With its pusher engine sticking up high on the fuselage, and a sleek bow that tightly cuts the water line, a Lake amphib has plenty of cool factor. But we’re not convinced these are the most forgiving machines for inexperienced seaplane sticks, and we’re certain you don’t want to buy one that has been neglected, including storage and preventive care.
Understand that many of these are old seaplanes—a general design dates back to the late 1950s. But there are newer ones, too, including the last of the turbocharged Seafurys from 1997. As with anything that operates on water, corrosion is a concern. The Lake series was originally developed by Grumman, the maker of now classic multi-engine flying boats, as a potential entry in the civilian market after World War II.