Cessna 185F vs Maule M-7-235C

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Cessna 185F Maule M-7-235C
Cessna 185F
View 11 listings →
Median $325,000
Maule M-7-235C
View 4 listings →
Median $225,250
Price Range $190,000 – $450,000 $225,000 – $249,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 4
Horsepower 300 HP
Cruise Speed 145 kts (269 km/h)
Range 720 nm (1,333 km)
Max Gross Weight 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg)
Useful Load 1,440 lbs (653 kg)
Fuel Burn 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) 13.0 GPH (49 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000 $28,000
Annual Fixed $22,000 $15,000
Hourly Variable $175 $140
Engines 1 x Reciprocating 1 x Reciprocating

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 185F

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 185F or Maule M-7-235C?

Pick the 185F if…

  • Budget matters — from $190,000 vs $225,000, you save ~$35,000.
  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • More inventory — 11 listings vs 4.

Pick the M-7-235C if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $175/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 1976 vs 1973.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Cessna 185F or Maule M-7-235C?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 185F cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 185F: from $340,000. 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 185F and Maule M-7-235C?
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
185F: 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?
185F: 6 seats / 1,440 lb useful load. M-7-235C: 4 seats. 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?
185F: 2,000-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