CESSNA Amphibians for Sale

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1980 CESSNA CESSNA 180K
$160,000
barnstormers.com Mcminnville, OR
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1966 CESSNA CESSNA 180G
$220,000
barnstormers.com Teeswater, ON

Browse amphibious aircraft and floatplanes for sale — from affordable Piper Super Cub floats to factory-built amphibians like the Lake Renegade and Icon A5. Used amphibious aircraft range from $50K for older float-equipped Cessna 180/185 models to $600K+ for turbine amphibians. Compare prices on seaplanes, floatplanes, and flying boats across multiple aviation marketplaces. Fly from runway to water and back — the ultimate in aviation versatility.

Browse by Type
Float-Equipped Aircraft for Sale: Cessna 180/185/206 on floats, de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, Piper Super Cub on floats, Maule M-7. $50K-$500K+. Conventional aircraft fitted with straight floats or amphibious floats.
Factory-Built Amphibians for Sale: Lake LA-4/Renegade/Seawolf, Icon A5, Searey, Republic RC-3 Seabee. $40K-$300K. Purpose-designed water and land capability.
Popular: Cessna 185 de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver Cessna 206 Piper Super Cub Lake Renegade Icon A5 Maule M-7 Cessna 180 Republic Seabee Found Bush Hawk

Buying Tips

  • ✓ Float condition is critical — Wipline, Aerocet, or Edo floats cost $30K-$80K+ new. Check for corrosion, rivet condition, and water tightness.
  • ✓ Amphibious floats add gear-up/gear-down complexity — verify gear actuator condition and pilot checklists. Wrong configuration = accident.
  • ✓ Corrosion inspection is mandatory for any seaplane — salt water accelerates corrosion exponentially. Budget for annual corrosion treatment.
  • ✓ Engine corrosion from water spray affects cylinders and exhaust — mineral oil changes more frequently than land-based aircraft.
  • ✓ STC compliance for float installations — verify all required modifications (belly strakes, fin extensions, vortex generators) are properly documented.
  • ✓ Insurance for float flying is 20-40% higher than land-based — get quotes before committing to a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a floatplane cost?
A used Cessna 185 on floats costs $120K-$300K. The iconic de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver runs $250K-$600K+ on floats. Piper Super Cub on floats goes for $80K-$180K. Factory-built amphibians like the Lake Renegade cost $60K-$150K, the Icon A5 lists at $200K-$280K. Cessna 206 on amphibious floats typically runs $180K-$400K.
Can any airplane be converted to floats?
Many high-wing aircraft have STC-approved float installations — Cessna 172, 180, 182, 185, 206, de Havilland Beaver/Otter, Piper Super Cub, Maule M-7. Float conversion costs $40K-$100K+ including floats, rigging, and required airframe modifications. Low-wing aircraft generally cannot be fitted with floats. The aircraft takes a 10-20% speed and useful load penalty on floats.
How much does it cost to operate a floatplane?
Operating costs are 15-25% higher than the same aircraft on wheels — additional corrosion maintenance, float inspections, and higher insurance ($4K-$10K vs. $2K-$5K). Fuel costs are the same, but cruise speeds are 10-15% slower on floats. Annual inspection costs $2K-$5K with float-specific items. Dock fees are $200-$800/month vs. hangar.
Do I need a special license for floatplanes?
You need a seaplane rating added to your private pilot certificate. Training typically takes 5-10 hours of dual instruction ($2,000-$4,000) covering water taxiing, step turns, confined area operations, docking, glassy water landings, and rough water techniques. No written test — just a practical checkride. Many pilots do a weekend seaplane course.
What is the best floatplane to buy?
The Cessna 185 on Wipline amphibious floats is the most versatile — 4 seats, 800 lb useful load, and can operate from both water and runway. The de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver is the legend of bush flying — 6-8 seats, incredible payload, and rugged construction. For affordable entry, a Piper Super Cub on floats or Lake LA-4 offers great water flying at lower cost.
Disclaimer: All prices are asking prices from third-party sources. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and inspection before purchasing.