Cessna 185 Aircraft in Washington

Washington State has the Pacific Northwest's GA hub at Boeing Field (Seattle), Renton and Paine Field. Boeing's home market means significant aviation infrastructure including overhaul shops and specialty service centres. Flying terrain ranges from coastal to high-desert (Yakima/Tri-Cities) to mountain (Cascades).

The Cessna 185 Skywagon is the bigger, more-powerful taildragger Skywagon — produced 1961-1985 with a 300 hp Continental IO-520 and six seats. Effectively a 180 with more engine, the 185 is the heavyweight bush taildragger — favoured for serious backcountry, float and utility operations where the 180 runs out of useful load. Cruise around 145 knots; useful load comfortable for six.

Cessna 185 aircraft for sale

2 used Cessna 185 aircraft for sale in Washington · 6-seat · Used median asking $272,000 · updated 12 hours ago

Cessna 185 Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna 185 is a 6-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 145 kt (269 km/h), a range of 720 nm (1,333 km), and a useful load of 1,440 lbs (653 kg).

Performance
Cruise145 kt (269 km/h)
Max Speed150–152 kt (278–282 km/h)
Range720 nm (1,333 km)
Service Ceiling17,150–17,800 ft (5,227–5,425 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineCONTINENTAL IO-470-F
Horsepower300 HP
Fuel Capacity74.0–84.0 gal (280–318 L)
Fuel Burn14.0–15.5 GPH (53–59 L/h)
TBO1,700–2,000 hrs
ICAO TypeC185
Weights & Seats
Seats6
Max Gross Weight3,350 lbs (1,520 kg)
Useful Load1,440 lbs (653 kg)
Production1961–1985

Cessna 185 for Sale

Cessna 185 asking prices range from $140,000 to $378,410, with a median of $272,000 (market reference $250,000).

1975 Cessna 185F

1975 Cessna 185F for sale
$219,000
For Sale
Total Time 5,530
Reg# N4841C US
Location Mount Vernon, WA
Via Seitz Aviation
Multiple sources
Listed 1mo ago

1977 Cessna 185F

1977 Cessna 185F for sale within typical asking range
$340,000
For Sale
Total Time 1,633
Reg# N1848Q US
Location Kenmore, WA
Via Hartley Paul
Listed 1mo ago

Cessna 185 Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
A185E 1971–1985 6 145 kts (269 km/h) 720 nm (1,333 km) 1,440 lbs (653 kg) — An early Skywagon taildragger — a powerful six-seat bush and float single that holds its value strongly. 2
A185F 1973–1985 6 145 kts (269 km/h) 720 nm (1,333 km) 1,440 lbs (653 kg) $200K – $425K The most numerous late Skywagon — a six-seat taildragger for serious bush and float work that holds its value strongly. 19
185F 1973–1985 6 145 kts (269 km/h) 720 nm (1,333 km) 1,440 lbs (653 kg) $190K – $450K A late Skywagon — a powerful six-seat taildragger for serious bush and float work that holds its value strongly. 16

Compare Cessna 185

See how the Cessna 185 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Cessna 185 vs Cessna 206 Cessna 185 vs Cessna 180 Cessna 185 vs Cessna 182 Cessna 185 vs Cessna 172 Cessna 185 vs Cubcrafters Nxcub Cessna 185 vs Maule M-7-235C

Cessna 185 Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna 185 cost? Used 185 prices: $140K – $378K, average $272K (median $272K); market reference $250K, across 22 priced of 2 active listings.

Cessna 185 Price Guide

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

Cessna 185 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (15.5 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$9,610/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$22,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$175/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 1,700 hrs)$35,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

The 185's Continental IO-520 burns approximately 14-15 gph at cruise - consistent with 300-hp fuel-injected piston singles. IO-520 overhaul cost is established and parts are well-supported. The tailwheel gear is simpler than retractable systems; conventional-gear annual inspection covers the spring, shimmy damper, and tail-spring condition. Float-equipped 185s add float maintenance. The 185's operating community is active and provides good maintenance resources for both engine and airframe.

Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Cessna 185

Buying a Cessna 185 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna 185 Skywagon is a six-seat, fixed-gear taildragger built for utility - powered by a Continental six-cylinder engine (early 185s used the 260-hp IO-470; most later 185s the 300-hp IO-520-D), cruising around 145 knots with a useful load that makes it one of the most capable fixed-gear utility taildraggers in certificated aviation.

Taildragger utility. The 185 uses conventional (tailwheel) gear - requiring a tailwheel endorsement and active crosswind technique, but delivering genuine backcountry capability. On unimproved strips, gravel bars, tundra, and floats, the tailwheel configuration is an advantage over tricycle-gear alternatives. The 185 earned its reputation in Alaska and remote operations where useful load, power, and conventional gear make it the preferred tool.

Power and utility mission. The fuel-injected Continental engine - 300 hp in the common IO-520 examples - gives the 185 its authority on bush strips, maintaining consistent power for short-field operations at density altitude. A large useful load with six seats allows full utility missions: people, gear, and cargo in combinations smaller utility singles cannot match.

Buy it if you hold a tailwheel endorsement and need the utility the 185 provides - backcountry, float, Alaskan, or agricultural operations where power, useful load, and conventional gear define the mission. Confirm the specific engine (IO-470 versus IO-520) on early aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 185

About the Cessna 185 Skywagon
The Cessna 185 Skywagon is Cessna's rugged six-seat tail-dragger utility aircraft, produced 1961–1985. Early examples use the Continental IO-470 (260 hp); later variants use the Continental IO-520-D (300 hp) — more power than the 180 and a step up in payload and float-plane performance. The 185 is the go-to aircraft for serious Alaska bush operations, float work, and backcountry flying where maximum payload, rough-field handling, and power margin matter more than speed.
185 vs 180 — which Cessna tail-dragger should I buy?
The 185 has more power (300 hp vs 230 hp), higher useful load (~1,400 lb vs ~1,100 lb for the 180), and performs better on floats and in high-and-hot conditions. The 180 is lighter, simpler, and less expensive to own. For demanding bush/float operations with maximum payload, the 185 is the tool. For moderate off-airport use where the 230-hp O-470 is sufficient, the 180 is a cleaner and cheaper ownership experience.
What should I inspect on a used Cessna 185?
The tailwheel assembly, Continental engine health (compression, cylinders, exhaust — the big-bore Continental can have cylinder issues on high-time examples), float fittings if it was a float aircraft, and corrosion from bush/coastal/float environments. Many 185s have had hard lives; a thorough airframe inspection by a bush-aircraft specialist is essential. Verify all STCs for modifications (tundra gear, STOL kits, oversized tires).
How much can the 185 carry and how far does it fly?
Approximately 1,400 lb useful load, allowing a loaded float configuration with four adults and significant fuel. Range is approximately 700–900 nm at cruise on the IO-520. The 185 optimizes for load-carrying and rough-field access over outright range.
Is the Cessna 185 still a practical bush aircraft?
Absolutely — the 185 is still the benchmark for backcountry and float operations in North America. The Continental IO-520 is well-supported with a wide overhaul network. There is no new production (it ended in 1985), but the 185 community is active and the aircraft itself is robust. Many 185s in working fleets have been operated and maintained for 40-plus years.

Cessna 185 Inventory by Country

United States50
Canada14
South Africa2
Australia1
Norway1
Finland1

Cessna 185 Inventory by State

Oregon4
Texas4
Alaska4
Illinois2
Oklahoma2
Washington2
Florida2
Idaho2

Cessna 185 by Price

Under $200k7
Under $300k36
Under $500k63

Cessna 185 by Decade

1970s2

Recently Sold Cessna 185

1964 185$229,000
1978 185$495,000
1972 185E$260,479
1973 185$299,000
1980 A185F$269,000

Cessna 185 Safety Record

Across all 185 variants, 476 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2025. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

476

Total Events

353

Incidents

23

Serious

43

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Oct 10, 2025 Phoenix, AZ Incident The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a left crosswind.
Oct 09, 2025 Rafaela, OF Incident —
Sep 27, 2025 Ilwaco, WA Incident The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Apr 07, 2025 Wausau, WI Incident The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in shifting wind conditions.
Jun 24, 2024 Anchorage, AK Incident The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB records 1982–2025. Includes all Cessna 185 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed 12 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data