.

At the risk of rebuttal, I might even say that a flexible steel tube fuselage handles the beating of rough water on floats with greater robustness than an aluminum fuselage. I have a friend who likes to remind me that long-time Skywagon seaplanes often have some big door gaps and are wonky for a reason. But what Skywagon ever had rusted-out lower longerons? None.

Since posting this, a member has reached out to me saying he is thinking about selling his airplane and would I be interested? Maybe!

When I think about what I love about flying, a couple things come to mind: exploring our plentiful waters on floats, but I also just love tailwheel flying. Somehow the Maule with oleos or even these modern shock systems like ACMEs is a more playful and fun experience off-airport/river bars or even grass strips. I always feel like I am abusing a Cessna on rough stuff.

Since some are probably wondering, the Bearhawk is a bit of a sore subject. It's not for lack of ability or skill, but wow—I have learned a lot about the time that is available to me. And how parenthood has changed me. And the devil is in the details. Until you have built one of these machines, especially a Bearhawk kit, there are things that are not readily evident about both the kits and the wide world of experimental scope creep in general.

One thing you might consider is the fact that you live in the frozen wasteland, and I understand the Maules are pretty chilly inside when it’s cold out.

I have flown skywagons in -40 temps and it stays warm (at least in the front seats)

Even if you try to avoid flying in extreme cold, you often wake up and it is much colder than forecasted on the day you need to go home.

We operate Maules in the same conditions up here in the Yukon. Did over 200 hours of wildlife survey last winter with the average temperatures in the -30 celsius range.

Set up properly with the dual heaters The Maule is warmer than any 180. Each needs to be set up properly for cold weather ops.

My Cub is arguably the warmest aircraft. I build it from scratch tight with full dual heaters from the leading edge exhaust system, it actually has a real dual chamber heater set up with much more surface area than other exhaust systems.

Cubs are the most notorious for being cold especially in the back seat.

On the strip and paint VS fabric I personally rather do fabric than paint strip a metal Plane.

The Maule only has tail and Fuselage to do and that is easy without any rib stitching.

Both always end up needing more work once striped of paint or fabric be prepared for that.

The golden age, good times and great friends!

180 vs M7, good luck. Both are an investment so buy what brings you the biggest smile. You seemed to enjoy the 170, a light 180 is that on steroids.

Pretty darn similar envelope. I'd be happy with either really.
For my money though I'd be looking a little harder at 180's, it's just such a good looking airplane. At the end of the day flying is mostly about ego and I'd need a paper bag on my head to fly a Maule with that tail... (kidding...ish:P)

Zzz I understand you might have an interest in float flying so keep in mind that all 180's are not equal, specifically a float kit. As I understand it Maules essential are equal, the float kit is either a bolt on or part of the "standard" build from the factory. The same can not be said for the 180 and the cost of adding at float kit to one will put a tear in your eyes.

Zane, whatever happened to that Pacer you bought?

hotrod180 wrote:Zane, whatever happened to that Pacer you bought?

I sold the component parts.

I'm somewhat close to receiving my mandatory paper bag headwear (thanks DreadpirateWill)...will know in a couple weeks. I also have a really great Skywagon option but the price is just out of reach, and the motor is pretty old (1983 overhaul). I think that ultimately...I'm just a pirate who likes the Maule ethos. The tail has grown on me.

The airplane market is really soft. I'd make a low offer especially if the 180 has a high time or old overhaul. Some of the listings I have seen lately look like the owners are stuck in time a couple years back. Nothing is moving right now, from what I have seen.

StillLearning wrote:The airplane market is really soft. I'd make a low offer especially if the 180 has a high time or old overhaul. Some of the listings I have seen lately look like the owners are stuck in time a couple years back. Nothing is moving right now, from what I have seen.

It’s super weird and just depends on the seller’s desire to sell. I know of a M-7-235 that just sold for $5k below asking, which is pretty high if you’ve been paying attention to the listings. Then again, i know of one that sold off-market for $80k last fall.

The price isn’t as much an issue for me as the experience, which is why I created this thread. I have spent a fair amount of time in both types, and was just curious how others feel.

One thing is for sure…I need to get flying. But i’m a little more pleasure-driven. So many guys i know are solely focused on useful load and how much stuff they can haul. I’m also a little irrational and when i hear any Maule hate it makes me want one more.

Hopefully it works out! I think most guys could care less what someone else chooses as their aircraft. Heck, I'm the same type, seem to go for the not so common types at times.
Generally I think most pilots just like to tease other pilots in thier choice of planes. I like them all!!

Come on down for a visit when you get the new to you flyer!

Zzz wrote:One thing is for sure…I need to get flying. But i’m a little more pleasure-driven. So many guys i know are solely focused on useful load and how much stuff they can haul. I’m also a little irrational and when i hear any Maule hate it makes me want one more.

Hard agree, and I for one look forward to the availability of BCP logo paper bags

Zzz wrote:..... I’m also a little irrational and when i hear any Maule hate it makes me want one more.

I told someone I didn't care for Taylor Swift's music since she moved from country to pop,
and was told (by a twenty-something girl) "don't be a hater".
These days, it seems like if you're not a big fan of something, or someone, you're a hater.

FWIW I haven't heard any "maule hate" here.

hotrod180 wrote:

Zzz wrote:..... I’m also a little irrational and when i hear any Maule hate it makes me want one more.

I told someone I didn't care for Taylor Swift's music since she moved from country to pop,
and was told (by a twenty-something girl) "don't be a hater".
These days, it seems like if you're not a big fan of something, or someone, you're a hater.

FWIW I haven't heard any "maule hate" here.

Everybodies thinking it, I’m just saying it. Pirate!

Hoping to owning one of the types in the hopefully not too distant future.
What do you guys think how they compare regarding the operating costs? Fuel, maintenance, annuals, repairs. Is there a significant difference between the airframes and the O-470 / O-540?
The (very few) ones (both types) that are for sale here in Europe are partly way over TBO (I don't mind running an engine way beyond TBO if it's going strong/reliable) and more importantly seem to have flown very little hours over the (last) years or actually rather decades...
I know a lot comes down to how the engines were treated but does one of them handle this "mistreatment" better than the other? Prices are ridiculous nonetheless for the 180s.
This may be wrong but I got the impression that many people consider the Lycoming easier to work on and a little easier/cheaper to get parts for. Also a more common engine AFAIK.
Thank you!

hotrod180 wrote:

Zzz wrote:..... I’m also a little irrational and when i hear any Maule hate it makes me want one more.

I told someone I didn't care for Taylor Swift's music since she moved from country to pop,
and was told (by a twenty-something girl) "don't be a hater".
These days, it seems like if you're not a big fan of something, or someone, you're a hater.

FWIW I haven't heard any "maule hate" here.

Here, Here!; I’m not seeing Maule “hate”. Frankly, I see more differences than similarities between the Cessna 180 series and the Maule 7 series. The differences only increase once the "late model" 180 enters the discussion (defined as the '64 G model and later). Personally, I have zero interest in pre '64 180's as they are limited in range, gross weight and STC's. Their weight class 2550/2650 and useful load is similar to the M-7, albeit a different wing (airfoil), different airframe construction, different gear, different engine, and the list goes on…
Many make much ado about Maule cargo doors; I supplied lodges and remote cabins while operating in Alaska with our 180H (3190 upgross), hauled the gamut of typical lodge wares, to include well pumps, generators, oxygen/acetylene (the big T and K tanks), aircraft engines and other items that require re-enforcing the floor with ¾” plywood. Ditch the door stewards and the doors pop off in less than 5 seconds by pulling the two hinge pins. Rear seats on tracks quickly optimize pax/cargo configurations. For those not requiring this capability, the Maule may be appropriate.
IMO, true “backcountry” utility requires range and a useful load allowing the actual use of that tankage to get there and back. Few certified contenders can match the robust construction, capabilities and overall utility of a float-kit equipped late model 180. No emotion, just fact based on sound science.

TR

There’s no hate in this thread, very proud of the BCP even keelers.

However, if your antenna and receiver are broader band and high gain like mine has been on the topic, you will receive or find opinions that aren’t exactly flattering. I am being euphemistic.

Anyway, where i’m at in budget, i think condition of a specimen trumps everything. So much overpriced junk out there for sale.