On Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 2:17:47 PM UTC-6, Duster wrote:
Retired now and looking to purchase a motorized glider; weighing the pros and cons of self-launchers v sustainers. Two-placer is a priority, as I would like to take my wife. Single place acceptable as long as I can keep her happy sightseeing. We plan on extensive travelling, some to both established and unestablished (i.e., w/o tugs avail) soaring areas (esp. ridge/mountain/wave). Is the weight penalty the chief difference? Engine reliability? Maintenance? Minimum 18m? Some of you may recommend getting some first-hand experience at a commercial operation; where would that be?

Any feedback appreciated, even if just to eliminate models to stay away from.
Mike

Mike,
Another option to consider is FES equipped gliders. You have the choice of having an electric sustainer in gliders such as the: LAK-17B FES, Ventus 2, the new Ventus and the HPH 304eS. Then there are electric, FES equipped, self-launchers such as the Silent 2 Electro and miniLAK FES. More info can be found he http://www.front-electric-sustainer.com/

Finally down the road we are expecting to see the GP 14E Velo and GP 15E Jeta become available. They are both electric self-launchers. More info can be found he http://www.gpgliders.com/

Please be aware that all of these ships are single seaters.

Good luck in the hunt!
Renny