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-   -   RV6, RV7 or something else? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=167385)

Kooshball 01-02-2019 02:17 PM

RV6, RV7 or something else?
 
I am still in the early stages of planning my next aircraft purchase. I initially thought that I would go with an RV6 as it checks most of the boxes but I was somewhat disappointed to learn of it?s limiting aerobatic gross weight. I then turned to the RV7 but it seems to be limited by a substantially higher purchase price versus the 6 Although I do not have a lot of data points on the 7. So far I?m only seeing very well equipped IFR 7s for sale. What price should I expect to pay for a well built but basic VFR, fixed pitch RV7?

The mission for this plane is going to be weekend sport flying, basic sport aerobatics & occasional cross country for work when VFR prevails. The configuration needs to be side-by-side as I have a child who I would like to keep a very close eye / hand on in the cockpit. I was hoping to have enough money left over after this purchase to partner up on a ?family plane? so we can all fly together occasionally. Perhaps I could should consider partnering up on a more capable aerobatic plane and purchasing the family cruiser...

First order of business is to figure out what I should expect to pay for a basic VFR 7 if there is anyone who can help give me a range that would be fantastic.

Thx

Raymo 01-02-2019 02:30 PM

Just a data point for you. I have my -7A insured for 90k. If someone offered me 100k, I'd probably turn it down.

It is still unpainted but has a nice Dynon panel with AP, dual AD-AHRS, SV1000T screens, each with a backup battery and dual GPS receivers. Single VHF COM. Lots of other details in my signature.

Mel 01-02-2019 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raymo (Post 1313569)
Just a data point for you. I have my -7A insured for 90k. If someone offered me 100k, I'd probably turn it down.

Be careful underinsuring your aircraft. Conceivably, you could have a minor claim, the insurance company could "total" the aircraft and buy it for the insured value. I've seen this happen with cars.
If you wouldn't sell it for $90K, you probably shouldn't insure it for $90K!

YellowJacket RV9 01-02-2019 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel (Post 1313576)
Be careful underinsuring your aircraft. Conceivably, you could have a minor claim, the insurance company could "total" the aircraft and buy it for the insured value. I've seen this happen with cars.
If you wouldn't sell it for $90K, you probably shouldn't insure it for $90K!

I would guess that the sentimental value and enjoyment factor accounts for the difference, which the insurance company doesn't care about. I have my RV insured for what I think it would cost to replace but that doesn't mean I would sell it today for that much. The value of the fun I get flying a plane I built means that somebody would have to offer significantly more to give that up - more than anybody would ever offer me (they’re welcome to try though - I’m thinking RV-10 money :) )The insurance company, however, is just interested in replacement value.

Chris

Raymo 01-02-2019 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YellowJacket RV9 (Post 1313580)
I would guess that the sentimental value and enjoyment factor accounts for the difference, which the insurance company doesn't care about. I have my RV insured for what I think it would cost to replace but that doesn't mean I would sell it today for that much. The value of the fun I get flying a plane I built means that somebody would have to offer significantly more to give that up - more than anybody would ever offer me. The insurance company, however, is just interested in replacement value.

Chris

Correct! I could build another for a little less than the insured value or buy one that is similarly equipped. It's the fun and "I built it" factors that would keep me from accepting more. It's just not for sale :)

wnplt 01-02-2019 03:31 PM

Just bought a very very clean build last March IFR EFIS Autopilot for 120K feel like I was super lucky.

rv7charlie 01-02-2019 04:18 PM

To the OP,

Just typed a longer message, but my computer ate it.

Short version: I'll let others debate legalities and wisdom, but *if* you know what you're doing, you can fly pretty much all the 'gentleman's acro' positive maneuvers in an RVx at well under 3.5 Gs. (The 'acro limit' weight is for 6 Gs.)

If hard core acro is your goal, an RV probably isn't the plane you want.

FWIW,

Charlie

jcarne 01-02-2019 04:33 PM

Now I have only been around for a couple of years and I'm still building but it seems that most people who build an RV-7 go with a constant speed prop so finding your fixed pitch is going to be a little tougher but probably still doable. I haven't seen many fixed pitch prop 7s listed but the typical listing I have seen over the past few years is EFIS, autopilot, constant speed non IFR for around 110-120k. IFR seems to be listed more closely with 130k+. Now what the difference between listing and selling prices are I have no clue, I would venture though that it's not much since there isn't very many on the market at any given time. Hopefully some people with more experience chime in.

Jaypratt 01-02-2019 05:16 PM

RV7 price?
 
When was the 7 first offered? About,, 2000. Ish?

An RV7 could be 18 years old. If I have that right. Or could be new.
Airplane value is in the engine time. The airframe value is fairly constant, if hangered, and un damaged.
So if you find a new RV7 with 200 TT SNew everything, the price might be near it’s cost to build. $100,000 up to a $145,000 IFR plane. Probably worth the money

A RV built in 2002 with a field overhauled engine 200 SMOH buy “shade tree engine builders”? The value is a bit harder to pin down.
Idle engines rust.
Was it hangered? By the sea shore? Climate controlled hanger?
Any damage history?
Buy that one for $70,000 and risk an engine over haul.

The new airplane for $100,000 seems like a better value to me.

Michael Henning 01-02-2019 05:40 PM

👍 to what RV7Charlie wrote.


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