1973 Cessna 185F for sale

1973 Cessna 185F

Single Engine Piston

CLEAN HISTORY FOR SALE
$450,000
Location Watertown, WI
Total Time 7,800 hrs
Engine SMOH 400 hrs
Seats 6
Serial # 18502286
Reg # N192JR
Damage History Clean per seller
Cruise 145 kts (269 km/h)
ICAO Type C185
✓ Clean NTSB ✓ Verified recently ⚠ High time

Aircraft Details

Seller reported

Avionics & Equipment

BTH

Garmin glass panel setup with PFD/MFD and synthetic vision Garmin touchscreen IFR-capable avionics Garmin audio panel Garmin Flight Stream 510 Garmin ADS-B/transponder capability XM/weather-related capability appears to be installed Digital clock/timer and charging provisions noted on the equipment list Overall

this aircraft presents as a seriously upgraded modernized 185 panel

Description

Congratulations, you have found the back country aircraft you have been looking for! If you have been searching for the nicest 185 on the market, N192JR is a serious contender. This is a beautifully presented, exceptionally well-equipped A185F Skywagon with the kind of pedigree buyers want most: hangared, highly upgraded, and showing no damage history. With approximately 7,840 hours total time, a 300 HP Continental conversion with roughly 400 hours since remanufactured, and a 3-blade MT composite prop with about 330 hours since new, this airplane brings together performance, utility, and pride of ownership in one outstanding package. The panel and equipment list are equally impressive. N192JR features a modern Garmin glass cockpit and IFR-capable avionics suite, along with numerous high-value improvements that make this one of the most desirable 185s available. Notable upgrades include Sportsman STOL, vortex generators, P. Ponk landing gear, Seaplanes West engine mount, BAS shoulder harnesses, Rosen visors, LED exterior lighting, dual toe brakes, and more. With a useful load of approximately 1,184 pounds, it remains every bit as practical as it is attractive. Just as important is what this airplane is not. N192JR is not a float or ski airplane, and that should be viewed as a major benefit, not a drawback. Buyers who understand these aircraft know that avoiding float and ski use can mean less structural stress, less exposure to harsh environments, and a more confidence-inspiring airframe. In other words, this is the kind of straight, structurally sound 185 that discriminating buyers actively seek out. Finished in a sharp paint scheme and reportedly repainted in 2017, this Skywagon has the looks to match its equipment, capability, and condition. It is a premium example for the buyer who does not want to compromise on pedigree, presentation, or upgrades. No damage history. No excuses. Just one of the finest Cessna 185s on the market today.

Engine

300 HP Continental conversion Approx. 400 hours since reman Excellent powerplant setup for the buyer who wants true 185 performance 3-blade MT composite prop Approx. 400 hours since new Premium propeller upgrade that enhances both performance and ramp appeal

Interior

STOL / Performance / Structural Upgrades Sportsman STOL kit Vortex generators P. Ponk landing gear Seaplanes West engine mount Heavy-duty utility-focused upgrades throughout Built for serious backcountry-capable performance while retaining excellent overall presentation Exterior / Lighting / Utility Features Sharp, attractive paint scheme Repainted in 2017 LED nav lights LED wingtip strobes LED flashing beacon Dual push-to-talk switches Dual toe brakes Wheel pants Utility and convenience enhancements throughout Interior / Cabin / Comfort Cabin and interior upgrades noted on the spec sheet Rosen sun visors BAS-style safety/comfort upgrades appear included Designed to be both practical and attractive for the owner who wants a premium 185

Description and equipment details provided by the seller. AeroGurus does not verify seller-provided information.

Price Comparison 1 active offer

Source Price Action
Wisconsin Aviation
trade-a-plane.com
$450,000

Estimate Monthly Payment

Cessna 185F loan calculator

AeroGurus

AeroGurus Data & Analysis

Independent data from FAA, NTSB, and market analysis

About This Cessna 185F

This 1973 Cessna 185F (N192JR) is a 6-seat single engine piston with 7,800 hours on the airframe. There are currently 11 185F aircraft listed for sale with asking prices ranging from $190,000 to $450,000. This aircraft is priced above the market average at $450,000.

The 185F cruises at 145 kts (269 km/h) with a range of 720 nm (1,333 km) — ideal for short hops and local flights.

Operating costs: Fuel burn is 15.5 GPH (59 L/h), which at current Jet-A prices (~$5.50/gal) means approximately $85/hr in fuel alone. Total variable cost including maintenance reserves is approximately $175/hr. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, crew, annual inspection) average $22,000. With 7,800 hours on the airframe, this aircraft has exceeded TBO (2,000 hrs) — verify engine status and overhaul reserve.

NTSB records show 0 incidents for this airframe — a clean safety record. Mechanics have filed 10 service difficulty reports for this type — common maintenance items to discuss during pre-buy.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

Safety record: 0 NTSB incidents
Airframe: 7,800 hours — verify engine time vs TBO (2,000 hrs)
Budget $232 for pre-purchase inspection

Cessna 185F — Model Specs

Model specification

Standard specs for this model. Actual aircraft may differ.

Seats
6
Cruise Speed
145 kts (269 km/h)
Range
720 nm (1,333 km)
Max Weight
12,500 lbs (5,670 kg)
Useful Load
1,440 lbs (653 kg)
Horsepower
300 HP
Fuel Burn
15.5 GPH (59 L/h)
TBO
2,000 hrs

Estimated Cost of Ownership

AeroGurus estimate

CESSNA 185F

Fuel Burn
15.5 GPH
~$101/hr
Variable Cost
$175/hr
fuel + mx + reserves
Annual Fixed
$22,000/yr
hangar + insurance + annual
Engine Overhaul
$35,000
every 2,000 hrs

AeroGurus estimates based on industry averages for the CESSNA 185F. Actual costs vary by location, usage, maintenance history, and configuration. Not a financial quote.

Ownership & Registration

FAA registration data pending for N192JR.

Location & Ownership

FAA records

Aircraft Location

Watertown, WI

Seller reported 85 more aircraft in WI →

Title Status

No FAA title records

Available for US-registered aircraft only

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry, FAA Civil Aviation Registry (DocIndex). Title data may be delayed. Always verify with an aviation attorney before purchase.

Safety Record

NTSB safety data coming soon.

We'll check N192JR against the NTSB accident database.

Service Difficulty Reports — Cessna 185F

SDRs are reports filed by mechanics about problems found during maintenance. 10 recent reports for this aircraft type.

Landing Gear CRACKED
2025-08-01

UPON INSPECTION AND CLEANING OF THE ABI 3413-01K TAIL WHEEL FORK ASSY, A CRACK WAS DISCOVERED. PHOTOS UPON REQUEST.

Power Plant BROKEN
2024-10-03

MOUNTED IN THE RT FRONT POSITION, FOUND BROKEN DURING OIL CHANGE.

Exhaust CRACKED
2021-09-26

INSTALLED NEW ACORN WELDING LTD. EXHAUST STACKS AND MUFFLER ON FACTORY NEW IO-550D ENGINE. BOTH EXHAUST STACKS CRACKED WITHIN 60 HOURS; REPLACED BOTH STACKS WITH NEW ACORN STACKS; ONE OF THE NEW STACKS CRACKED (1" HOLE) WITHIN 30 HOURS. REMOVED FRO...

Landing Gear BROKEN
2021-09-08

WHILE EXECUTING A WHEEL LANDING ON RWY 29 AT AWO, UPON TOUCH DOWN THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN A GENTLE DRIFT TO THE RIGHT WHICH COULD NOT BE CORRECTED WITH LEFT BRAKE OR LEFT RUDDER. THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED TO TURN TO THE RIGHT, EXITED THE RUNWAY ONTO THE GRAS...

Wings CORRODED
2020-11-15

THE AIRCRAFT CABIN HEADLINER WAS REMOVED FOR MAINTENANCE. AFTER REMOVAL, SEVERE INTERGRANULAR CORROSION WAS FOUND ON THE CARRY THROUGH SPAR. THIS RENDERED THE SPAR UNAIRWORTHY AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT WAS DISCOVERED ...

Fuselage CRACKED
2020-07-31

CRACKS WERE DISCOVERED IN BOTH LH AND RH TAILWHEEL STEERING BELLCRANK BRACKETS DURING ROUTINE INSPECTION. PN-0712039-1. THESE BRACKETS HOLD THE BELLCRANK THAT COMBINES THE INPUT FOR AIR RUDDER AND TAIL WHEEL STEERING. CRACKS ORIGINATED IN BOTH BRACKE...

Reciprocating Engine DAMAGED
2016-12-08

THE SURFACE OF THE LIFTER THAT CONTACT THE CAMSHAFT ARE SPALLED AND CORRODED. REPLACED THE LIFTERS.

Reciprocating Engine DAMAGED
2016-12-08

THE SURFACE OF THE LIFTER THAT CONTACT THE CAMSHAFT ARE SPALLED AND CORRODED. REPLACED THE LIFTERS.

Reciprocating Engine DAMAGED
2016-12-08

THE SURFACE OF THE LIFTER THAT CONTACT THE CAMSHAFT ARE SPALLED AND CORRODED. REPLACED THE LIFTERS.

Reciprocating Engine DAMAGED
2016-12-08

THE SURFACE OF THE LIFTER THAT CONTACT THE CAMSHAFT ARE SPALLED AND CORRODED. REPLACED THE LIFTERS.

Source: FAA Service Difficulty Reporting System. Shows maintenance issues reported by mechanics for this aircraft type.

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Prices and listings updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data
Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision. Actual transaction prices may differ from asking prices.