Searey vs Aventura II - FLIGHT COMPARISON

[@chrisjohnson6610]

Having recently sold my 1991 Tiger, and, looking for a different experience, I came to the Deland Expo from SoCal to consider buying an amphib. Two days ago I went to the SeaRey factory in Tavares, and the president, Kerri, took two hours to show me the factory, building process, and discuss both the pros and cons of his, and other amphibs. I found him sincere, and objective in all respects. He took me on an extensive demo rflig) ht (water, turf landings, slow flight, etc) in his flagship SeaRey and the aircraft performed beyond my expectations. We pushed the SeaRey to the max, in and out of the water, and it was one of the most remarkable flights of my life. I've flown other amphibs and some unique and interesting planes, including the Super Petrel, various float planes, even several flights in Aircams (love em'). The SeaRey is exceptional in all respects, and Kerri is one of the best pilots I have even seen. I would buy a SeaRey in a heartbeat, and just might! Yesterday I looked over the Aventura 2, at the Deland Expo. I didn't even want a demo ride, as the difference in workmanship and quality was instantly apparent, once you knew what to look for. Don't take my word for it, compare them for yourselves. F

[@johnmichaels4330]

There's a reason a searay was flown around the world. Much better build quality

[@alexanderrolinski3281]

There’s also a reason Searey is out of business 😂😂

[@mediocreman2]

Isn't the Searey much more expensive? And are they still in business?

[@scottburgle4889]

@@mediocreman2I just recently passed by the Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey factory…..it appears to no longer be open for business. They’ve taken the signs down and chains have been installed at the entrance. No planes are outside anymore. I’ve driven by the factory for many years and was surprised and saddened to see this.

[@cowboypilot3710]

Okay as someone that has flown both with an actual unbiased opinion I can tell you these two planes are night and day. The video makes it seem like they are virtually the same plane but this is simply not true. A couple of points on the two: first the Searey is light on the stick,fast and responsive. It’s so fun to fly you don’t want to go back. It’s also a blast in the water and feels like a jet ski. The Adventura is 60k cheaper and you feel all 60k in the air. The stick is heavy, like…. Really heavy. Spend an hour in that plane and your arm will be sore. Also it fly’s like a kite in that every small breeze will make it jump drastically so you are constantly fighting the plane to keep it going straight . I never made it on the water with the Adventura because the 6-10 knot winds that day were too much for it to handle a water landing.. In the end the best way to describe the two is by saying the Searey is a plane that is good on the water while the Adventura is a boat that tries to fly. As you can see by my picture I think the Superpetrel trumps them both but that’s another story

[@airplanevirgins7522]

So you flown the new Aventura SLSAs?

[@airplanevirgins7522]

I too have flown both including the Aventura SLSA not the older kits, and can tell you you're way off. Also had a buddy almost die in a Searey B hull.

[@fritzkatz]

The older Seareys had a justifiably bad reputation vs Bucs and older Aventuræ ...killers in fact. They have come a long way with new hull etc but you pay a LOT more than Aventura to get the same level of survivability. Further, your critique belabors the obvious: a lighter aircraft with lower wing loading will ALWAYS respond more to gusts and require more conservative go/no go wind speed decisions..especially on water.

[@andrewashmore8000]

Thanks for the info . 👍

[@extremeultralightaviation]

Another big difference. Aventura offers a single seat that is part 103 compliant. Price insurance on either and you'll see why that's important. I live to swim and hang out with the boats then take off wet. I'd never get in a $200k plane wet

[@rmm9676]

Very detailed and also a well balanced review. That said, AeroAdventure seriously needs to do better with communications and customer service. Email inquiries go unanswered for weeks, requiring multiple follow-ups by email and telephone. Same for emails and calls to order spare parts. Customer care and response are vital to success. Having seen both aircraft, in my view, the Aventura has three major advantages worth mentioning. First is the price point. The second is ease of construction from the kit. The third is the ease of inspection and repair - which heavily favors the Aventura. This third point should not be overlooked or under valued by the prospective homebuilder. $$$ and time saved over the years can be significant.

[@alexanderrolinski3281]

Thanks, I apologize if you went unanswered. Please use the chat or contact us feature on the site and I will ensure we respond to you

[@rmm9676]

@@alexanderrolinski3281 Trust you read the second half of my comment. I love this aircraft. Please place timely and complete communications as a priority. Thanks.

[@johnmichaels4330]

Searay is a lot nicer all the way around. You pay for that.

[@treywest268]

There is a wonderful book written by Richard Bach that documents his travel with his Searey named "Puff" from Florida to Oregon. A friend joins in with him in his own Searey named "Jennifer". I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in flying small amphibious aircraft. It is called "Travels With Puff". Searey's are great planes!!!

[@andrewashmore8000]

Thanks for the info.!!

[@simeon2851]

I loved how the landing gear position warnings came a little late. 😊

[@samsnow7063]

Yep. However, it is a good system. He was either landing way too fast or the initiation speed for the system was not correctly calibrated and the micro switches set.

[@tripleseven8361]

This seems like a very fair and unbiased comparison, or at least as unbiased as possible...I understand why Progressive Aerodyne (SeaRey) hasn't embraced non-Rotax engines for their certified models, but prima facie, even for their experimental models, they only seem to be interested in Rotax. In this demonstration at least, both aircraft seemed to show some tendency to porpoise, after first getting on the step...I would like to hear any comments regarding the tendency to porpoise in either aircraft.

[@philipritson8821]

Rotax is the Gold Standard when it comes to light sport aviation. You can see why SeaRey would embrace them. Rotax engines are an ideal fit for their marketing strategy. It's called product differentiation. The Aventura gives you more freedom to experiment with your powerplant, which fits with their marketing strategy. It's called cost leadership. Personally I wouldn't trust anything other than a Rotax.

[@FixedAFT]

one is literally the predecessor of the other. i used to work at PA! love these planes.

[@FJ-gk3jb]

I was looking at both sea planes, this was the perfect video to clear up the differences. For my money the Advantura delivers everything I'm looking for, I like the AM15 better than the rotax for the reasons you mentioned. Thanks for making this video!

[@philipritson8821]

Let's face it, two aircraft with a common origin. This is a Kitfox vs Highlander situation. One is more refined the other is more "cheap and cheerful." You pays your money and make your choice. Both are excellent aircraft, two of best light sport amphibians on the market.

[@robertkbrooks951]

YES !. Gary " TAZ" still works on it. Besides flying the LAKE 32DQ, run a Radio Control Club up in Summerville, SC. One of the 525 collection of R/C Planes is the OV-10 Mosquito Control N875M. Really would like to see you up here. Arrgh. Everyone here and Around the World, knows me as " CAPTAIN MORGAN" Guy. Was a Great career. Retired.

[@sgttombailes3380]

I like that Carbon Dash~~!

[@treywest268]

Just curious as to how both planes handle power on stalls and and how they handle pushing the stick forward while on the water at speed?

[@alanswanson1952]

Very fair review they both seem like good planes. I ended up with a searey but think I would have been just as happy with a adventura.

[@jacquelinetrimm481]

I love the blue one the best. They are both awesome. ❤

[@michaelhille261]

Great review I have flown a Searey but haven't had the chance to fly the Aventura just yet. Love water operations

[@rochboulanger6565]

Both beautiful planes. Still waiting on a 4-seater. Is the landing gear on either of these strong enough to consider putting on skis?

[@bocefusmurica4340]

I wonder what the FAA MOSAIC rules will do to change the marketplace of available designs.

[@robotpanda1527]

I definitely like flying both planes. I can stay dry during water landings & takeoffs with the doors off in the Aventura II (So far...so good, anyway). I don't think I'd stay dry with the canopy open on the SeaRey (I've always kept it closed for TO & Landing). But maybe I just need more practice :) Nice job on the video!

[@extremeultralightaviation]

Another big difference. Aventura offers a single seat that is part 103 compliant. Price insurance on either and you'll see why that's important. I love to swim and hang out with the boats then take off wet. I'd never get in a $200k plane wet

[@anthonyspadafora1384]

How far along can you build the plane before attaching the wing? I would like to build the Aventura in my shop and the tow it to an airport to finish.

[@bikersoncall]

I stopped in hoping to see the landing and taking off on water characteristics, cool that that was included. I've seen some similar designs with less 'hull' and a lot of reliance on the wing floats, painful to watch. : )

[@EdwardTilley]

Searey would be terrifying in a bit of chop. It would be good to see a Badlands Traveller with floats as a comparison.

[@KenLeonard]

Edward - I have taken my Searey off with the waves breaking over the canopy. Not recommended but the plane is perfectly capable. There have been many folks who have landed in ocean swells including the gent who circumnavigated the planet in the ‘Rey.

[@andrewashmore8000]

Learning a tonne guys , thanks , honest review of both machines. Seems like rudder plays a bigger part in flying than say a cessna , just different styles for different types of construction methods. Both ways are right depending on price. Would be super cool to do a demo of the Ballistic parachute to see how it operates and to build confidence and potential interest for future customers.

[@herbbates4713]

Tailwheel planes always require more rudder

[@andrewashmore8000]

@@herbbates4713 OK, interesting, to know.

[@abidfarooqui-sla3301]

Planes that require no rudder are made for old people

[@robertkbrooks951]

My next door Hanger , has a Searey in it. Nice light sport seaplane. Unfortunately it is only a 2 place ship. Looking forward to seeing this event. Personally I fly a LAKE LA-4-200 Amphibian. 200 Hp sure beats a Rotax.

[@stur6765]

Rotax 915 is 140hp and the Edge Rotax is 165hp. Not that big of a power deferential when you take into account the weight of these two amphibs. These can sip 5.5 gph and clip along at 100-120 (Searey). What's your LA-4 doing? 11gph at 110mph? After the annual, corrosion X, insurance, and increased fuel cost for the Lake these two are cheaper (operationally), and similar performers. Sure they cant haul 4 pax but Im betting the LA-4 performance suffers close to gross. Dont get me wrong, I love my Lake Amphibs and have been lusting after a 250 for years or an EP with 390 STC. Different birds, basically same mission. More than one way to skin a cat. Fly safe!

[@robertkbrooks951]

@@stur6765 My deepest apologies for anything that I implied about the planes. Guess I'm just old school. Actually 10 Gph at 80 Mph. I just fly around town for the fun of it. Again enjoy your plane.

[@robertkbrooks951]

After watching the video , still very impressive. My Lake LA-4-200 , is a "BUCCANEER". N32DQ. worth the Effort and Cost to Own Her.Arrgh. CM

[@stur6765]

@@robertkbrooks951 No need for an apology! Just a bunch of aviators having a lively discussion. Enjoy your Lake! Where are you based?

[@robertkbrooks951]

@@stur6765 Beaufort , KARW

[@johnmichaels4330]

Searay all day every day. Much nicer look and build quality.

[@mattcollins4550]

Looks like a ton of fun!

[@Bookerdevin101]

Can you fly this from LA to NY?

[@treywest268]

Richard Bach flew his Searey "Puff" from Florida to Oregon along with a friend of his in one named "Jennifer". He wrote a wonderful book about it called "Travels With Puff". I highly recommend that book for anyone interested in seaplanes. Yes, they can fly cross-country but not in a day!!!

[@AClark-gs5gl]

Searey for this pilot.

[@SUPER_HELPFUL]

I wish every plane review/rating list was like this, an ACTUAL comparison between the planes instead of just someone reading off numbers with stock footage in the background. Great video man, everyone should strive to make this type of review.

[@alexanderrolinski3281]

This is Awesome

[@royalfolkspark]

No video of them entering or exiting. I wonder .....WHY ?

[@AKfotoman]

Are the kits available immediately

[@airplanevirgins7522]

I called and starting in February they will be ready for pick up in 1 month from date of deposit.

[@stur6765]

The Searey kit is about 60K, the Adventura about 50K... so where is the additional 60-90k for the Searey? Does the Adventura kit come with avionics and powerplant?

[@nateice1]

Rotax engine and all the upgrades to the plane

[@stur6765]

@@nateice1 rotax is 38k new, avionics 10k ish if you go all out. Still not seeing it. Does the Adventura come with an engine, prop, and avionics? If not then they should be closer together than 60-90k

[@LoneWolfPrecisionLLC]

Mostly because one has a certified rotax and one does not

[@nateice1]

@@stur6765 a lot more upgrades to these planes than mentioned especially the Searey. Pull up a build sheet, each upgrade costs thousands of dollars, adds up.

[@stur6765]

@@nateice1 I figured there was information left out. Im very familiar with the Searey and this seems like a sales video and not a true head to head as described. You can build a Searey on a budget just like you can an Adventura. Both can have the Rotax 9xx, UL, Viking or some hotrod engine. Steam gauges or full glass. The Searey will be more expensive but you get better cruise, better visibility, and lighter controls. Id bet you could close the difference to 20k or less. No way in hell Id pay 189k for a Searey though hahaha. You're well on your way to a Lake Renegade 250 for that coin.

[@survivalhealthandhealingtv5651]

BUT NO AUTOPILOT?

[@MinhTháiTrần-o8i]

Mô hình thủy phi cơ của bạn rất tinh xảo và thiết thực rất tuyệt phẩm, chất lượng cao tượng trưng sự tinh tế ấn tượng của nền ánh sáng trí tuệ, đáp ứng sản xuất để kinh doanh thị trường chắc chắn chiếm được lòng tin khách hàng rất cao, cảm ơn video chia sẻ của bạn rất ấn tượng đầy cảm hứng,chao gửi cảm xúc rất đỉnh cao,hay lắm, chúc bạn sức khỏe và thành công.

[@bocefusmurica4340]

With the help of…the manufacturer of ONE of them?!? Bish, please.

[@claybomb1064]

Sea Rey #1👍

[@royalfolkspark]

No sim model.... I wonder....WHY ?

[@bikersoncall]

I let opening and closing adds run, do you know anyone that lets a midroll add run..

[@herbbates4713]

The Sea Ray telling you to check landing gear position at too late of a time to be helpful

[@benthurber5363]

Think I'd rather have a Searey Elite with a nice glass panel. I don't feel like hunting down freakishly proprietary gauges in a couple of years. That, and the turbo-normalized 914 is good for hot days, which would be the most likely choice of weather for use on water. Sorry, hype might sell adventure-seekers, but the majority of aviation enthusiasts know that the wrong attitude will get you killed in a heartbeat. I don't fault the design or construction of the aircraft, just the unwelcome attitude with which it arrived.

[@pelican9802]

I just don't understand why these beautiful plains don't have engine cover!

[@normanburns-ko4ro]

It’s a no brainer for me. Aventura

[@peterxyz3541]

I didn’t know I need one😂😂😂

[@flyod26]

Great video, thanks!

[@jeffswartwood7316]

Great review!

[@SantaFe19484]

Can you fish from these planes?

[@fritzkatz]

Duh, yes...lakes for bass maybe...but no good storage areas and probably not a good idea to troll or use nets or fly home with a 300 pound tuna in the seat next to you.

[@samsnow7063]

Define your level of fishing. Standing is awkward (you are standing on the seats) and you can’t move around. So you are left with sitting and whatever you can do from there. Or more realistically, you beach the plane, pull out your fishing gear, and fish from the bank. Then fly yourself back home afterwards. If you were wanting to fish from the plane, a carbon cub or husky on floats would allow you to get out and stand on the float in front of the wing. You still don’t have a trolling motor and you have a expensive kite blowing on the water.

[@madmanmechanic8847]

@@fritzkatz Toss the 20 lb bass in the back and let the sun hit it ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh the aroma two days later in the cock pit

[@garylyons3036]

But the cost of what was for fun and enjoyment ended with the cost

[@Philthebaronofmiami-yt3qu]

the winner the cygnet, 5 times less expensive.

[@WilliamEnwerem-n3n]

Wouldn't it be cool if everybody in America had their own private plane

[@laurenloucks7707]

I'm all SeaRey........okay stickershock! maybe Aventura

[@jrob8931]

Dude, it’s not landing “gears” it’s landing gear. Please.

[@normanburns-ko4ro]

Aventura hands down. For the money.

[@Alex-gj5ou]

👍👍👍🖐🖐🖐

[@samsnow7063]

I would have liked this video more if the pilot and passenger were wearing low profile inflatable pfds.

[@nateice1]

Clearly this video is biased

[@airplanevirgins7522]

clearly? I thought they did a great job! he pointed out benefits on both, just because the Aventura performs the same or costs less money does not make it biased. It could have easily been used as a bashing video or a sales pitch I felt they were as neutral as can be.

[@dval42ify]

@@airplanevirgins7522 clearly... if the reviewer is using terms including "our construction, our this, or our that," its most likely going to be a bias review. You can feel it. Knew the other was primarily better, didn't particularly bash it, but put more emphasis on the positives that he could point out concerning "his" plane, and not as much for the opposing team. Clear as day

[@keithtyndall]

The reviewer is also comparing the top of the line Searey price to the entry level and kit Adventura prices to make the price delta seem bigger. I expect this from a salesman, but not from an ‘unbiased’ reviewer.

[@ScottCassell-ql4rc]

I owned an Aero Adventure Aventura and it WAS CRAP! Alex, who owns Aero Adventure is (in my opinion) the worst possible person in industry. My feeling for this sub-standard person aside, getting parts was nearly impossible and if I did get a shipment, it was almost always the wrong part! Just crap company and not a well-built aircraft. The design is great (by same designer of Searey) but the quality is like as a Quicksilver ultralight or worse. Wobbly, thin & cheap, poorly adapted for quick build times in sacrifice for quality. Truly, Kerry at Progressive makes the finest sea plane on earth and why would you pay for this piece of crap supported by the (in my opinion) the biggest dirtbag in aviation? BUYER BEWARE! I now part own a Searey and I could not be happier. The difference between aircraft is incredible.

[@alexanderrolinski3281]

Searey is out of business 🤷🏻‍♂️ sorry but no one cares about your fake profile