Boeing Stearman vs Waco YMF-5C
The Boeing Stearman (PT-17/Kaydet) and Waco YMF-5 are classic American radial open-cockpit biplanes — the Stearman the rugged WWII primary-trainer warbird, the YMF-5 the modern new-build classic.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 27
- Median asking
- $134,836
- Range
- $78,475–$177,316
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 8
- Source marketplaces
- 10
- Model years available
- 1936–1945
- For sale now
- 12
- Median asking
- $276,000
- Range
- $181,543–$481,550
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1934–2025
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Boeing Stearman | Waco YMF-5C |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 3 | 2 |
| Serious | 0 | 0 |
| Fatal | 2 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 3 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 67% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Boeing Stearman | Waco YMF-5C |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $78,475 – $177,316 | $181,543 – $481,550 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 3 |
| Cruise Speed | — | 100 kts (185 km/h) |
| Range | — | 432 nm (800 km) |
| Engines | — | 1 x Reciprocating |
Which Should You Buy: Boeing Stearman or Waco YMF-5C?
Bottom line: Choose the Stearman for genuine WWII warbird heritage, a huge surviving fleet and strong parts/community support; choose the Waco YMF-5 for a modern, type-certificated new-build biplane with warranty-era support and fewer vintage unknowns. Stearman = warbird heritage; YMF-5 = modern/certified.
Pick the Stearman if…
- Budget matters — from $78,475 vs $181,543, you save ~$103,068.
Pick the YMF-5C if…
- More inventory — 12 listings vs 2.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.