I'm looking at a local Aventura II. I have SEL and about 350 hours, most of that on a N numbered Phantom ultralight. I've owned a Challenger II in the past and put about 100 hours on that. Did my training and annuals in a 172 like everyone else. But I have ZERO seaplane time. So I have a few questions.
Local CFI has flown in this plane and was VERY concerned about the freeboard. He stated that water was only inches from swamping and sinking the plane. He's about a 200 pounder if I had to guess. He said one good wave would sink you.
Further, the tailwheel has been modified to stay down as they never could sort the retract mechanism and had incidence of the tailwheel being jerked down violently on water landings. In fact, I'm pretty sure the plane is for sale because the owner feared water operations and and Aventura has makes no sense if you're not going to use it for it's designed purpose.
Last, the plane has a 912 and glass panel display, transponder, all the bells and whistles, but has sat at least 5 years. What am I looking at to make it airworthy in terms of rubber seals for the engine, etc? What's a fair price if he gets it up and running and current annual?
Thanks for your input,