Republic RC-3 Seabee Aircraft under $500,000
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.
2 used Republic RC-3 Seabee aircraft for sale under $500,000 · 4-seat · Reference price ~$140,000 ($85,000–$250,000) · updated 2 days ago
Republic RC-3 Seabee Specifications
Model specThe 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).
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).
Republic RC-3 Seabee Variants
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 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.
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions — Republic RC-3 Seabee
Cost?
Should I want a re-engined Seabee?
Seabee vs Lake amphibian?
Republic RC-3 Seabee Inventory by Country
| Canada | 2 |
| Switzerland | 1 |
Republic RC-3 Seabee by Price
| Under $200k | 1 |
| Under $300k | 3 |
| Under $500k | 3 |
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.