1979 Cessna 180 Skywagon floatplane share - $80,000 (Renton)
For sale is a quarter share in a Skywagon on floats, based at Renton Airport.
The Aircraft
The airframe is a 1979 Skywagon 180K with a factory float kit. This is a highly desirable late model with 84 gallon tanks (typically kept at 60 gallons for improved useful load). The factory float kit provides the large rudder and zinc chromated body (for improved corrosion resistance). Glass, interior, and paint are in excellent condition.
The aircraft has the Kenmore gross weight increase STC to 3,190 lb, providing 1,046 lb useful load on floats. This is a rare example of a Cessna seaplane where you can fill all the seats and fly somewhere.
Floats are Aerocet 3500Ls. These are the best Skywagon floats: ample flotation, easy to fly, very capable in rough water.
Engine is a PPonk / Silver Eagle O-470-50 conversion, ~650 SMOH, driving a newly-overhauled Macauley Black Mac / 401 prop. Engine-related upgrades include a heavy duty motor mount, cowl louvers and PlanePower alternator. New exhaust stack last annual. Recent new ignition harness and IRAN'd mags.
Highly capable IFR panel with Dual G5s, IFD540 NAV/COM, JPI EDM 830 engine monitor, AMX240 audio panel (with Bluetooth music connection), GTX345 transponder, GTR225 COM2, GFC500 autopilot, USB charging ports. In addition, we have a JPI EDM 900 (including CiES fuel senders) in hand, which we plan to install this coming winter, replacing all remaining analog engine gauges.
Interior is overall 9/10, set up for camping, adventures and easy cleaning. Individual rear seats are easily removed without tools.
Other upgrades:
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BAS four point front seat harnesses
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All exterior lighting is AeroLED (with the pulse option on the landing and taxi lights)
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Selkirk interior with extended baggage compartment
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Rosen visors
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Precise Flight air vents
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Door Stewards
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Sport Seats upholstery
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SCS vinyl floor
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Higher-capacity Concorde battery
Everything required for float flying (lines, fenders, anchor, appropriate life jackets) is provided and stored in the plane or at the tie down. Operations in salt water, and trips to Canada, are permitted.
Basing
Aircraft is based at Northwest Seaplanes, at the northwest corner of Renton airport. Splashing and hauling is performed using float trucks provided by NWS. You will be trained and checked out in the use of these trucks.
Partnership Structure
The partnership is structured as an LLC with four shares, and has a strong engine and maintenance reserve, which pass with each share. Each partner has one regularly-scheduled priority weekend per month, Friday-Sunday; other times can be booked on a calendar on a first-come basis.
For each flight, partners pay for their own fuel, plus $50 per tach hour to an engine reserve. Aside from engine maintenance, most costs are billed on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Maintenance
The aircraft is diligently maintained, and the current partners are actively involved in routine maintenance, both to reduce costs and improve maintenance outcomes. We perform oil analysis at every oil change, and upload engine data to Savvy Analysis. To the extent possible, we perform all maintenance and upgrades in the winter, to maximize availability during high season (May to September).
Pilot Qualifications, Experience, and Training
Minimum qualifications are a Private Pilot License with the Instrument-Airplane and Airplane Single Engine Sea (ASES) ratings. You may obtain the ASES rating after buying the share, but you must obtain that rating elsewhere, in another aircraft, before you can be insured to fly this plane. The ASES add-on typically requires a few days of training, and can be done year round, with Kenmore or many other outfits.
For experience, we are looking for at least 500 hours total time in airplanes. Experience with backcountry, mountain or float flying are a big plus, as is experience with boating on and around Puget Sound (sailing, kayaking, etc).
The partnership includes a CFI who will train new partners for no charge. Typically, ten hours of transition training is required. Further training is available and encouraged.
At least as important as experience, we are looking for a partner who is trustworthy, prudent, responsible, and easy to work with.
Wheel Gear
While primarily operated on floats, the aircraft comes with complete wheel gear: recently-overhauled gear legs, 8:50 main tires, and an upsized tailwheel. The aircraft may switch to wheel gear this winter to facilitate the engine monitor and panel upgrade. Current partners are also tailwheel pilots. If the plane goes to wheels this winter, checkout on wheels will be available to a new partner if they are tailwheel endorsed and proficient.
How to Apply
If you are interested, reply via email to bruce.nourish@gmail.com. Describe your flying background and experience, and your interest in this plane. If the ad is up, the share is available.
Pictures aren't uploading here, so email for pictures: bruce.nourish@gmail.com