Thanks! Well BigRenna and I went to check it out but looks like it has more damage history than reported and just doesn’t make sense for the price point. Needs the gears sent out, and a bunch of things done to get the 180k in good shape. That being said, the search continues.

Just wondering why do people like 180s with the float kit if they don’t intend to put it on floats? Is it for the corrosion proofing or do the added doublers and reinforcement provide some good beefiness that justifies the added weight?

Found a nice 185 that I’m looking at but it doesn’t have a float kit. On first thought I was excited because it would be lighter than the other 185F models but maybe there is something I’m missing here. I don’t intend to put it on floats.

The corrosion proofing is nice but if it's in good shape and you don't intend to put it on floats I wouldn't worry about the lack of float kit.

The later 180 models with the large dorsal fin can be up grossed to 3190#.

ington6 wrote:Just wondering why do people like 180s with the float kit if they don’t intend to put it on floats? Is it for the corrosion proofing or do the added doublers and reinforcement provide some good beefiness that justifies the added weight?
Found a nice 185 that I’m looking at but it doesn’t have a float kit. On first thought I was excited because it would be lighter than the other 185F models but maybe there is something I’m missing here. I don’t intend to put it on floats.

In my case, as a non-seaplane pilot, the attraction would be the corrosion proofing.
I don't know that the skin doublers etc are really needed for wheel ops.
I do think a windshield v-brace is a good idea though.

If you look at the seaplane kit on a 185 (or most 180s), you'll notice skin doublers that go under the belly and wrap around up the sides of the fuselage. I don't know how much that really beefs up the fuselage, but it must help some.

The corrosion proofing is a VERY good thing, variable to not as much in later models. Early Cessnas were REALLY corrosion proofed, in the last few years, the corrosion proofing wasn't as robust. That said, I'd always prefer a corrosion proofed airplane, even if operated in dry country.

As HotRod noted, a V-Brace is a great thing in these planes, frankly, they ALL should have them. Good news is, that's a pretty easy addition, and aftermarket ones are available.

If twer me, and I didn't intend to go to floats, I wouldn't worry about it. But, I would add a V-Brace.

Planes with seaplane kits do sell for more money, BTW. How much is that worth? I don't know.

MTV

If you intend to run big wheels on unimproved surfaces or skis you WANT a v-brace even if you have no intentions to pursue float ops.