Cessna 185 vs Maule M-7-235C
The Cessna 185 Skywagon (tailwheel, 300 hp Continental IO-520, ~145 kt) and modern backcountry options like CubCrafters NXCub (tailwheel, 180 hp Lycoming, ~135 kt with extreme STOL) or Maule M-7-235C (tailwheel, 235 hp Lycoming, ~140 kt) are competing backcountry singles — different takes on the bush-flying mission.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 185
- For sale now
- 70
- Median asking
- $280,000
- Range
- $189,000–$429,900
- Model years available
- 1961–1985
Maule M-7-235C
- For sale now
- 9
- Median asking
- $225,000
- Range
- $189,500–$333,000
- Model years available
- 1999–2021
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) | Cessna 185 | Maule M-7-235C |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 476 | 16 |
| Serious | 23 | 1 |
| Fatal | 43 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 93 | 1 |
| % Fatal | 9% | 6% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 185 | Maule M-7-235C |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $189,000 – $429,900 | $189,500 – $333,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | 235 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 124 kts (230 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 572 nm (1,059 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 17,150 ft (5,227 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 84.0 gal (318 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) | 13.0 GPH (49 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | $15,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $175 | $140 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 185
Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Maule M-7-235C
Fuel$72/hr
Variable$140/hr
Annual Fixed$15,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$43,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 185 or Maule M-7-235C?
Bottom line: Choose the 185 for the largest payload, the classic Cessna character and the broadest tailwheel-utility support network. Choose the NXCub for the most extreme STOL/short-field capability in a new airframe. Choose the Maule M-7 for the best balance of capability and acquisition cost in a modern STOL platform.
Pick the 185 if…
- Budget matters — from $189,000 vs $189,500, you save ~$500.
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 124 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 572 nm.
- More inventory — 17 listings vs 5.
Pick the M-7-235C if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $175/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1976 vs 1961.
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 Maule M-7-235C and Cessna 185 Skywagon?
Power and payload capacity. The Maule M-7-235C uses a Lycoming O-540 (235 hp), seats four to five, is a taildragger with excellent STOL characteristics, and cruises approximately 120–130 kt. The Cessna 185 Skywagon uses a Continental IO-520-D (~300 hp), seats five to six, is also a taildragger, and cruises approximately 140 kt — with more power and a larger useful load for heavy bush operations.
Maule M-7-235C or Cessna 185 — which backcountry aircraft?
Buy the Maule M-7-235C if STOL performance from a lighter, more economical aircraft is the priority — its lighter airframe gives competitive short-field performance from 235 hp. Buy the Cessna 185 if maximum payload, floatplane utility, and 300 hp for loaded high-altitude departures are required. The 185 is the heavier-duty tool; the Maule is the lighter, more economical STOL alternative.
How does STOL performance compare?
The Maule's lighter weight and design give it strong STOL characteristics despite less power than the 185. The 185's 300 hp advantage becomes significant when fully loaded from high-elevation strips. Both are capable backcountry taildraggers; the mission determines which is better.
How do specs compare?
Maule M-7-235C: Lycoming O-540 (~235 hp), four to five seats, taildragger, ~120–130 kt. Cessna 185F: Continental IO-520-D (~300 hp), five to six seats, taildragger, ~140 kt, large useful load.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Maule is less expensive — smaller engine, lighter airframe, lower fuel burn. The 185's IO-520-D is a large engine with proportionally higher operating cost. For solo or two-person backcountry flying, the Maule's economics are better; for heavily loaded operations, the 185's payload justifies its cost.
Which should I buy?
Maule M-7-235C for economical STOL personal backcountry flying — lighter, more fuel-efficient, capable from short strips. Cessna 185 for heavy-duty bush work where 300 hp, large payload, and floatplane versatility define the mission.
Which is better, Cessna 185 or Maule M-7-235C?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 185 cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range.
The M-7-235C cruises at 124 kts with 572 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Maule M-7-235C: from $225,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 185 and Maule M-7-235C?
185 engine: CONTINENTAL IO-470-F (300 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 145 vs 124 kts.
Range: 720 vs 572 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
185: about $175/hr variable cost.
M-7-235C: about $140/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?
185: 6 seats / 1,440 lb useful load.
M-7-235C: 4 seats / 1,000 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?
185: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000.
M-7-235C: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data