thing you need to ask is what model of hull the plane has. Apparently
the A and B models have some undesirable characteristics that were
worked out for the C and LSX models. If you call the factory, Darrell
and Carri are extremely knowledgeable about these planes and always
happy to talk to potential fans and customers. They'd be a good place
to start asking questions.
As with any plane, you'll want to get a good prebuy inspection. This is
even more so for a homebuilt and especially so for a seaplane that will
likely have some corrosion issues. Also, take a look at the engine
logs. Rotax engines require a good deal of ongoing preventative mx.
Some home builders have been known to skimp on this. Also, TBO on the
Rotax is 1500.
Be sure to test fly the plane on a hot glassy water day. It is my
understanding that 80 hp is rather underpowered for even the lighter LSX
model of this plane. Which reminds me, if the medical is an issue,
remember that most of the homebuilt SeaReys out there are too heavy to
be LSAs.
As for Aventurea, I haven't flown one. It's my understanding that both
planes are descended from the Buccaneer. The company split. Aventura
gravitated towards the ultralight side. SeaRey gravitated towards the
"real airplane" side. As with anything, you'll just need to get a good
feel on what it is that you are really looking for out of a plane.
I can tell you that the SeaRey has a pretty good safety record which was
one of our main selling points. There is a metal cockpit cage inside
the composite hull (at least in the LSX). It tends not to flip in the
instance of a gear down water landing and if it should, you can get out
because it has a sliding canopy. The LSX handing was superb! The ASTM
certification process has required the company to further refine the
handling of an already good plane. Stalls were docile. Water landings
a breeze. Spin certification showed that the plane refused to spin even
at full gross weight and aft CG. These were all things were were
looking for.
Other selling points for us: Over 400 built and flying in the USA. 30
year company history. Factory reps speak English, don't need to be
contacted at 2am, and sell parts in August. SeaReys use standard AN
hardware.
Hope all of this helps.
Helen
Jim wrote:
> Hi Helen, thank you for taking the time to write.
>
> Yesterday I went up and took a look at a Searey that's for sale. It's brand new, not even 30 hours on it. The owner bought the unfinished kit from someone else, finished it, then found out recently he has cancer so it's up for sale. I'm guessing the kit must be a few years old as it is engined with an 80 hp 912.
>
> So I finally got a chance to see one of these bug beaters up close. I just sat in it to get a feel for what it would be like to fly it. I found it more difficult to enter and climb out of than I imagined, but doable. More layed back seating like an Extra 300. I did not care for the throttle which is between the seats rather than on the left side of the cockpit. Also just in front of the throttle are the brake levers for each main gear. Overall though, the build quality was excellent.
>
> I was up front with the seller that at this point I'm just tire kicking, needing to do some research and get rated and checked out, but I may be interested in purchasing in the spring. He's asking $65K for the bird, but that strikes me as very high even though it is basically a new airplane. He mentioned he bought the complete kit for $20K or something. Obviously if true the first guy took a bath on it, but aapparently he felt $20K was better than a bunch of unassembled airplane parts laying around.
>
> Well, so I finally got a chance to see one of these animals. Does anyone have any experience between a Searey and the Aventura? Which company is the most finacially sound, which product is the best design, etc. Or just basic info on floats vs hull flying. I'm very new and would appreciate anyone taking the time to offer advice. Again, thanks Helen.
>
>
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>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
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>
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