ConneryIsTheBestBond
Member
Well, the search for the right project continues. I'm still really wanting to build an -8, but I'm evaluating other options too.
Obviously there are two different (and opposite) missions that we are interested in: sporty fun with cross country potential or a family hauler with cross country potential. Certainly we will need to narrow down the mission, but, just looking for opinions.
The sporty fun is relatively easy. I want an -8, she'd rather have the -7 (her opinion based only on the RV intro video, we hope to go to OSH this year for a close up).
The family hauler is a bit more questionable. Cost is a very large factor for us here. The -10 would be great. We would have great builder support, known quantity, and the list goes on for the -10 (but I don't think I could afford it). I've looked at the Cozy IV for several years, but working with composites and being restricted to paved runways (and a white plane among other reasons) seem to turn me away from it. The Zodiak CH 604 seems interesting, but maybe a little to blah for me. So, lately, the Barrows Bearhawk has been getting some of my attention.
With 1000 plus plans sold, surely there are some RVers that have looked if not built a Bearhawk. Some of the things I like: four place with baggage, nice looking, able to accept a wide variety of engines (180-260 hp), cost if doing by plans. Things I am concerned about: first time builder building from scratch (yes I know they sell a kit but I think I'd opt for the scratch build to save $$$ for engine and avionics) and builder assistance (can't match the RV community yet.
If we did a four place, most of our flying would be off of paved strips with adequate runway length. I would like to retain the ability to go off road though as I plan to at times. So, I don't have to have the STOL performance that the Bearhawk is famous for but would like the grass runway usability. Also, I want to equip for "light" IFR (basically, VFR, but want to punch through a cloud layer to get to cruise etc...). Right now, for a new engine, a 200 hp with MAYBE a constant speed prop is about all I can afford (and that's the high line) so cost and engine is a factor.
Anyone with Bearhawk knowledge, how easy is it to remove the back seats if needed for additional cargo? Also, will full sized adults fit in the rear seats comfortably? What are your thoughts on the aircraft? Would you be concerned for someone building for the first time to scratch build?
Basically, looking to see if I should be looking at any other aircraft or if I have narrowed down my search well for what I am wanting to do.
All thoughts appreciated.
Obviously there are two different (and opposite) missions that we are interested in: sporty fun with cross country potential or a family hauler with cross country potential. Certainly we will need to narrow down the mission, but, just looking for opinions.
The sporty fun is relatively easy. I want an -8, she'd rather have the -7 (her opinion based only on the RV intro video, we hope to go to OSH this year for a close up).
The family hauler is a bit more questionable. Cost is a very large factor for us here. The -10 would be great. We would have great builder support, known quantity, and the list goes on for the -10 (but I don't think I could afford it). I've looked at the Cozy IV for several years, but working with composites and being restricted to paved runways (and a white plane among other reasons) seem to turn me away from it. The Zodiak CH 604 seems interesting, but maybe a little to blah for me. So, lately, the Barrows Bearhawk has been getting some of my attention.
With 1000 plus plans sold, surely there are some RVers that have looked if not built a Bearhawk. Some of the things I like: four place with baggage, nice looking, able to accept a wide variety of engines (180-260 hp), cost if doing by plans. Things I am concerned about: first time builder building from scratch (yes I know they sell a kit but I think I'd opt for the scratch build to save $$$ for engine and avionics) and builder assistance (can't match the RV community yet.
If we did a four place, most of our flying would be off of paved strips with adequate runway length. I would like to retain the ability to go off road though as I plan to at times. So, I don't have to have the STOL performance that the Bearhawk is famous for but would like the grass runway usability. Also, I want to equip for "light" IFR (basically, VFR, but want to punch through a cloud layer to get to cruise etc...). Right now, for a new engine, a 200 hp with MAYBE a constant speed prop is about all I can afford (and that's the high line) so cost and engine is a factor.
Anyone with Bearhawk knowledge, how easy is it to remove the back seats if needed for additional cargo? Also, will full sized adults fit in the rear seats comfortably? What are your thoughts on the aircraft? Would you be concerned for someone building for the first time to scratch build?
Basically, looking to see if I should be looking at any other aircraft or if I have narrowed down my search well for what I am wanting to do.
All thoughts appreciated.
