Republic RC-3 Seabee vs Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer
The Republic RC-3 Seabee and Lake LA-4 are the two classic piston pusher amphibians — the Seabee the rugged post-war original (often re-engined); the Lake the later, faster, more refined design.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 3
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1946–1947
No active listings right now.
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) | Republic RC-3 Seabee | Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | — |
| Serious | 0 | — |
| Fatal | 1 | — |
| Fatalities | 2 | — |
| % Fatal | 100% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Republic RC-3 Seabee | Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $147,261 – $231,500 | — |
| Category | Warbirds | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Cruise Speed | 90 kts (167 km/h) | 105 kts (194 km/h) |
| Range | 490 nm (907 km) | 717 nm (1,328 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) | 2,690 lbs (1,220 kg) |
Which Should You Buy: Republic RC-3 Seabee or Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer?
Bottom line: Choose the Lake for higher performance, a more modern airframe and better cruise; choose the Seabee for rugged post-war character, a roomier go-anywhere boat hull and classic appeal — typically at lower acquisition cost. Both demand thorough hull/corrosion inspection.
Pick the RC-3 Seabee if…
Pick the LA-4-200 Buccaneer if…
- Faster cruise — 105 kts vs 90 kts.
- Longer range — 717 nm vs 490 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.