Top 5 Best Seaplanes In The World

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Amphibian airplanes can be a relatively new concept even to pilots. That’s because most of us train in tricycle, land airplanes. But the fact is 70% of planet is covered by water so it only makes sense that we have airplanes that can land or float on water. Well we do, and today we are checking out 5 of the best light modern sea planes available in the industry.
Being that these aircraft are light, and many of them in the LSA category, you get limited amount space/useful load and you’re traveling no more than 120 miles per hour for the most part. Here are the airplanes listed:
1. Icon A5 - Arguably one of the most technologically advanced light plane built in the last 20 years. The Icon A5 stuck a chord with many old and new pilots, particularly those who want to fly just for fun or sport. The airplane is known for its good handling capabilities and anti-stall safety feature. But honestly there is no such thing as anti-stall for an airplane. Due to troubles and some failed promises over the years, the ICON initial goal to take over the sport aviation market has somewhat stalled. There are very few production airplanes flying today, and pilot/owners seem to be very happy with the product. Below are specs for the A5.
USEFUL LOAD: 430-550 lbs
RANGE: Up to 491 miles
SPEED: Up to 109 mph
PRICE: $269,000
2. Super Petrel LS - If you’re in the US, You probably haven’t heard about this amphibious plane. Me either, not until researching for this video. The Petrel is a French/Brazilian design and although popular around the world, its a bit quiet here in the United States. With all the cool features in the airplane though, which includes double wings, and a turbo charged engine upgrade, all for $175,000. Not bad, hopefully the company gets more love and coverage. Below are specs for the Super Petrel.
USEFUL LOAD: 537 lbs
RANGE: Up to 590 miles
SPEED: Up to 115 mph
PRICE: $175,000
3. Vickers Waves - An Icon A5 lookalike but much sleeker. This airplane is designed by founder and owner Paul Vicker from new Zealand. Lots of cool features including those folding wings also seen the Icon A5. But the Vicker is still in design phase. There is no flying prototype yet to confirm any performance numbers. Below are specs for the Vicker Waves.
USEFUL LOAD: 500 lbs
RANGE: Up to 828 miles
SPEED: Up to 138 mph
PRICE: $180,000
4. MVP - The name alone draws special attention. MVP is another light seaplane that flames to be the most practical of all. With this plane you can fly on land, water and snow. You can also take it fishing, camping and much more. Perfect airplane for the all the adventurous daredevils out there. Below are specs for the MVP.
USEFUL LOAD: 450 lbs
RANGE: N/A
SPEED: Up to 120 mph
PRICE: $189,000
5. Searey - Available in both light sport and experimental with your choice of engine, ranging from the Rotax 912, 914 or 915. The Searey airplane is hands down the best bank for the money. No it’s not the best looking plane when compared to the other sleeker ones like the A5 or the Vicker, but you get all the same feature and then some with the Searey. And a complete light aircraft will only cost you $125,000. Below are specs for the Searey.
USEFUL LOAD: 450 lbs
RANGE: Up to 416 miles
SPEED: Up to 120 mph
PRICE: $125,000
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[@bubuluke]

The biplane offers STOL, higher maneuverability at slow speeds, lower stall speed, greater lift, more ridged construction and shorter overall wing span. It is less efficient at higher speeds.

[@doncarlo5]

biplanes are sturdier, more maneuverable and have STOL, but sacrifice top speed . For most owners, the biggest disadvantage of not being able to fold the wings for storage in your garage, would probably impose a different choice . I'm still waiting till someone comes out with an ingenious AND affordable way to bring a sea plane to the public ... I would even opt for a DIY kit, if only there was a reasonable one on the market: I mean, something that looks good, flies well, has acceptable range, has a reasonable tag price, and offer a higher payload than just a backpack ... I know, I know, I'm just a visionary ... but visions are what distinguish us from the rest of God's creation ...

[@keegansponholz9260]

Much better audio this time Mike! Great content as always. I got to play around with both the Petrel and Searey guys last year at airventure and they’re both incredible airplanes.

[@terrancenelson713]

The SeaMax should be on here, they are starting to be imported from Brazil. Very nice plane, has retractable gear, longer range than A5 and larger payload. Looking at the weight the Icon should not be an LSA. It’s too heavy.

[@codyshaw9895]

The A5 received an exception from the FAA to get its light sport plane, even though its to heavy

[@maimonasilas9158]

awsome vid's i have always loved planes and aviation

[@thomasdale6217]

Great stuff Mike!

[@AviatorZone]

Great video man! Love these seaplanes!

[@3dhawaiirealestate812]

Loved it! Great job.

[@johnnyj540]

Thanks Mike, great video fun to watch and great editing skills too.

[@sharronhilton8011]

Opp 'll moo

[@kylev9483]

You have done some great work over a long time! Subscribed.

[@doolittlegeorge]

Icon ramping up production in a big way now. The importance of "trailerable" and "garage kept" cannot be overstated. also i think there is a parachute system in the icon. still no booms on the wing tho remarkably. great presentation.

[@hamdymuhammad3376]

Very cool . I like to fly one for a few days as I can land wherever there is enough water. You always enjoyed and delighted us with these wonderful scenes. Congratulations on the video.

[@1moredayof]

The last one shown here was the most interesting one to me because it is amphibious and because it looks really great!

[@denil509gaming4]

Icon A5 is amphibious too

[@tweebs1]

The Seawind was the plane that inspired me to take flying lessons. I'm sure there are tons of Seaplanes that have never made it past the drawing board or the experimental stages and even more that I will never afford. The best plane is the one you can fly.

[@aldemir6127]

as always great video, thanks Mr.

[@alvarolacerda5629]

Bulir a plane

[@txhypnotist]

Great video, thanks for sharing your information.

[@michaelwescott8064]

Good vids, keep it up Mike.

[@LiveLNXgaming]

The searey looks like a tiny PBY Catalina and I love it.

[@flipwhale5494]

The Super Petrel also looks like a tiny Super Marine Walrus with the landing gear going from the side into the wing and the wings being in a bi-plane configuration and then being at a bit of an angle. What you said about the Searey is true.

[@user-by4nj5wt8t]

269.000 Dollar..??

[@robertbalazslorincz8218]

*PBY Catalina > a 'small sized replica'*

[@bradmurphy9670]

Flew right seat in a Searay 20 years ago with Paige which is one of the founders of the company. . Smooth as silk nice performance. My uncle also had one of the first Searays built.

[@mikejohnson5900]

Another great vid Mojo - thanks.

[@TheHenry101]

Love you vid’s my friend... I’d love to learn to fly some day!

[@robertbalazslorincz8218]

build yourself an electric plane like Peter Sripol did, lol

[@joegarcia2969]

great video mike...great info too

[@mikercflyer7383]

The Searay is my favorite you know the 915 turbo is also being tested on a KitFox in Boise.

[@aa134368]

A guy took it around the world, pretty amazing

[@PagyBio]

Congrats for the video. You forgot mentioning the Brazilian SeaMax M22!

[@robertbalazslorincz8218]

If I were given the task of coming up with a nickname, I'd call it Locust to scare the literal shit out of WT players..

[@HappyJJ333]

Great video!!

[@faziofacas]

The best Seamax

[@alexandrefrossardnogueira3894]

Another amphibian came across while I was wachting similar vids on KZbin. Seawind 300 or 3000. Good looking and 4 places. Dont know about prices.

[@peterwilhelmsson4168]

Seawind 3000 is a kit, and there is a 300C which is the certified version of the 3000 under way. Unit cost, according to Wikipedia, is ~420.000US$

[@Kev376]

Seawind is probably the best, its a 4 seater with all the bells... problem is its expensive 350k+ Aventura is the best for the money, it runs 100k flat for the 2 seater, and if you want to build your own it costs 26k for a single seater, also has ultralight option so you don't have to get a license. Land on water/land.

[@johnburrows6348]

@petnzme01 ot

[@johnburrows6348]

not even close they are two entirely different designs.

[@samtatenumber1]

@petnzme01 trojans are like not at all similar to seawinds. seawinds are composite

[@jayesh5131]

Great video mate 😊♥️

[@raytaylor9152]

Mike, thank you. I really enjoyed this video.

[@warthunderclipper]

Thanks for the video!

[@bladenrexroth2555]

Awesome video Mike! I'm looking for a Swiss Army of lightsports and amphibious is a definite plus.

[@bladenrexroth2555]

Love to find a diesel amphibious lightsport experimental in a $80k-$120k and the last one on the video seems to be the winner.

[@TheDMTLover]

@@bladenrexroth2555 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6fCo4WrqJKLb80

[@MarkPrince1317]

Love you MOJO can you make some vedios about GLIDERS ?

[@mojogrip]

Noted! thanks.

[@Kev376]

Just letting you know mojo, the LSA aircraft almost always have alot more useful load than they can put on paper, the FAA actually limit's the maximum gross weight, so the LSA developers will just put on paper the max allowed gross weight even though the plane can usually handle much more.

[@Buleye]

Usually huh 😂

[@purelightlove8888]

Thankyou!!

[@JohnDoe-vp2yn]

I am looking for an amphibious ultralight. It needs to be able to land/take off from snow and ice

[@Roensmusic]

so cool.. really like to fly with one for a few days sometime going over the world lol you can basically land everywhere there is enough water

[@RagsHSC-7]

I’m really into helicopters but been thinking lately for a Sport Sea & land aircraft. Good video specially keeping the price always keeping the price with the product. I wish you all the prosperity and blessings in all of your Endeavors God bless

[@jeremyt1433]

Came across this by accident but it was a cool video and it also had a Lot of information to

[@michaelhille261]

Awesome video 👍🏻 love seaplanes

[@richard00langdon]

The first plane was amazing thanks Mike 👍

[@burnerjack01]

Real human narrator! Instant 'subscribe!

[@atolavion9812]

First plane in this video is ATOL 650 LSA; equiped with Rotax 912iS, prised 169000€ and amazing 275kg payload!

[@esdffdq3180]

Awesome

[@user-zh4fq9lk6w]

Very good

[@LionKing-gc7gt]

Awesome 😎

[@robertsondick4678]

Love planes.. Lots of ideas already

[@bdrvlogs8357]

Awesome sea planes 👌

[@scottsullins8254]

What about Seamax. It actually flies compared to MVP and Vickers?

[@Adamc0607]

sweet video! Im in ormond beach too! I heard it in the video and was like no way aha

[@ericpham6192]

I like them but if they follow navy spec of twin engine is much better and safer.this is perfect for Hawaii, Japan and Alaska and any sea island or coastal countries. Thank you Mike

[@n8lay]

that petrel turning landing is very cool looking

[@WattsUpDev]

@MojoGrip It would be awesome if you could do a review on new Aircraft releases. Airfish 8 or HondaJet Elite...yes I said Elite 👏🏾

[@mikemortensen4973]

I like the price and everything about the Super Petrel but then I saw the VNE listed at 112 knots when the top cruise is 100 knots. When your cruise is so close to your 'never exceed' it''s scary!!

[@rhondabrown387]

I agree Searey is a great flying airplane. We have had ours for 7 years. We are looking for her next owner, so she can be flown more. Fun little plane.

[@im18iswear1000]

if you were basing your list on price you forgot the entire aero adventure line. They are WAY less than 100k and offer everything that the Searey does

[@ohdamnitsthatguy60]

How far will this plane go if the engine stops? It is an ultralite correct so I think it could go a fair distance.

[@chadcameron1181]

I have a searey....they are great. Safety record is great too. Designer is still alive after 28+ years. Can't say that for all on this list.

[@JC-ly8pz]

Do you have a video comparing driving vs flying a personal plane? Like cost speed and distance.

[@swim2kill]

I really like the SIAI-Marchetti FN 333 Riviera...but no font think its a light sport. Hut it outperforms all the light sports. The biplane is dope

[@user-fc2ov5wm4q]

Das ist fantastic

[@abrarjahinnafi1634]

Lol no. The bi-plane feature isn't for cosmetics lol. It's for increasing wing area for more lift at the same speed without needing to increase the span of the wing occupying a large space.

[@frankrussell4664]

Also, the lower wing will stall before the upper wing, giving a great insurance toward safety!

[@joto4294]

Can't believe he said that!

[@scottmcdonald3019]

He does cars where they put “cosmetic” things on like scoops

[@ddom1621]

How many wings do you need to take off if you got zero speed? Thinking of adding some to my couch.

[@jaredj631]

I really hope he meant cosmetic in the sense that the wing wouldn’t need to be twice as long.

[@JayOrlando32828]

Nice

[@GamesMobileBR]

Maravilhosos anfíbios...

[@user-vd5sh1rz5y]

Прекрасная идея, мобильный, компактный, и смотрится хорошо.

[@cliffordinggs9789]

i like the fishing and hamock concept

[@saadiqIT]

Fantastic

[@djicxzone_6791]

Wow! ds great

[@Billy-eo8vk]

Im stuck on the super petrel. Simplicity in flying and a beautiful design.

[@BPietro]

Yeah, me too

[@tabdougherty8549]

Ya Mike cool stuff subd

[@amark4775]

I’m in love with the Icon 5 😍

[@PilotMelch]

Why? The Icon A5 is heavy, slow, has a horrible accident record so far, and costs as much as a luxury home. Go fly one, smile, and think it's great. Then, go fly a Super Petrel (www.superpetrelusa.com). It's faster, and it's slower (lands slower), carries more, has dual glass avionics, 2-axis autopilot, electric trim, angle of attack indicators, more maneuverable on the water, and flies like a dream. And it costs 1/3 as much.

[@scbane]

It is a great looking aircraft. It looks really good to die in. Underpowered, over-slung, and ridiculously expensive for what it is. A very pretty death trap

[@h.g.higgins4521]

Say Mike this what I was looking for.Planes that can land on water sounds great. These are for sport. But what about some that can cruse about 200mph and can carry 6 people and luggage and travel 1000 to 1500 miles with out refueling. Just wondering are they out there and what would be the cost.

[@uselesschannel1050]

That's what I thought would be i n this...

[@barnabyg6808]

H.G. Higgins to be honest you’re going to be looking at something like a Cessna caravan on floats if de Havilland beaver

[@resolute7627]

well done.

[@clearekula5043]

Thanks for having the real number one before all others; ATOL 650 LSA

[@xADDxDaDealer]

Can you do a video for affordable planes with the best useful loads and one on advantages of fixed vs retractable gear.

[@peterwilhelmsson4168]

He has already done a video on fixed vs retractable gear .

[@md.shafiqulalam8979]

Thanks,mike.

[@jonmccormick8683]

I'm still flying my PBY, but these are nice toys. Beaver would be my second choice.

[@firecapt125]

ALSO, a used Lake 4-200 amphibian has 4 seats, will cruise at 120 kt.. Priced from $60K to $120K

[@jchapfly5422]

Geez the icon was a beauty 👌🏾

[@Nrgregge]

I grew up in the icon shop my dad is the last original employee that's still works there

[@russianbismark8233]

That's so cool !!!

[@maureencora1]

Cool.

[@luisconceicao1801]

uau,a ICON. está de parabéns esse aeroplano anfibio, é maravilhoso, gostava Mae de ter um assim.iies.

[@nelsonfilho6779]

O Vickers Wave me parece ter melhor Custo X Benefício ... Metade do preço e com Maior Autonomia, Mais Veloz e muito mais BONITO ... APARENTEMENTE ...

[@jeffreymoteme]

Hi Mojo one of my all time small planes or Jet is the Leopard from CMC its a very old plane

[@nickdevault5717]

There doesn't seem to be much news on the MVP. Do you know when they'll start selling models?

[@wissell4287]

I wish you put the gallons per hour on the screen

[@zule4634]

You forgot the aero adventure it’s been around for years and they are very inexpensive compared to your list. It’s a great first plane. I had one then stepped up to a Sea Rey.

[@scotyfilms]

I think you forget one of the very best small amphibious planes. The Aero Aventura. An amazing sturdy little two seater kit plane that costs $ - $65K. finished and ready to fly in 300hrs of assembly time.

[@DeadRpoetry1167]

I like the super Petrel. I've watched a few videos on it. It seems like a good strudy reliable small aircraft with unforgiving tendencies if comments are to be taken factually. I like the bi-plane config also and the reasons behind that choice of design make sense to me. But I'm not a designer. However if I was a pilot and had money to get a small versatile aircraft, then the Petrel would be a highly considered choice. Along with the Blackfly ( which is a vertical take off craft. though I can't remember if that has amphibious roles also?) But then again I'm looking at flying for the interactive experience. I have piloted gliders (K21's), once flown a light aircraft, and parachuted, so my experiences are limited and therefore mixed with how I have experienced and perceive flying; I want the basic, easiest, safest, multirole, fun, craft ! Lol. I think vto's are the future, and so you incorporate amphibious ability then a small plane like that will be amazing. Especially if it's mechanically reliable and simple and affordable. And if electric/solar power is used or advanced micro/miniaturisation of turbine/air engines (currently used in modern airline engines), and also if coupled with other new energy supplying systems were used?; Then I feel an independent manufacturer/engineer will produce an amazing mode of flying transport. Driving as such won't be needed. And I like the idea/concept of being able to live,/"work"/recreate in a multirole"plane". I aft say all the best stuff comes from the variety outside of the main aircraft producers and formulators of restrictions.

[@mikemortensen4973]

You mean forgiving, not unforgiving I hope....

[@DeadRpoetry1167]

@@mikemortensen4973 yes. Lol I'm guilty of being a poor proof reader. Forgiving is far more preferential I agree

[@rtchow3000]

Hello Mike, for light weight couples (total 250lbs and very light carry on personal belongings) is it possible to add fuel bladder for extended miles? i know a friend do ferry empty plane from california to hawaii using fuel bladder. what about flying along the coast going along the california coast, canada, alaska, russia, Japan, china, to Hong Kong? are these consider ultra-lightweight experimental aircraft? does it require FAA License. of course I have FAA A&P. amelia did but with longer flight hopping for around the world but never got to the finish point.

[@tripleseven8361]

better off to remove the wings and ship it in a container...

[@tripleseven8361]

...but it is possible... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZKVY4lsj9hoprc

[@wiwikinawidyainawidya7355]

Very nice..but that like just dream for me😊

[@michaelcollins3141]

The Seabear L-65 looks pretty cool

[@camaroony10]

The Vickers is running a 160hp titan engine which gives it completely different performance output than the others running the 100hp rotax.

[@DJBigSarge]

Great Video... The phrase is "Bang for the Buck"

[@cherrypepsi2815]

I knew the Icon a5 would have been on this list immediately

[@seaplaneguy1]

Would you like to do a video about seaplanes that goes into depth of what is now and what is possible?

[@redbearalaska2416]

Wish they had longer range on flying and more payload . Would be great for puddle jumping in alaska.

[@thienvo8452]

Smart man..👍👌yes ,good Idea too...😳👌

[@williamgraves535]

nice concept , the future of airplane is small or large , either.

[@nourebohoche8529]

Wow top

[@willobrien2872]

Nice vid....Aventura ?price and performance

[@wesleycollins9547]

Can you do a top 5 or 10 best affordable seaplanes if any or below $100,000

[@vl4dimir536]

aw gooood