Citabria 7GCBC -- seems available, sometimes w/ floats and ski's. O-290. Love my current plane, but experimental prevents any kind of instruction, which I am thinking of doing -- have been approached by a few folks about instruction for a private that isn't airline prep -- in general older folks who want to fly because they want to fly. MY mission includes low slow x-countries, maybe an AK trip w/ the kid next summer. Kid might build time in it. Tandem and a stick are requirements and I'm trying to be open minded about what might be out there. Thoughts? Mechanic thinks the 7GCB is more engine, more fuel, more empty gross and maybe not much more performance over a C-85 Champ. He is right more than he's wrong. Thoughts here? (apologies if not the right forum, the new "Aircraft Type Forum" seemed too specific for this general question). Also listening for alternative ideas along these requirement lines -- certificated, tandem, stick and not up at the Husky price point? I do love the supercubs, but man, you sure do pay a premium these days...

For my money they are the absolute best bang for your money in that class of airframe, 90-95 % of a Cub performance but you will pay a lot more for that last 5-10%. I grew up towing sailplanes with a Citabria, Scout, Cub, Pawnee and an L19. The Citabria was suitable for all but the heavier water ballasted open class sailplanes. One of; if not the largest cabins in the class, the Husky might have it beat but the Cub will feel like a sardine can in comparison. For the longer trips it will sallow up all the "required" gear and your back will thank you for the sitting position, can't say that about a Cub. All the additional accessories are readily availably, skis, floats, big wheels etc.

I'd look for a flapped 0-320 version, it's a poor man's Scout.

GCBC would have an O-320 (and flaps). I had a wood spar 7ECA that had been upgraded from O-200 to O-320. No flaps.

I never had a bad day with that plane, but I went the other direction (to experimental).

The biggest limitation of the citabria is low useful load, which would only be a problem during a ramp check

I owned a 7GCBC for 5 years and flew it everywhere, doing everything from flying across the continent, to backcountry to (basic) aerobatics. Loved that thing.
Biggest limitation is useful load as mentioned, so that's definitely an issue if you want to bring a passenger and gear. Before I flew with my dad to Oshkosh in 2003 I weighed the extra batteries for the GPS .

I might mention that I am not a small man... I am every bit of 220#'s. Reading some old POH's it does seem that the gross weight could potentially be (as previously stated) an issue. 30 years of flying I've never been ramp checked -- but it's a fair point to bring up.

Interesting argument over at shortwingpipers re the 290 versus the 320. Anyone have strong opinions there?

The idea of buying w/ floats and ski's previously rigged and stuff -- that would be super cool.

Seems like the PA-12's are getting to be a bit precious -- but there are some out there -- are the two airplanes comparable in performance?

On size alone you will find the Citabria far more comfortable for a gentleman of your stature. I've never flown the smaller engine, the 0-320 was more than adequate.

How would a Scout fit into your price bracket, it might solve the "useful load" issue for you.

A Scout isn't out of the question, was trying to keep price down ... but sometimes that can work against you. I like to think of myself as a "sometimes useful load" really.

And w/ the Supercub prices being what they are it makes it easer to stomach the prices on those Scouts. And once you start doing that well hell, how about a husky thrown into the mix.

The more I look at the useful load on some of the older airplanes the more I understand the SC draw though.

I would highly recommend looking for an opportunity to climb into and put yourself in the "fighting position" for each types you are considering, it could be a game changer.

A Citabria is the best bang for your buck. Don’t let wood spars scare you, it’s rated for 6 positive and 2 negative G’s and you will never bend the tail like a Cub will. It’s useful load isn’t that great but neither is a Cub a 7GCBC and a Super Cub both have a 1750 gross and you can get the empty weights pretty close. But the biggest thing is to make sure the spar has been inspected by a A&P that knows Champions and that the wood fuselage formers are in good shape.

Barnstormers must be eavesdropping, there's a 74 7GCGC posted with 160 hp upgrade, flapped, wheels and floats included for $72K. The fabric inside 10 years so the spars should have had a good inspection at that time with penetration skis available for some extra coin.