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I'm really enjoying the forum...and learning a lot.

I took my first serious look at a 150F yesterday --it was, um, "unique"...and I'd like some opinions.

The info:
- 1966 150 Serial #15062341
- 2700 TTSN
- 125 SMOH (O/H at FBO to "new" specs...0 time logbook)
- Engine and new paint compelted July 2003
- All photos to prove work was completed
- New SLICK magnetos, O/H starter, most (if not all) instruments

Why was all this work done? AIRCRAFT WAS SUBMERGED JULY 10 2002. The guy showed me the news paper article.

He bought it from a broker...then re-did the plane for his son.

I respect the guys personal life, so I'll just say the son is done with the aircraft...and he was planning to sell it in the spring.

He wants ~ $30,000 US for it...and I'm of two minds.

I could be buying the engine and paint and getting the plane and all the other stuff for free.

HOWEVER -- some stuff bugs me about it. The guy did some of work on it himself...signed by FBO AME - he has a personal relationship with the family that owns the FBO.

The interior looks crappy - if they took the time to strip the aircraft, why wouldn't they paint the interior? Why would he put the original plastics back in it? Why was one of the instrument covers (T&B) "loose"?

Rob,

A couple of things bother me on this one. The biggest is that I sense you have some reservations regarding the work that was done. Trust your gut instinct. That's the hardest one to overcome, and you don't have to. There are plenty of good planes out there.

The new paint and engine overhaul may just be lipstick on a hog. The fact that it has been submerged, you didn't indicated if freshwater or saltwater, is enough for me to pass...ESPECIALLY at 30 grand. It's like marrying an ex-prostitute... you've gotta be able to live with her past...

Personally, I'd pass. I don't care what the engine times are or how new the paint is. Leave her set right where she is. And, man, I'm glad you asked here first.

Even if you were the owner soliciting advice on selling this one, the response would be the same.

One point, though. Just because the non A&P owner worked on it and had the work signed off doesn't bother me, as long as the work was performed correctly. There are wonderful mechanics/craftsmen out there who are not certificated, but can work circles around most A&Ps. My concern with that is that there may be work performed by the owner that wasn't documented...if it's not documented, it doesn't need to be signed off...get my drift...

Welcome to the forum, Rob. I hope your first plane is much nicer than this one. At least if it's got an older engine and paint, at least hopefully it hasn't been swimming.

Go Around on this one!

HEY!! Don't discriminate! 40J has been submerged... wasn't a ditching, but a flood - but still!!

But 30 grand? PASS!

I'm with Gary. The unknowns will always be unknowns and they can chase away sleep or add concerns during an otherwise enjoyable flight.
Go with your gut.

Aha! Both the plane AND pilot are wet behind the ears!!!

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Just for your info,, For $30,000. You can get a very nice one, both in and out. A lot of folks indicate a preference for older paint,, not me, give me new paint, painted by an approved shop,, Nice interior,, redone, all signed off in the logs. With a nice radio stack, that would be worth $30,000. Buy one that needs all that, you'll have to get it quite cheap and by the time you get to having it to look like the above,, you'll have sunk more then a total 30,000 into it.

I don't know what the exchange rate is, but the $30k asking price is enough for me to walk away. It's simple. Nicer planes with no such history are available for much less! He's trying to recoupe his investment after he got in "over his head"!

Hi Rob, Welcome to the Club! I am not an A&P, but I have been looking at planes myself. The only opinion that I would have is that for $30,000, you can take your pick of just about any 150 out there! May I suggest Mike Arman's book "Owning,Buying or Flying the Cessna 150/152" it is available through the club store. Very good information for for the prospective owner! Keep asking questions! This forum has alot to offer!!---TIM