Thinking about plane purchase

[matt17]

Thought I would come back to update this thread. I had been looking for a float plane for several years, more seriously last year and this year (harder with the current market) and I recently purchased 172D on floats that is in the Owner Maintenance category. Did my refresher training in it and flew it home last week. While either a bigger plane or 180hp 172 would have been nicer this one fits my current budget/experience. I will fly it as is for a few years to build experience then decide if it is enough plane or if I need something different. In the mean time I will enjoy actually being able to fly when I want to (nearest rental planes are 5-6 hours south).

[CruiserNU]

I bought a home-built PA-12 replica ten years ago and I'm happy with the way things have worked out. The conventional gear is more fun than a nose-dragger and those who say it will make you a better pilot may be right. Mine is 160 hp with flaps, PA-18 tail and landing gear and extended wings. It's on Clamar 2200 floats or Datum wheel-skis. No need for wheel gear where I live. I go directly from skis to floats and back, June and September. The tail-dragger, especially a light one like mine, makes a great ski-plane. Since you can only take one passenger with an RPP, don't overlook a tandem seat taildragger. Mine is hangared but I'd have no hesitation to store it outside with good tie-downs. Mine will certainly outperform a 172, especially on floats. With a belly pod I can carry the same bulk and more weight than a 172.
Don't be afraid to do your own maintenance. An aircraft like mine is a simple machine and any conscientious person who can read can maintain a home-built to high standards.

[CruiserNU]

But I see you've already made a purchase. Congratulations!

[Beefitarian]

Nice! Good to see something uplifting on the internet for a change. Rock on pal.