Good morning.

A friend of mine is looking to buy a Cessna 185. Among other he found this one on eBay that looks pretty nice. Does anyone have knowledge of this plane N1858R? Neither of us has owned one and would appreciate any suggestions or advice.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1975-Cessna-A-185-F-/221352550297?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3389a3df99&item=221352550297&pt=Motors_Aircraft

Thank you,

Kevin Gabriel

I have two 185's currently. For a 185 I don't see anything to be worried about on the surface. I'd suggest a complete prebuy inspection. With 5300hrs I'd check the tail. I'd carefully consider the price as engine is close to TBO, and the radios aren't the latest (Moving map GPS). Also they don't provide any info on the prop overhaul dates or hours. The interior is interesting as its not stock, I'm wondering what the sound qualities are? although the guys in Alaska wouldn't care, as all they are interested in is useful load.

Andy

That plane is also on Barnstormers and he has a link to a YouTube video tour...lot of wind noise but a decent walk around of the plane.

Pretty rare to find a 5300 hrs C185 with NDH, a lot can happen during its life.
Beegles aircraft is a reference in AK.
Lots of good C185 around, get a good inspection as these works hard on floats and skis and are not cheap to repair.

The problem with that 185 as far as I can tell is that it doesn't have a seaplane kit. I mean the V-Brace and lifting eyes. That is REALLY market limiting on a 185 IMO. I would verify one way or the other before moving forward.

It belongs to my Bosses son. He commutes between Kansas and New Mexico. I let him use my Bonanza while he was putting in the interior. Comparing the two the Bonanza fit his mission better. He has access to helicopters for any backcountry flying.

Wow I just saw that too.
If it really as no float kit its very limited and I would not recommend to buy it.
V-brace and lifting eyes is easy to put in but the rest of the float kit is major work.

I don't know about the 185, but on the 206's you either get it from the factory or you don't have it. The spar area is reinforced to hold the lifting eyes, etc.

I owned a 1974 c-185. They are a great load hauler. With a two bladed prop it could be the loudest thing on the airport.
I sold it as it was too slow for business transport and too expensive as a toy.
They really are their best in the bush.

Thank you everyone for the replies. We will see how the bidding goes.

Kevin