best bet under 10K

I've been looking around the for-sale ads for sailplanes, and it seems
to me if I am willing to spend between ten and twenty thousand bucks,
there is a lot to choose from. There are plenty of older fiberglass
sailplanes in that range, and some decently-performing metal ships like
the 1-35. But below that, in the sub-10K category, there doesn't seem
to be much at all. Is a used 1-26 still the best bet for a pilot whose
plane-budget will not stretch into five figures?

Johan Larson

wrote:
I've been looking around the for-sale ads for sailplanes, and it seems
to me if I am willing to spend between ten and twenty thousand bucks,
there is a lot to choose from. There are plenty of older fiberglass
sailplanes in that range, and some decently-performing metal ships like
the 1-35. But below that, in the sub-10K category, there doesn't seem
to be much at all. Is a used 1-26 still the best bet for a pilot whose
plane-budget will not stretch into five figures?

The best way to stretch your budget is to get a partner, but failing
that, you'll have a lot of fun with a 1-26, particularly if you live in
an area where there is an active 1-26 community. My favorite in that
price range would be a nice 1-23H. It is also possible to find a decent
HP-11 or even 14 in that price range, but you'll need to be comfortable
using 90 degree flaps. Not so difficult an adaptation for power pilots,
but a glider-only pilot should get advice from someone who has actually
used 90 degree flaps, and get some instruction in a flap equipped glider...

Marc

"Marc Ramsey" wrote in message
om...
wrote:
I've been looking around the for-sale ads for sailplanes, and it seems
to me if I am willing to spend between ten and twenty thousand bucks,
there is a lot to choose from. There are plenty of older fiberglass
sailplanes in that range, and some decently-performing metal ships like
the 1-35. But below that, in the sub-10K category, there doesn't seem
to be much at all. Is a used 1-26 still the best bet for a pilot whose
plane-budget will not stretch into five figures?

The best way to stretch your budget is to get a partner, but failing
that, you'll have a lot of fun with a 1-26, particularly if you live in
an area where there is an active 1-26 community. My favorite in that
price range would be a nice 1-23H. It is also possible to find a decent
HP-11 or even 14 in that price range, but you'll need to be comfortable
using 90 degree flaps. Not so difficult an adaptation for power pilots,
but a glider-only pilot should get advice from someone who has actually
used 90 degree flaps, and get some instruction in a flap equipped
glider...

Johan,

I believe the most complete list of HPs can be found in the "Trading Post"
section of the Schreder Sailplane Designs web site
(http://www.soaridaho.com/Schreder)

Wayne
HP-14 N990 "6F"

I was in this situation recently and decided on a 1-26. Figured I'd
start with a nice 1-26 and opt out of the LD arms race. The plan is
whenever the budget(and chief financial officer)allow is to get another
sailplane instead of always trying to trade up. My glider club also
has a new single seat glass ship so having access to that factored in
the decision to get a 1-26. Good luck and enjoy whatever you get.


Wayne Paul wrote:
"Marc Ramsey" wrote in message
om...
wrote:
I've been looking around the for-sale ads for sailplanes, and it seems
to me if I am willing to spend between ten and twenty thousand bucks,
there is a lot to choose from. There are plenty of older fiberglass
sailplanes in that range, and some decently-performing metal ships like
the 1-35. But below that, in the sub-10K category, there doesn't seem
to be much at all. Is a used 1-26 still the best bet for a pilot whose
plane-budget will not stretch into five figures?

The best way to stretch your budget is to get a partner, but failing
that, you'll have a lot of fun with a 1-26, particularly if you live in
an area where there is an active 1-26 community. My favorite in that
price range would be a nice 1-23H. It is also possible to find a decent
HP-11 or even 14 in that price range, but you'll need to be comfortable
using 90 degree flaps. Not so difficult an adaptation for power pilots,
but a glider-only pilot should get advice from someone who has actually
used 90 degree flaps, and get some instruction in a flap equipped
glider...

Johan,

I believe the most complete list of HPs can be found in the "Trading Post"
section of the Schreder Sailplane Designs web site
(http://www.soaridaho.com/Schreder)

Wayne
HP-14 N990 "6F"

Marc Ramsey wrote:
The best way to stretch your budget is to get a partner, but failing
that, you'll have a lot of fun with a 1-26, particularly if you live in
an area where there is an active 1-26 community. My favorite in that
price range would be a nice 1-23H. It is also possible to find a decent
HP-11 or even 14 in that price range, but you'll need to be comfortable
using 90 degree flaps. Not so difficult an adaptation for power pilots,
but a glider-only pilot should get advice from someone who has actually
used 90 degree flaps, and get some instruction in a flap equipped glider...

As others have pointed out, the above is fixated on metal. If you have
the climate and local A&P knowledge to support a wood glider, there are
lots of options which show up on W+W periodically. I'll point out the
SZD-36 Cobra 15 in particular, first generation glass performance at a
somewhat lower price...

Marc

Before rushing out, considering finding a partner and don't dismiss
importing
Visit http://www.segelflug.de/classifieds/ for some ideas. Check the
prices against US prices. Some single Astirs with trailer for about
$9000. Still a good deal after shipping.

Frank