I saw a banner for the Recreational Aircraft Foundation that said, "It's the Reason You Learned to Fly." Pretty close to the mark in my case.

Owning a Supercub that never lands off-airport is like wearing cowboy boots but never riding a horse. I do that all the time. But having 31" tires is more like wearing spurs!


You're right. And thanks.

HA! If you'd just sold me your 185 I wouldn't be having this trouble!

I remember your Husky being for sale. I even talked with Neil about it. I'm an idiot.

Given the crowd at the high-priced end of the market, do you really think it would be easier to resell an expensive one? I wonder if my option #1 ("Buy ratty. Sell ratty") might be better. There's a bigger market for $50k toys than $90k toys, I'd think. Though I guess the $50k shoppers would rather have a nice PA-12, a 95-hp SC, or a really nice J-3.

Keep the comments coming! You guys are helping me think!

Stuart Fraley wrote:

quote:

"2) Buy ratty, fix up, fly until I'm too inflexible to enter a Cub."

unquote

that looks like a good option…..

Buy which ever one you'd loan me....

Peace,
Don

My 185 might be for sale some time soon. It still is in the expensive option for your desires. But travels well and is a hoot. Keep in mind when that cross wind becomes a quartering tail wind in a tail dragger it gets interesting fast. Like last Saturday morning causing a GA at HNB.

Given the crowd at the high-priced end of the market, do you really think it would be easier to resell an expensive one? I wonder if my option #1 ("Buy ratty. Sell ratty") might be better. There's a bigger market for $50k toys than $90k toys, I'd think. Though I guess the $50k shoppers would rather have a nice PA-12, a 95-hp SC, or a really nice J-3.

Keep the comments coming! You guys are helping me think!

3 undeniable truths about the original supercub:

1. PA18 is too small inside to take advantage of its weight carrying capability. there are other planes that have a lot more space.
2. PA18 is too slow to go far, and as a result it has to carry more fuel to go the same distance. There are other STOL planes that go faster and cover more ground carrying less fuel weight
3. PA18 is hard to buy and easy to sell because everyone prefers it to every one of the other options

I'm looking at one that the seller's nephews used as a time-builder for A&P training. They pulled it apart and re-did everything. Now, it has ostrich leather seats and what looks like mahogany on the panel and wing roots.

Weird, but what an attention-getter! This definitely fits into the "buy nice" category, but the niceties might push it into the "gives future buyers pause" file. But if Range Rovers have ostrich leather and mahogany, which not Supercubs?

Stuart- I have owned (with my father) a 1979 Supercub with 180 hp, a 1949 PA-14 (four place cub) with 150 hp, and 1978 Supercub with 150 hp and currently own a 2014 American Super Legend (light sport) with 115 hp. Along the way, I owned a C185 with Robertson Stol.

I have flown 170's, Champs, Citabria's, and 140's. They are not Cubs. Great airplanes, but they will not scratch the itch. I have not flown the Husky. From what I hear, the Husky is also a good airplane but does not fly like a cub. C185 is a different league and not as much fun for low and slow.

Cubcrafters and American Legend both make good products. The American Legend airplanes are nice because they are 3 inches wider than a stock PA18 and have doors on both sides. The construction is comparable or better than a stock Supercub and the light sport designation is an added bonus. My 115 hp performs like a 150 hp Supercub, plus I have new fabric, no corrosion, modern avionics and a Catto prop (not available on Supercubs).

There are plenty of good shops that can rebuild a Supercub. None are fast and all are expensive. Call Cubcrafters, American Legend, Dan's in Anchorage, Steve Pierce in Graham, Texas, and a few others and see if they have a lead on a customer who is getting ready to sell.

Finally, to confirm you are on the right track: I checked out a 30,000 hour pilot in my Cub yesterday. He had a grin from ear to ear and was ready to trade is 310 on the spot. He said it was the most fun he has had in an airplane in years.

Ed

Ed, that wider cabin in the Legend sounds a bit like a PA-12 Super Cruiser, which has always appealed to me.

#3 Buy a nice one that YOU don't feel you have to do anything to and then fly it. That is the only way to go. As soon as you start making modifications you are throwing a lot of money out the window AND you will be without the plane for a long time which isn't fun no matter who you are.

I remember your Husky being for sale. I even talked with Neil about it. I'm an idiot.

Mike Grommet, when he is waxing philosophical, has it nailed.

Read his post.


Read it again.


It’s absolute truth.



(I still want a Super Cub).


stan