Republic RC-3 Seabee Aircraft

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The Republic RC-3 Seabee is one of the most characterful classic amphibians ever built — a rugged post-war all-metal four-seater with a rear-mounted pusher engine and a true boat hull. Beloved for its go-anywhere water-and-land versatility and unmistakable looks, the Seabee is often re-engined for more power than its modest original Franklin. It rewards an owner who values classic amphibian character and will care for a boat-hull airframe.

Republic RC-3 Seabee aircraft for sale

2 used Republic RC-3 Seabee aircraft for sale · 4-seat · Reference price ~$140,000 ($85,000–$250,000) · updated 2 days ago

Republic RC-3 Seabee Specifications

Model spec

The Republic RC-3 Seabee is a 4-seat amphibians with a cruise speed of 90–105 kt (167–194 km/h), a range of 400–490 nm (741–907 km), and a useful load of 900 lbs (408 kg).

Performance
Cruise90–105 kt (167–194 km/h)
Max Speed87–100 kt (161–185 km/h)
Range400–490 nm (741–907 km)
Service Ceiling12,000–14,000 ft (3,658–4,267 m)
Engine & Fuel
Horsepower215 HP
Fuel Burn12.0–13.0 GPH (45–49 L/h)
TBO1,500 hrs
Weights & Seats
Seats4
Max Gross Weight3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
Useful Load900 lbs (408 kg)

Republic RC-3 Seabee for Sale

Republic RC-3 Seabee asking prices range from $132,509 to $235,000, with a median of $183,754 (market reference $140,000).

1946 Republic RC-3 Seabee

1946 Republic RC-3 Seabee for sale
$132,509
For Sale
Total Time 2,488
Reg# N87504 US
Location Locarno, Ticino, Switzerland
Via Aeromeccanica SA
Multiple sources

1947 Republic RC-3 Seabee

1947 Republic RC-3 Seabee for sale
$200,000
For Sale
Total Time 277
Reg# N6386K US
Location Hawkesbury, ON, Canada
Via Jay Wax
Multiple sources

Republic RC-3 Seabee Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
RC-3 — 4 105 kts (194 km/h) 400 nm (741 km) 900 lbs (408 kg) — — 1

Compare Republic RC-3 Seabee

See how the Republic RC-3 Seabee stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Republic RC-3 Seabee vs Icon A5 Republic RC-3 Seabee vs Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer Republic RC-3 Seabee vs Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey

Republic RC-3 Seabee Price & Cost

How much does a Republic RC-3 Seabee cost? Used RC-3 Seabee prices: $132K – $235K, average $183K (median $183K); market reference $140K, across 2 priced of 2 active listings.

Republic RC-3 Seabee 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.

Republic RC-3 Seabee Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (13.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$8,060/yr
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.
Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Republic RC-3 Seabee

Buying a Republic RC-3 Seabee comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

  • Engine — original Franklin vs Continental/Lycoming conversion (power is the key variable); hours, overhaul and STC docs.
  • Hull & corrosion — boat hull and all-metal structure integrity; corrosion is the primary amphibian risk.
  • Amphibious systems — retractable gear, water rudder and seals.
  • Documentation — conversion STCs, complete logs and a type-experienced pre-buy.

Frequently Asked Questions — Republic RC-3 Seabee

Cost?
From $132,509 to $235,000, median $183,754 across 2 listings.
Should I want a re-engined Seabee?
Most buyers prefer a Continental/Lycoming conversion — the original
Seabee vs Lake amphibian?
The Seabee is the rugged post-war classic; the Lake is the later, faster,

Republic RC-3 Seabee Inventory by Country

Canada2
Switzerland1

Republic RC-3 Seabee by Price

Under $200k1
Under $300k3
Under $500k3

Other Republic Aircraft

Republic RC-31
All Republic →

Republic RC-3 Seabee Safety Record

Across all RC-3 Seabee variants, 1 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1996–1996. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

1

Total Events

0

Incidents

0

Serious

1

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
May 25, 1996 KETCHIKAN, AK Fatal (2) the airplane crashed for undetermined reason(s).

NTSB records 1996–1996. Includes all Republic RC-3 Seabee 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 2 days ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data