K-13's are pretty rare here in the USA but still very active and popular in
Europe. Having owned and flown K2, K4, K7 and K13 two seaters, owned or
flown 2-22's 2-33's, Blanik L-13's, Grobs, Schiebe BFII, BFIII, SF34 and
K21's I can see why the K-13 is still so popular there......wish we had more
of them here...IMHO the K-13 is still one of the best basic trainers (again
IMO the best of all of them).. We still currently use a K7 for training and
aside from the lack of comfort it too still does a good job, handles well
(more like a sailplane and less like a "glider" than the Schweizers and most
early K4's) The K7's and K13's soar well, climb well but do it at a slower
(more student friendly) speeds than later glass ships.....they weigh less so
energy management is more student friendly....control harmony is excellent
for a training glider as well. As for durability.Our current K7 was built in
1961....they do have wood wings (you can trust a tree!) so they are flexible
and can take a good bit of flexing without bending likem a metal wing but
also do need to be cared for and stored out of the weather, consequently,
most have had at least above average care and remain airworthy and in
relative decent shape where metal gliders usually have been tied out and
show it...
If you can buy a good K13 and have a place to keep it out of the weather I
think you'll find it's quite comfortable, fairly roomy and a real joy to
fly. I can think of few trainers I would rather have for the job.
tim

Please visit the Wings & Wheels website at www.wingsandwheels.com

"Mike125" wrote in message
...
Our club is considering purchasing a second 2-33 (hold the flames
please) as a primary trainer. Our main reasons for these are 1) we are
small and have limited budget and 2) the cost of maintaining a 2-33 is
minimal thanks to their tank-like construction. I've seen a couple of
K13s on the market lately and was wondering what y'all think of them,
particularly when is comes to robustness and cost of repair/parts
availability etc. I flew one for a flight review a few years ago and
really liked it. Thanks.

Mike