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 · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Boeing Stearman

For sale now: 27
Median asking: $132,766
Range: $79,500–$161,629
Model years available: 1936–1945

Waco YMF-5C

For sale now: 11
Median asking: $285,000
Range: $154,432–$493,600
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%

View full Boeing Stearman NTSB record →View full Waco YMF-5C NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs

Spec / Model	Boeing Stearman	Waco YMF-5C
	View 4 listings → Median $132,766	View 5 listings → Median $285,000
Price Range	$79,500 – $161,629	$154,432 – $493,600
Category	Single Engine Piston	Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats	2	3
Horsepower	220 HP	300 HP
Cruise Speed	92 kts (170 km/h)	100 kts (185 km/h)
Range	300 nm (556 km)	432 nm (800 km)
Service Ceiling	11,200 ft (3,414 m)	17,000 ft (5,182 m)
Useful Load	700 lbs (318 kg)	850 lbs (386 kg)
Fuel Burn	13.0 GPH (49 L/h)	15.0 GPH (57 L/h)
Engines	1 x Piston	1 x Piston

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 $79,500 vs $154,432, you save ~$74,932.

Pick the YMF-5C if…

More seats — 3 vs 2.
Faster cruise — 100 kts vs 92 kts.
Longer range — 432 nm vs 300 nm.
More inventory — 5 listings vs 4.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Boeing Stearman or Waco YMF-5C?

It depends on your mission and budget. The Stearman cruises at 92 kts with 300 nm range. The YMF-5C cruises at 100 kts with 432 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.

How do prices compare?

Boeing Stearman: from $129,000. Waco YMF-5C: from $250,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.

What's the difference between Boeing Stearman and Waco YMF-5C?

Seats: 2 vs 3. Cruise: 92 vs 100 kts. Range: 300 vs 432 nm.

Which is cheaper to operate per hour?

Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.

Which has more seats and useful load?

Stearman: 2 seats / 700 lb useful load. YMF-5C: 3 seats / 850 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.

How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?

Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.

Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.

Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data