Has anyone out there had to opportunity to spend time in both the Maule M7 ( 180 HP or 235 HP ) and the Cessna 180 or 185 ? Aside from the construction design, cost, and maintenance I am more interested in the flight stability characteristics during takeoffs and landings ( calm and windy conditions ) , power on as well as off stalls, taxi, and short field performance. Is there a significant control feel between the two during these maneuvers ? Any additional information I may have forgotten would be great.

I appreciate your time and thank you in advance.

Oh man...you have no idea the can of worms you just opened...


Neither of them are real airplanes...gotta have a stick to be a real aeroplane.

Cessnas are better in every imaginable way.

Just Getta Maule!!

They are both great. It's one of those things you have to experience for yourself first hand though; it's a feel thing, and other will be better able to articulate than I can probably.

Scolopax and M6RV6,

Why and Why ??

Like Z said, some people like the way a Cessna feels and flies, others like the Maule. They each have there good points and bad.
Most Cessna drivers don't like how a Maule flies and the reverse is true also.
I've had both and the 185 206 are Hands Down the very best 135 commercial trucks out there!!
They are at a premium price because of this!
I think they fly like one also but that is just because they are built to haul what they do!!
If I'm just out screwing around and pouring gas in something to fly I got tired of them both and got a Wilga!!??
Ya gotta get some time in both and see how they fly, you might just like a Bushhawk instead

I am in the same boat. Have more time in a cessna, but have taken some rides in a Maule. Maule has a lot of positives for me as do the cessnas. What I am finding from talking with pilots with time in both - they fly differently and should be treated as such. Maules have 3 wing lengths .. so that needs to be considered.

For me my focus is on finding a Maule because the larger door/acquisition cost/maintenance cost - that said if the right cessna comes along I will consider that.

Right now it seems aircraft prices are all over the place - so that the driving factor.

that said you will get die hard cessna and die hard maule responses.

M6RV6 wrote:, you might just like a Bushhawk instead

Flown them, talk about a truck!

3Blade wrote:Scolopax and M6RV6,

Why and Why ??

There are some strong opinions on exactly this matter, so I was just fibbing around in hopes of igniting a lively debate. The two are among the finest backcountry aircraft made. I really like my Cessna, and I know that others love their Maules. Won't go wrong either way, but in a perfect world, get a Wilga

185 just came on Barnstormers. TT a few more then mine. SMOH about the same. He's on floats, I'm not. His has about half the mods I've got.

$299,000

Holy crap! How amazing is that!

Barnstormer wrote:185 just came on Barnstormers. TT a few more then mine. SMOH about the same. He's on floats, I'm not. His has about half the mods I've got.

$299,000

Holy crap! How amazing is that!

That's asking, might wait a year or so and see what he's still asking!!

Won't go wrong either way, but in a perfect world, get a Wilga

Scolopax, Mine is far from the perfect world?? Some might even commit to saying my world is a bit tilted and strange!! But it's all MINE!!

I heard flying a Maule was like dancing with a 400lb fat girl...oh wait, that's a Husky!!! Nevermind

Seriously though, neither will disappoint, just put real tires on er and go get some!!!!!!

I've only ridden in a Maule. The cabin is a lot tighter than a Cessna if you are tall (knees, etc). The visibility is also a bit annoying in the Maule if you are tall (have to lean down to see straight out the side). It was, however, more fun to maneuver around for the little that I got to. I was impressed by the Maule's numbers and feel. An average height person would do fine.

Barnstormer wrote:185 just came on Barnstormers. TT a few more then mine. SMOH about the same. He's on floats, I'm not. His has about half the mods I've got.

$299,000

Holy crap! How amazing is that!

I think you can get a brand new Maule, Lycoming 260HP with glass for close to that price.

They are really different planes. Cessna's haul more and that comes with a price. Repair parts are another point. Cessna parts cost way more.

G'Day

Question: what does a bigger motor Maule with 29/31" ABW's cruise at?

The 260HP Skalywagon cruises 145mph @ 23"/2300 LOP with 29" ABW or 155mph 24"/2400 ROP

And yes, Cessna parts can be disturbingly expensive $$$

Friend of mine just put his 1961 C-185 up for $87K. Solid airplane, but no float kit and still has the early 260hp IO-470F (560 SMOH 2011) But these airplanes are out there.

Skalywag wrote:Question: what does a bigger motor Maule with 29/31" ABW's cruise at?

The 260HP Skalywagon cruises 145mph @ 23"/2300 LOP with 29" ABW or 155mph 24"/2400 ROP

And yes, Cessna parts can be disturbingly expensive $$$

Back when I had a couple of 300 hp skywagons and a 235 Maule that was about 250, The SW had 29" gar aeros and the M6 had 31"ABW we could leave at the same time and get about a 100 miles away within about 3-5 minutes of each other, 1 SW getting faster than the other and both just a bit faster than my ol M6.
I always planned for 125 kts. @14 gph and the SW @16 gph
Had 4 206's dressed in 26" mains and big tire on the front at the same time as the ones above, we could all go out in a gaggle and every one could see each other when we got there!!
This was mostly sea level and moist air?

What you need is a brand spanking new Maule M9 like the one below.

I gave Brent Maule a heads up that you would be calling and he is standing by with his order book.

I say that since it appears there are enough good things to say about both of them you should make your decision based purely on looks.

CW