Searched past posts with no luck...
We need to replace at least one nacelle bladder and the quote is surprising...4,500 per bladder for parts + 60-80 hrs labor each = 10k-12k or so per side...
Normal?
Other options?

That's outrageous!. There is no way that it will take that kind of time to replace a bladder. Have you called TAS in Defiance, OH. They are the premier shop in your area. I don't remember the exact amount, but I had to replace mine in a 421B 2 years ago, and I think the total cost was closer to 2k.

Thanks Sandy. Yea, it's at TAS for annual now, that was their quote. Annual is north of 35k without the bladders but not surprised for our first one.
Really like TAS, but questioning this a bit...

I'm not commenting on TAS, just first annuals with a new plane, it always seems getting the first hosing is standard. I'm getting it right now on my helicopter. I know it's to make it safer etc. Good luck Jack.

I'm always concerned about first annuals too. On my Baron, after an excellent pre-purchase inspection by a well known Bonanza/Baron guru and having the annual done by the same shop, it was $24,500 (obviously required maintenance included in that amount but there wasn't much in upgrades). Last month I had my first annual on my P337. It was $3,224.80 (including required maintenance, which was essentially nothing). I was THRILLED beyond any reasonable belief !

Please disregard my original post. It was a misunderstanding. They quoted ADDING a nacelle tank instead of replacing the bladder in the existing tank... Bladder replacement will be 3k-4k total.
I wasn't very clear about the annual cost...I'm ecstatic to be under 40k for the first one. Could be much worse.

I wish I could find my invoice, but I'd remember if I had to pay 4k for a bladder. The more I think about it, I paid less than 2k for the total replacement. I can't imagine that a C's bladder would be any different in cost than a B's.

Unless you bough a fixer upper without a pre-buy, $40k for your first annual is outrageous. What are they doing for that amount? Are you replacing a windshield and all 12 cylinders? I routinely had annuals under 12k, and that usually included a cylinder or two.

Jack

You just made another 421 driver's day! 10-12K a side was making me nervous.

Hilgard

Yea you're right Sandy...I don't think every 421 buyer should expect that. We're doing a bunch of optional stuff, gear hoses, rebuilding gear actuators (cylinders in my world), gamis, fine wire plugs, prop sync, AC leak, pressurization leak, and on and on. Also one side window but not the pilots windscreen...that heated piece of glass is $30,000 alone, give or take...most expensive single part on the entire airframe I've been told.
TAS isn't the cheapest shop around, but we're ok with that.

I'm always concerned about first annuals too. On my Baron, after an excellent pre-purchase inspection by a well known Bonanza/Baron guru and having the annual done by the same shop, it was $24,500 (obviously required maintenance included in that amount but there wasn't much in upgrades). Last month I had my first annual on my P337. It was $3,224.80 (including required maintenance, which was essentially nothing). I was THRILLED beyond any reasonable belief !

Jack
When you get it back, you'll have a great plane. Enjoy flying it!
Sandy

PS. Join the Twin Cessna Flyers club.

Sandy,

I remember you telling me that it was 1800.00 to replace that nacelle tank....

Tony

That sounds about right. It's not that big a deal to replace.