Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander vs Cessna 337
The Islander (conventional twin) and Cessna 337 Skymaster (centerline-thrust push-pull twin) compare a rugged utility twin against the unique in-line twin.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander
No active listings right now.
Cessna 337
- For sale now
- 23
- Median asking
- $129,750
- Range
- $94,725–$183,605
- Model years available
- 1963–1979
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) | Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander | Cessna 337 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 122 |
| Serious | — | 18 |
| Fatal | — | 38 |
| Fatalities | — | 69 |
| % Fatal | — | 31% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander | Cessna 337 |
|---|---|---|
|
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| Price Range | — | $94,725 – $183,605 |
| Category | — | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | 210 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 130 kts (241 km/h) | 170 kts (315 km/h) |
| Range | 755 nm (1,398 km) | 900 nm (1,667 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 13,200 ft (4,023 m) | 19,500 ft (5,944 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 4,400 lbs (1,996 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 90.0 gal (341 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 1,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $260 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBritten-Norman BN-2 Islander
Fuel$154/hr
Cessna 337
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$260/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$77,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander or Cessna 337?
Bottom line: Choose the Islander for utility load, short-field and commuter pedigree; choose the 337 for centerline-thrust handling (no Vmc asymmetry) and lower cost. Islander = utility; 337 = centerline-thrust.
Pick the BN-2 Islander if…
- More seats — 9 vs 6.
Pick the 337 if…
- Faster cruise — 170 kts vs 130 kts.
- Longer range — 900 nm vs 755 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the BN-2 Islander and Cessna 337 Skymaster?
Conventional twin vs push-pull, and capacity. The Cessna 337 Skymaster (IO-360, 210 hp each, push-pull centerline-thrust, 6 seats, ~155–170 kt) has a unique configuration that eliminates asymmetric thrust on engine failure. The BN-2 Islander (Lycoming O-540, ~260 hp each, conventional twin, 9–10 seats, ~150–165 kt) is a conventional high-wing twin designed for island charter with more seats.
BN-2 Islander or Cessna 337 — which twin?
Buy the 337 if: centerline-thrust safety (no asymmetric thrust on engine failure), the Cessna support network, and 6-seat piston twin economics define the choice. Buy the Islander if: nine-seat capacity for island and commuter operations, and the BN-2's rugged simplicity suit the mission.
What is the 337's push-pull configuration advantage?
The 337's centerline push-pull layout eliminates the yaw moment on engine failure — a major training simplification and safety consideration. A standard twin with one engine out requires significant rudder input and training; the 337 continues straight with minimal control input. This makes the 337 attractive for pilots who prefer its benign engine-out characteristics.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 337G Skymaster: IO-360 (210 hp each), 6 seats, push-pull centerline, ~155–170 kt. BN-2B Islander: O-540 (~260 hp each), 9–10 seats, conventional twin, ~150–165 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The 337's IO-360 engines are less powerful and less expensive per hour than the Islander's O-540 engines. The Islander's nine seats lower cost per seat-mile on full loads. For pure economics on short commuter routes with full loads, the Islander's economics are competitive.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 337 for centerline-thrust safety simplicity and Cessna-supported 6-seat twin operations. BN-2 Islander for nine-seat island and commuter twin operations where rugged simplicity and seat count matter.
Which is better, Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander or Cessna 337?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The BN-2 Islander cruises at 130 kts with 755 nm range.
The 337 cruises at 170 kts with 900 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 337: from $137,112.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander and Cessna 337?
337 engine: CONTINENTAL IO-360-C (210 hp).
Seats: 9 vs 6.
Cruise: 130 vs 170 kts.
Range: 755 vs 900 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
337: about $260/hr variable cost.
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?
BN-2 Islander: 9 seats / 2,500 lb useful load.
337: 6 seats / 1,400 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?
337: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
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