Not much to add to the subject title; what's the best value bush plane you can buy for $80K? That's the budget for buy-in. Imagine there's reserve for post-buy expenses.
The classic mission of at least 1 pax, camping gear, need to operate out of elevations up to 5,000 MSL. Wheels only for now.
BTW, asking for a friend. Don't reply with Zzz in mind, I've got my own complicated issues. Imagine Zzz's friend, high on freshly discovering backcountry flying and just finished his first mountain flying course and developed all sorts of expectations of performance in a Super Cub. Now he starts looking for airplanes to buy for himself and realizes... "Ouch."
I want to know WHY you think the type has good value, not just links to ads.
What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
Fri Apr 04, 2025 10:55 am
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
Older Maule
S108 (for that DA maybe bigger engine)
Pacer
Zenith STOL
Kitfox
Citabria
S108 (for that DA maybe bigger engine)
Pacer
Zenith STOL
Kitfox
Citabria
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Fri Apr 04, 2025 12:13 pm
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
As always mission is the primary factor when looking for a plane, so for the stated mission lets look at weight requirements. 2 passengers 400 lbs. Four hours fuel 200 lbs. Basic gear (tie downs ropes, safety and survival gear, tools, water ) 35 lbs. Camping gear (food, clothing, water, tent, bags,) 70 lbs. That all puts us around 700 lbs. So when looking for a plane keep that weight in mind. Anything less and you are going to be limited by distance or size of passengers and always be wanting just a bit more or taking unhealthy risks. The other realization is runway length required. This is where engine size comes into play, having some HP to get the plane into the air really helps. Everyone likes to talk about low fuel burn but if you can't get into the air you won't burn any. For HP I would say at least 150 HP you can run a flat prop if you need more grunt. For 80K you can get a nice Pacer that will do the job and also teach you how to be a decent taildragger pilot along the way.
No matter what plane buy for 80K unless it is a Supercub you won't get Supercub performance!! But the real question is do you need it. 95% of the places I go to with my cub can all be landed with a Pacer or most any other old school taildragger. Most fly arounds or sandbar hangout is done with everything from a J3 to a 185. It is not like everyone has a supercub. Finding plane that can work a 1500 foot strip fo 80K is not that hard just make sure it has a useful load and power to get the job done. A 150 HP 12 with Gross weight upgrade would also be high on the list. On a side note it is not uncommon for new backcountry pilots to bend some stuff early on so for the first few years most any beater with a heater will work, upgrade once the skill sets are established. No real right or wrong just pontification while waiting for new phone to transfer data.
DENNY
No matter what plane buy for 80K unless it is a Supercub you won't get Supercub performance!! But the real question is do you need it. 95% of the places I go to with my cub can all be landed with a Pacer or most any other old school taildragger. Most fly arounds or sandbar hangout is done with everything from a J3 to a 185. It is not like everyone has a supercub. Finding plane that can work a 1500 foot strip fo 80K is not that hard just make sure it has a useful load and power to get the job done. A 150 HP 12 with Gross weight upgrade would also be high on the list. On a side note it is not uncommon for new backcountry pilots to bend some stuff early on so for the first few years most any beater with a heater will work, upgrade once the skill sets are established. No real right or wrong just pontification while waiting for new phone to transfer data.
DENNY
DENNY
Fri Apr 04, 2025 1:16 pm
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
Stinson with O360 would be my first thought at those numbers.
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Fri Apr 04, 2025 2:37 pm
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
https://alaskaslist.com/-3/posts/10_Tra ... _Aircraft/
There’s a 180HP Stinson 108-2 for $70k on there, pending sale but if it falls through I’d be jumping all over it.
There’s a 180HP Stinson 108-2 for $70k on there, pending sale but if it falls through I’d be jumping all over it.
Fri Apr 04, 2025 9:02 pm
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
Was, probably still is 108-3 in Salmon Idaho with o-360. Nice looking plane, won some awards or something. Pretty sure it’s for sale, by now I think they’d take a lower number.
Seems like not much is moving at all right now, perhaps the verge of a buyers market?
Seems like not much is moving at all right now, perhaps the verge of a buyers market?
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Sat Apr 05, 2025 6:27 am
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
Is "Buy a Maule" still a thing?
Sat Apr 05, 2025 6:49 am
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
AEROPOD wrote:Is "Buy a Maule" still a thing?
Which pieces of the Maule are we getting for $80,000?
I should have specified this theoretical aircraft should be airworthy.
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Sat Apr 05, 2025 7:30 am
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
Zzz wrote:AEROPOD wrote:Is "Buy a Maule" still a thing?
Which pieces of the Maule are we getting for $80,000?
I should have specified this theoretical aircraft should be airworthy.
Not too hard to find M4s in that range
https://www.barnstormers.com/classified ... e-M4!.html
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Sat Apr 05, 2025 6:41 pm
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
I have been looking for an upgrade to my plane because I want some Super Cub type performance. I keep seeing what's available for 80K and I keep thinking what I have is as good or better. That being said...
I have an O-360 Stinson 108-2. For under 100K its tough to find anything better. ~900 useful load. I climb at 1000fpm at DA's in the 3000ft range. Takeoff and land alone with 1/2 tanks in under 350', cruise faster than a Cub (105-120mph depending on prop pitch). I wish it had more wing area.
Now that being said...
If someone knows of a better plane for the money please speak up.
I have an O-360 Stinson 108-2. For under 100K its tough to find anything better. ~900 useful load. I climb at 1000fpm at DA's in the 3000ft range. Takeoff and land alone with 1/2 tanks in under 350', cruise faster than a Cub (105-120mph depending on prop pitch). I wish it had more wing area.
Now that being said...
If someone knows of a better plane for the money please speak up.
Sun Apr 06, 2025 2:37 am
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
Anttler wrote:I have been looking for an upgrade to my plane because I want some Super Cub type performance. I keep seeing what's available for 80K and I keep thinking what I have is as good or better. That being said...
I have an O-360 Stinson 108-2. For under 100K its tough to find anything better. ~900 useful load. I climb at 1000fpm at DA's in the 3000ft range. Takeoff and land alone with 1/2 tanks in under 350', cruise faster than a Cub (105-120mph depending on prop pitch). I wish it had more wing area.
Now that being said...
If someone knows of a better plane for the money please speak up.
Better on what front?
Tons of better aircraft on cruise, or STOL, or, but real world comparing many of these planes it’s tons more $$ for single digit percentage “better”. For me a tricked out PA18 would out STOL my planes, but for where I fly it’s not going to be appreciated, add the premium price and loss in cruise IFR etc, nooope
Frankly if there is somewhere I COULD get in with a PA18 but not with my 185 (on wheels) or 7AC, risk wise it’s a dumb mission for an airplane anyway and I’ll just rent a R44, I can not even recall the last time this occurred.
Most of the backcountry stuff, if a pilot isn’t logging at least 300hrs a year I’d say the best gains would be seen with more gas/practice/instruction
I’d keep what ya got, also the Stinson has some good ramp appeal and is a pretty comfy ride as I recall from my old 108
If it wasn’t for wanting a autopilot equipped IFR amphib, I’d have kept my 108 (and A LOT of $$ and the ability to burn auto fuel)
As I was stumbling around barnstormers, I wonder how well a o-2 would do for backcountry, not going to do big rocks long props, but I’d wager it could do most of the strips, faster than most landing in these places, very good range, huge space for stuff, and two engines for less pucker factor.
If one owned some acres could also have fun with those hard points and some dummy practice bombs with a old junker car / mannequins lol
https://www.barnstormers.com/classified ... STORY.html
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Sun Apr 06, 2025 6:29 am
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
Lots of good info by the previous posters. Unfortunately, $80K doesn't seem to buy much these days, even going experimental. I have a bit above your budget in my Murphy Rebel, but that's with the floats. I highly doubt a guy could build one these days (with the floats) for much under $125K. Currently considering selling as I have other projects needing attention. Is this 'buyer' at all interested in experimental?
Seems everyone wants SC performance but at 1/2-1/4 the cost. I'm guilty of this also having always wanted a SC. Unfortunately, they have always been priced just above my proposed budget. I've since realized I can get by perfectly fine with what I have.
As 93K mentioned, they're not a speed demon. A friend, several years ago was bitten by the SC bug like I was. He purchased one and after a year or two sold it. Said it was fun, but slow and cramped. One of those 6'+ 250lb. types.
An older Scout used to be had for a reasonable amount but even those have gone up considerably. I really like the Scout since they are roomy and definitely faster than a SC. 7GCBC is similar, but their UL is not very good (legal).
A PA-12 with an O-320 might be able to be had for $80K. I do know a guy here in MN that built one up like this and haven't seen him fly in a couple of years. I can inquire if it's for sale. Might be higher priced though since I think he did a total rebuild, not sure though.
I know most people frown on 172's due to being nose wheel, but with the right set up, they can be an awesome 2- person quasi bush type. My old one was just sold last week and with the Sportsman cuff, fine pitched prop, it could easily do under 300' T/O and landings. Zzz, I can text them to you if you want.
Seems everyone wants SC performance but at 1/2-1/4 the cost. I'm guilty of this also having always wanted a SC. Unfortunately, they have always been priced just above my proposed budget. I've since realized I can get by perfectly fine with what I have.
As 93K mentioned, they're not a speed demon. A friend, several years ago was bitten by the SC bug like I was. He purchased one and after a year or two sold it. Said it was fun, but slow and cramped. One of those 6'+ 250lb. types.
An older Scout used to be had for a reasonable amount but even those have gone up considerably. I really like the Scout since they are roomy and definitely faster than a SC. 7GCBC is similar, but their UL is not very good (legal).
A PA-12 with an O-320 might be able to be had for $80K. I do know a guy here in MN that built one up like this and haven't seen him fly in a couple of years. I can inquire if it's for sale. Might be higher priced though since I think he did a total rebuild, not sure though.
I know most people frown on 172's due to being nose wheel, but with the right set up, they can be an awesome 2- person quasi bush type. My old one was just sold last week and with the Sportsman cuff, fine pitched prop, it could easily do under 300' T/O and landings. Zzz, I can text them to you if you want.
Sun Apr 06, 2025 7:59 am
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
WWhunter wrote:Lots of good info by the previous posters. Unfortunately, $80K doesn't seem to buy much these days, even going experimental. I have a bit above your budget in my Murphy Rebel, but that's with the floats. I highly doubt a guy could build one these days (with the floats) for much under $125K. Currently considering selling as I have other projects needing attention. Is this 'buyer' at all interested in experimental?
Seems everyone wants SC performance but at 1/2-1/4 the cost. I'm guilty of this also having always wanted a SC. Unfortunately, they have always been priced just above my proposed budget. I've since realized I can get by perfectly fine with what I have.
As 93K mentioned, they're not a speed demon. A friend, several years ago was bitten by the SC bug like I was. He purchased one and after a year or two sold it. Said it was fun, but slow and cramped. One of those 6'+ 250lb. types.
An older Scout used to be had for a reasonable amount but even those have gone up considerably. I really like the Scout since they are roomy and definitely faster than a SC. 7GCBC is similar, but their UL is not very good (legal).
A PA-12 with an O-320 might be able to be had for $80K. I do know a guy here in MN that built one up like this and haven't seen him fly in a couple of years. I can inquire if it's for sale. Might be higher priced though since I think he did a total rebuild, not sure though.
I know most people frown on 172's due to being nose wheel, but with the right set up, they can be an awesome 2- person quasi bush type. My old one was just sold last week and with the Sportsman cuff, fine pitched prop, it could easily do under 300' T/O and landings. Zzz, I can text them to you if you want.
There was this shot…swear I saw it floating around here somewhere, probably should’ve snagged it.
Picture a rugged mountain framed strip of green, pristine as hell, with carbon cubs etc parked there, half a million dollar type beasts decked out with monster truck tires. The pilots? Rocking flannel shirts that scream two hundred bucks a pop, no question. But then, right there in the lineup, was this lone, humble 172, looked like the kind of rental you’d see anywhere. Wish I could track that image down. I’d slap a caption on it, something like ‘It’s the Indian, not the arrow,’ and hang it up on the wall for my students to chew on.
Last edited by NineThreeKilo on Sun Apr 06, 2025 8:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Sun Apr 06, 2025 8:05 am
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
NineThreeKilo wrote:.....As I was stumbling around barnstormers, I wonder how well a o-2 would do for backcountry, not going to do big rocks long props, but I’d wager it could do most of the strips, faster than most landing in these places, very good range, huge space for stuff, and two engines for less pucker factor. ......
Cessna Skywagon -- accept no substitute!
Sun Apr 06, 2025 10:10 am
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
NineThreeKilo wrote:rugged mountain framed strip of green, pristine as hell, with carbon cubs etc parked there, half a million dollar type beasts decked out with monster truck tires. The pilots? Rocking flannel shirts that scream two hundred bucks a pop, no question.
Because you can most definitely buy your way into easy. The Easy Button. It's just money if you have it.
You can also buy the ability to work a 172 into a tight mountain strip by the skin of your teeth, it's called "fuel receipts."
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Sun Apr 06, 2025 11:00 am
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
Zzz wrote:NineThreeKilo wrote:rugged mountain framed strip of green, pristine as hell, with carbon cubs etc parked there, half a million dollar type beasts decked out with monster truck tires. The pilots? Rocking flannel shirts that scream two hundred bucks a pop, no question.
Because you can most definitely buy your way into easy. The Easy Button. It's just money if you have it.
You can also buy the ability to work a 172 into a tight mountain strip by the skin of your teeth, it's called "fuel receipts."
I have to disagree with the first part
Same way giving a rich kid a dodge viper doesn’t make him a drifter (hulk hogans kid)
Same with expensive back country planes
Notice the J3 cub, C172 and even what looks like a a PA28R arrow all made it in safe and sound
IMO a high power plane is more likely to get you into more trouble if you have less skill and experience, same deal with 4WD, it’s great if you know how to off road, if you don’t it just gets your even more stuck than 2WD
However I whole heartedly agree with you on your second point, I’d add not just fuel money, also QUALITY instruction money
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Mon Apr 07, 2025 5:52 am
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
A far cry from a super cub.... but a 160HP GlaStar with a fixed pitch/ground adjustable can be found in the 80k region. My hangar neighbor has one in tricycle gear form and it outperforms my 170 in climb and cruise. The tri-gear can "easily" be converted to tailwheel and vice versa. It's got lots of shoulder room and a baggage door. Front doors also fold backwards for easy loading of long items. Drawings are available for gear leg reinforcement if you are going to run big rubber.
There is a fun article in kitplanes about a fellow putting his on ski's in Maine. https://www.kitplanes.com/the-maine-attraction/
There is a fun article in kitplanes about a fellow putting his on ski's in Maine. https://www.kitplanes.com/the-maine-attraction/
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Mon Apr 07, 2025 7:29 am
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
Z: agree 100%. Money makes it easier.
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Mon Apr 07, 2025 5:46 pm
Re: What is the best bush plane I can buy for $80K?
You know the answer. O-360 pacer and pocket the extra $30k.
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