1968 Cessna 185E — EDO 2790 Amphibious

Overview

1968 Cessna A185E — Aircraft Description

This is a well-equipped and updated Cessna A185E that has been thoughtfully built out for serious utility and amphibious operations. With 1,938 hours total time, this aircraft has been maintained and upgraded to a standard that goes well beyond what you typically find in a machine of this vintage.

Engine & Propeller

Power comes from a Continental IO-520-D, currently sitting at approximately 400 hours since major overhaul. The aircraft is also equipped with a Seaplane West exhaust muffler, which improves exhaust flow, reduces back pressure, and offers enhanced durability — particularly relevant in float and amphibious operations where corrosion resistance matters. The Seaplane West engine mount is installed as well, a reinforced replacement for the factory mount designed to handle the additional stress loads of float and amphib operations. Factory mounts on the 185 are a known inspection and wear item over time, making this a substantive upgrade rather than a cosmetic one — both in terms of structural integrity and future buyer confidence.

The Hartzell 3-blade propeller was overhauled in April 2021 and currently shows just 58 hours since overhaul.

Floats & Gear

The aircraft rides on EDO 2790 amphibious floats. The wheel gear was completely rebuilt in 2021 and 2022, making the amphib system current and well-maintained.

Performance & Fuel

Cruise speed sits at approximately 115 knots with a fuel burn of 12–14 gallons per hour. Long-range fuel tanks bring total capacity to 78 gallons, giving this aircraft a realistic endurance of 5–6 hours — a genuine operational advantage for remote or cross-country missions.

STOL & Aerodynamic Modifications

This aircraft has been set up for serious short-field and backcountry performance. Installed modifications include:

• Holten STOL kit
• Vortex generators
• Wingtip extensions
• Bubble windows for enhanced ground and water visibility

Together, these upgrades meaningfully improve low-speed handling, visibility, and short-field capability — making this a capable backcountry and water machine.

Avionics

• ICOM IC-210 COM 1
• ICOM IC-210 COM 2
• Garmin GTX 327 Transponder
• Garmin Aera 500 Touchscreen GPS
• Garmin GMA 340 Audio Panel

Airframe & Structure

The aircraft underwent a comprehensive rebuild in 2010, during which significant structural improvements were made including a full tail rebuild, new ailerons, and complete wing work. Notably, the wing spars were upgraded beyond factory specification — replaced with heavier, full-length spars — a meaningful structural enhancement that improves long-term durability and load handling.  Records have been maintained since new, and logbooks are complete.

Interior & Exterior

The aircraft was painted following the 2010 rebuild. The interior was refreshed at the time of the rebuild, with front seat foam and covers redone, and the rear seats were updated again in April 2021 with new Altree Dodge rear seats and Selkirk interior.

Maintenance

The aircraft will be sold with a fresh annual inspection.  All records are available.