Im in the market for a plane I can use for hunting, The strip I would be using is about 1000ft long at 1500msl. My budget is about $35,000. Im 6ft 4" 190lbs. I have been looking at Champs, F19 Taylorcrafts, and 108-2/3 Stinsons. Any thoughts or recommendations out there would be very helpful.

I'm 6'2" and 195, and I've been thrilled with my PA-12. Mine has a 150 hp, but at 1,500 MSL I would think it would pack a decent load even with the O-235. (My field elevation is 6,700, so I'll defer to guys who have flown the smaller motor at lower altitudes to tell you for sure.)

You can normally find one or two for sale below $40,000 with the O-235. Here's one that's up right now.

http://www.barnstormers.com/listing.php?id=401653

If you are patient, you might even find one with 150 hp somewhere around $40,000. (I got really lucky on mine, but waited several months to find it.)

I like it way better than PA-11, PA-18, and Rans S-7 for for roominess and comfort for a big guy. In terms of performance, I adhere to the old joke: "A PA-12 can do 90% of what you can do in a Super Cub, and you probably shouldn't be doing that other 10% anyway."

I'm biased, but I would definitely put it on your list to consider. I think of it as 3/4 Super Cub for 1/2 the price.

I had considered the cub style birds but have had knee issues, my legs are the problem. My CFI has a PA-12, I cant get my knees under the panel, I fit fine inside the Carbon Cub but WAY out of my price range!

At 6'4" I don't think you will fit very well in a Stinson without some type of seat modification. But try one on for size just to confirm.

Have you thought about a C-170? We fly one out of a 1300 ft strip at 1250 msl with 3 people all the time and usually only 3/4 of the runway for takeoff and landing.

Im willing to consider anything that will fit the bill, the limiting factor is $$, a 170B would be great but it would also add two more years of waiting to save up some more, Id rather not do that if I can help it.

I'd follow M-Matt's suggestion and try a Stinson. I'm 6-2 and fit well. In fact, the fellow who has my old 220hp 108-3 is selling. I bet the price could be real close.
Chaz

I've seen straight-tail 182's in that price range and know from personal experience they can accomplish your mission (and then some). Just a thought.

I will certainly try and sit in the Stinson, just not many around my area to do so. you can email or pm with info on your friends 108, Never thought about a 182, I see and have flown in C206's for bush work but have never heard of anyone doing it in 182's, are there STC's for bigger tires? I have peaked my interest

I'll PM Tim's contact info.
The 182 comment is dead on tho'. They are super capable, and attractive pricing these days. There are big wheel options for sure. The nose wheel guys here can hook you up straight away.
Chaz

Ak Hunter what part of Alaska are you in? I use my Stinson - 108-2 for a lot of things. I live in the North Pole area.
I have a friend who is 6ft 4in and is close to 300 lbs. He had no problems getting in and out of the Stinson.
Let me know , we could go flying.

Ken

If you are thinking 182, you might take a look at Shortfielder's. I think he's only asking $30K.


viewtopic.php?f=21&t=9696

take a peek at my 182(newer model) than Shortfielders but with the big tire configuration(see my photogallery)

Thanks for all the advice, its been very helpful. Ken sent you a PM, You have a beautiful 182 dawgfreeman

I'll add my biased plug for the 170B. With the market the way it is now you will have no problem finding one for 35k or less. Put an 80'' seaplane prop on it and you will be good to go. By the way I'm 6'4'' 210lbs and I fit much much better in it than I do my Dad's 108-3 and his even has a modified seat that sits an inch further to the rear. The 1000ft strip won't be a problem as long as you learn to fly the plane. I just took off out of the Chicken Strip with my wife 80lb dog and 100lbs of camping gear in the plane and didn't even use half the runway. I also fly it in and out of a 1300ft strip with tall obstacles on each end quite a bit at sea level. Since you are in AK the cool weather will only help the plane perform even better.

I did get your pm. Thank you for the reply. There are a great number of things one can do to make a great plane even better. I added a lot to my Stinson and am working on a 0470 for the power. There are a lot of Stinson's in the area of Fairbanks and North Pole. I know most of them. A good Stinson is in your price range and you can add things as you go or fly in this matter. If you find one , I can help you out in looking it over for you.
The main thing is don't rush in to something , take your time and look them over..

Ken N9779K

robw56 wrote:I'll add my biased plug for the 170B. With the market the way it is now you will have no problem finding one for 35k or less. Put an 80'' seaplane prop on it and you will be good to go. By the way I'm 6'4'' 210lbs and I fit much much better in it than I do my Dad's 108-3 and his even has a modified seat that sits an inch further to the rear. The 1000ft strip won't be a problem as long as you learn to fly the plane. I just took off out of the Chicken Strip with my wife 80lb dog and 100lbs of camping gear in the plane and didn't even use half the runway. I also fly it in and out of a 1300ft strip with tall obstacles on each end quite a bit at sea level. Since you are in AK the cool weather will only help the plane perform even better.

Dang Rob, did you scratch your nav light on the hangar on that takeoff?!?!?! looked close!!!

Nive vedio Rob. For a hidden strip it look close to 5 miles long. Great job. I like the 170,s

Im a 170 fan also and what rob says is true but ,182s are the best deal on load haulers rite now if you can keep the nose wheel out of the rough stuff and aford to feed and maintain an 0-470.

Here ya go