buy or build

meanstreakii · #1 04-09-2011, 04:09 PM

Hey gang - new to this forum. Looking to get into and RV and wanted to ask opinions about buying vs building. Buying would likely be an RV6 while building would be an RV7. Aside from the difference in cost, does a 6 have any issues? what should I be looking for?

PS up in canada , still have 2 feet of snow on the ground
ra

RickWoodall · #2 04-09-2011, 04:18 PM

Building takes soooooo long but you learn lots. There are some great planes that come up at good prices. I have a friend in Calgary and in Saskatoon that have bought used 6's in the last while. If they don't chime up pm me and I will send you their contact info. I am sure they can give you some good info

meanstreakii · #3 04-09-2011, 04:33 PM

thanks rick - will do

Building gets you what you want though

gasman · #4 04-09-2011, 05:11 PM

Find a low priced simple 6 for about 35 to 45k.

Then start building your 7. You will learn a lot by owning the six and cleaning it up. You will have something to fly and also be ready for your new airplane. When the seven is done, or you run out of money then sell the six.

Wayne Gillispie · #5 04-09-2011, 05:48 PM

when I bought my kit.

Advantages of building for me: No loan, build the panel the way I want it, as Rick said learning alot, get your repairman's certificate.

Disadvantages: Spend almost as much as if you bought a flying one now, spend about $2-3,000 on tools, spending $100-150/mo to rent 172's and stay current while building, no trips with the family, not much spare time for ANYTHING if I want to finish in 2 years, money does not go out evenly over time as it would with a loan(big money on the last 1/3 of build for me(engine/prop/avionics).

It will be worth it in the end for me...but I would much rather be flying right now. If you build, loads of patience required! Have fun no matter which way you go. Read TKATC recent write up. What a trip!! And with his first plane.

Vlad · #6 04-09-2011, 06:04 PM

Welcome Robert! Somebody wise on this forum said long time ago if question of build vs buy arises - BUY

panhandler1956 · #7 04-09-2011, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gasman

Find a low priced simple 6 for about 35 to 45k.

Then start building your 7. You will learn a lot by owning the six and cleaning it up. You will have something to fly and also be ready for your new airplane. When the seven is done, or you run out of money then sell the six.

Gasman's got it. Building isn't a short-term deal, as you know. I tried to do this, but couldn't get it past the the CFO (chief female officer aka 'she that must be obeyed')

Having a flying airplane during the build would be optimal, but beware of the trail of builders who got too distracted by their flying airplane and never finish the project -I've seen several in my 5 yrs on the forum.

meanstreakii · #8 04-09-2011, 06:13 PM

I wanted to build but being a father and having a full time job, I figure even a quick build kit at 1000 hours will take me two to three years (at the same time, my two boys could help, great way to spend some time together - maybe??). A good friend of mine built a 6 (back before panels were punched) and said it was a ton of work.

I like the idea opf buying a cheap 6 and moving up a few years down the road. lots of questions about weight and balance (at 210 lbs, and can't take full fuel and a drinking buddy at 1600 lbs MTOW). I see that on the Van web site, you can register MTOW yourself - is this true?

RA

aarvig · #9 04-09-2011, 06:26 PM

If you have free time and enjoy projects build a plane. If you want to fly...buy a plane. Either option results in the same ending.

gasman · #10 04-09-2011, 06:29 PM

That is true. If your friend tips in at 210 also, then you have room for 21 gallons of fuel or three hours of flying................... not unless you want to do an overnighter!!