a PIK20 is not an LS4 or an "__your choice___"......! L/D numbers also are
only that....and not a good comparison of performance or value....all too
many glider buyers use L/D figures which are often very optimistic or
misleading and test reports that have in them their own errors as the basis
for buyer considerations...
The PIK is IMHO an OK glider.but...........again IMHO OK only.....the early
Wortman wing did perform well enough in the day to be copied and used on a
number of other gliders contemporary of the time......it also doesn't like
water drops, dirt or bug.....the PIK is relatively heavy due to the early
construction techniques and would be by today's standard be considered
"sloppily" built...it also is a 15M flapped glider and aside from D/E models
is flaps only..so on a budget it's a fair flyer.but let's not simply use L/D
to convert to value $....
As for the Paint /Gel Coat question.......you really need to look at the
issues with both.....I have not seen 20-30 year old gliders with painted
surfaces that are superior to gel coated surfaces.providing the Gelcoat was
a good quality and properly prepared.Old gliders are old gliders.if they are
not cared for they are ratty old gliders that too need to be
refinished.....be it paint, dope or gelcoat.......and the cost to do any is
still high.
IMHO you look for the best glider you can afford, and afford to keep, one
that not only has L/D but has other redeeming factors and one you will own
and love to own....and whatever your budget is.....add an extra 10-15K to it
)
tim
Wings & Wheels
www.wingsandwheels.com

"mike" wrote in message
ups.com...
PIK 20 has LS4 performance and was manufactured without gelcoat. They
currently seem to be selling for $15-18K US.