A buddy of mine is selling his Maule M8-235 for a fair price. It's in great shape, and aircraft and engine has 1,600 TTSN. It's has two owners since new, and I know both of them well. I can vouch for great maintenance! I like everything, except ...

I have known Maules for a lot of years. I have flown several models. But M8?!?!?! Why are there so few? Why such a short run?? Anything wrong with this model? I heard something about not doing well on floats because of CG problems, is that true? Can anyone enlighten me please??

6 were built.
The Maule model line was changing (introduction of Universal wing) at this time and the 8 did not fit in either, plus it was the first wide aluminium gear taildragger model. Later the landing gear manufacturing was improved by a different supplier.
The M8 had the smaller cabin of the MX7 series.
Subsequently the MX7 series had the 160 and 180hp engines.
The M7 with larger cabin had the 235 and 260 and 420 engines.
M8 was not needed and dropped.
Meanwhile the trigear line was MXT7 with 160 and 180 engines
MT7 with larger cabin and 235 and 260 engines.
I guess this thread should be repeated on maulepilots.org forum

Thanks for your prompt response. I knew there was a reason why I hadn't heard of a M8 until I saw my buddy's. I'll try maulepilots.org, see what they have to say in the experience side.

Jeremy, am I understanding correctly that the M8 is essentially an MX7-235 with the universal wing and wide aluminum (first generation) gear?
Unless there's a problem with that gear, seems like a pretty good bird...or am I missing something?

RWM nothing wrong with an M8 at all. It just has the smaller MX7 cabin and universal wing and 235 hp.
The problem with the original gear was that if hard landed that gear would take a set and not fully recover to original shape.
The gear can be replaced with the later type. Same goes for the first MT7s on a narrower version of the same gear which did not fully recover.

In el salvador i've seen one maule, i think it's an M7, the YS-121-P i think, the M8 has an N-reg?

rafa.

No Rara, 121P is an M8 and the one I'm talking about. I was just sitting in it yesterday.

Wow, i have a lot of not viewing that maule flying. it's pretty interesting when it flies, 'cause i think is the only maule with YS-reg.

if you can take a photo of it would be aweseme.... just saying

Yeah, it's the only Maule in El Salvador. I'll try to take a pix of it today and post it.

Hey Rafa, I sent you a PM

In the "it is a small world department" I think I own the other M-8 that is still registered. I picked it up directly from the factory and it lives in North Central idaho

It is a small world, specially in aviation, mauledriver. Is there any reason why I shouldn't consider an M8? Have you flown other models? Do they feel different?

My only concern is in the resale, since there might be a concern like the one I'm having now that this model is kind of a Frankenmaule!!

PatínLoco wrote:It is a small world, specially in aviation, mauledriver. Is there any reason why I shouldn't consider an M8? Have you flown other models? Do they feel different?

My only concern is in the resale, since there might be a concern like the one I'm having now that this model is kind of a Frankenmaule!!

PM Sent.

PatinLoco, the M8 is not 'an ugly duckling" in Maule's lineup. Just was eclipsed by other models.
The only things to watch are the gear legs which may have been attended to and occasionally an stc'd equipment option may not include the M8 along with other models.
An advantage might be that it may be a tad lighter than a 235hp M7 widegear C model.

Idahomauledriver, I didn't get your PM. Would you send me an e-mail at [email protected]

Eduardo