The Republic RC-3 Seabee is a post-war amphibious aircraft, admired for its rugged design and ability to operate from both land and water, making it a favorite among adventure pilots. Discover Republic RC-3 Seabee aircraft for sale worldwide on AvPay. Browse active Republic RC-3 Seabee listings and find available aircraft across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. Connect directly with aircraft brokers, private sellers, flying clubs, flight schools and manufacturers. Explore the full inventory of aircraft for sale on AvPay here!
Finding a Republic RC-3 Seabee Aircraft for Sale on AvPay
AvPay offers a global marketplace for Republic RC-3 Seabee amphibious airplanes, connecting buyers and sellers across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, and beyond. Find your ideal new or used Republic RC-3 Seabee aircraft in our extensive online listings.
Refine your Republic RC-3 Seabee search on AvPay with easy filters. Narrow results by condition, year, total time, location, price, and seller to locate the right amphibious aircraft for sale.
As a leading aviation marketplace, AvPay features a wide range of aircraft for sale, including the Republic RC-3 Seabee. Explore our full Republic Aviation Company selection, or browse all aircraft from various manufacturers here.
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Interesting facts about the Republic RC-3 Seabee
✈ Republic Aviation built the RC-3 Seabee in Farmingdale, New York. The first flight took place on 1 December 1945.
✈ Production ran in 1946–1947. Republic completed 1,060 Seabees before shifting to military programs.
✈ The Seabee is an all-metal, four-seat amphibian with a high wing and a pusher propeller above the cabin.
✈ A Franklin 6A8-215-B8F engine rated at 215 hp powers the standard RC-3 Seabee.
✈ The aircraft uses retractable tricycle landing gear for land operations and a boat hull with sponsons for water work.
✈ The fuel system holds 75 US gallons in a central bladder tank. Typical cruise fuel burn is about 13–14 gph.
✈ Seabee owners often install STC engine upgrades, such as Lycoming IO-540 conversions, to improve takeoff and climb.
✈ The roomy cabin seats four and offers a 20 cu ft baggage bay. Front seat backs can recline to form a double bed.
Republic RC-3 Seabee Specifications
Information provided here is as a guide only. Do not use this information for flight planning or aircraft operations. Model variations, modifications, upgrades, and age will affect the figures below. Check with the seller, manufacturer, or your aviation authority for precise aircraft specifications.
Length: 8.53 m (28 ft 0 in)
Wingspan: 11.48 m (37 ft 8 in)
Height: 3.07 m (10 ft 1 in)
Empty Weight: 993 kg (2,190 lb)
Max Take Off Weight (MTOW): 1,429 kg (3,150 lb)
Fuel Capacity: 284 L (75 US gal; 62 imp gal)
Wing Area: 18.2 m² (196 sq ft)
Useful Load: 435 kg (960 lb)
Cruise Speed (75%): 166 km/h (103 mph, 89 kn)
Range (75 US gal): 902 km (560 mi, 487 nm)
Service Ceiling: 3,658 m (12,000 ft)
Rate of Climb: 3.6 m/s (700 ft/min)
Take-off Run (Land): 244 m (800 ft)
Take-off Run (Water): 305 m (1,000 ft)
Landing Run (Land): 122 m (400 ft)
Landing Run (Water): 213 m (700 ft)
FAQs About the Republic RC-3 Seabee
How much does a Republic RC-3 Seabee cost?
Asking prices vary with engine, avionics, corrosion status, and restoration quality. In 2023, airworthy examples appeared near $65,000–$95,000. In January 2024, a freshly restored Seabee with a Lycoming IO-540 conversion listed at $224,000. Market summaries in 2024–2025 showed typical advertised prices ranging from about $140,000 to $250,000 for upgraded aircraft. All values are in USD for the stated periods.
What engine does the Seabee use, and are upgrades common?
The stock RC-3 uses a Franklin 6A8-215-B8F rated at 215 hp. Many owners adopt STC conversions, often to Lycoming IO-540 powerplants, to boost takeoff, cruise speed, and climb.
How fast and how far will a standard Seabee fly?
Typical figures for a stock Seabee are a 120 mph maximum speed, about 103 mph cruise at 75% power, and roughly 560 miles of range on 75 US gallons.
What runway or water length should buyers plan for?
Plan around 800 ft on land and about 1,000 ft on water for takeoff at sea level, standard conditions. Landing distances average about 400 ft on land and 700 ft on water.
What missions suit the RC-3 Seabee?
Owners use the Seabee for recreational flying, seaplane training, fishing and hunting trips, and backcountry access. The amphibious gear lets pilots reach lakes, rivers, grass strips, and paved runways with one aircraft.
Get help buying a Republic RC-3 Seabee Aircraft
Can’t find the Republic RC-3 Seabee you want? Connect with an Aircraft Broker on AvPay’s Aircraft Broker Directory. You can also browse Aircraft Brokerage and Aircraft Acquisition Services in our aviation marketplace to assist your Seabee purchase.
Sell your Republic RC-3 Seabee Aircraft on AvPay
Do you have a Republic RC-3 Seabee Aircraft for Sale? List your amphibious airplane on AvPay and reach buyers searching for a Seabee worldwide. AvPay is a Zero Workload Website, so our team manages updates. Each aircraft listing features on our social media pages for extra visibility to our 190,000+ followers. Generate enquiries from your Aircraft Listings, your Aircraft Broker Profile, and any Service Listings you add to our Aviation Marketplace. Let AvPay promote your Republic RC-3 Seabee aircraft for sale.
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Find Insurance for a Republic RC-3 Seabee Aircraft
Buying a Republic RC-3 Seabee is exciting. Make sure you protect it with the right policy. Our trusted brokers specialise in aviation insurance and can help you secure cover tailored to amphibious aircraft, including liability, hull, and optional extras.
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