Republic RC-3 Seabee vs Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey
The Seabee and Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey are amphibians of different class — the Seabee a heavy all-metal four-seat classic; the SeaRey a light two-seat sport amphibian (kit/LSA) with nimble low-and-slow fun.
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
- For sale now
- 6
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 2000–2019
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 | Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | 7 |
| Serious | 0 | 4 |
| Fatal | 1 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 2 | 1 |
| % Fatal | 100% | 14% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Republic RC-3 Seabee | Progressive Aerodyne SEAREY |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $147,261 – $231,500 | $60,125 – $117,500 |
| Category | Warbirds | Amphibians |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Cruise Speed | 90 kts (167 km/h) | 74 kts (137 km/h) |
| Range | 490 nm (907 km) | 315 nm (583 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) | 1,430 lbs (649 kg) |
Which Should You Buy: Republic RC-3 Seabee or Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey?
Bottom line: Choose the SeaRey for light, economical, fun sport amphibian flying. Choose the Seabee for four seats, ruggedness and classic presence — at higher operating cost and weight, when cabin and character matter more than light-sport economy. ================================================================ # CROSS-REFS ================================================================ - ref: Lake mirror in lake; ICON A5 in icon; SeaRey in progressive-aerodyne. Re-engined Seabee = higher value (Franklin underpowered).
Pick the RC-3 Seabee if…
- Faster cruise — 90 kts vs 74 kts.
- Longer range — 490 nm vs 315 nm.
Pick the SeaRey if…
- Budget matters — from $60,125 vs $147,261, you save ~$87,136.
- More inventory — 5 listings vs 2.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.