Question about buying a QB Kit from an Individual?

[onebadjudge70]

I'm looking at possibly buying a Bearhawk QB kit here in Alaska that is for sale. The current owner purchased it from the original purchaser and the kit is still wrapped as it came from the factory. I have several questions: Since I already have plans, #657, can that number be transferred to the kit? He is supposed to get me the kit number but said it is an fairly early model QB. Is there a list of engineering changes I can look up based off of the kit number? It is equipped with the baggage door option but not the float fittings, how extensive is the fab work to install float fittings on a quickbuild kit that did not come with them? Seems like a fair deal for a new kit already in Alaska, am I missing anything that could come back to bite me? I appreciate any advice you all may have.

Thanks,
Mike

[alaskabearhawk]

Where in Alaska?

[jaredyates]

You will want to be sure to get the bill of sale from where the original builder purchased the kit, and complete the chain all the way to your purchase. If the seller is the first owner, then you will just have two. This will be important for proving to the FAA that what you have is an official, FAA-evaluated kit, which relates to proving that amateurs completed a major portion of the work. If the seller has done any work, you might have him sign a statement that says that he completed the work solely for his education and recreation, and that he used no commercial assistance. It is my understanding that kits do not have a solid link to a specific set of plans. It would be worth calling Mark Goldberg, since he probably is familiar with the seller and the kit. Buying a used kit is a case where some kit manufacturers do not provide support to the subsequent buyers. I have not found this to be the case with Mark, which I think speaks to his character. I do try to keep this in mind when I interact with him a a customer though, and I try to be extra-polite and not too needy.

[onebadjudge70]

Thanks Jared, I did not even think about the chain of ownership with Bill of Sales. I'll add that to my list of questions.

Paul, the kit is in Seward I am in Big Lake. He has it listd on Alaskaslist.com and Craigslist

[Mark Goldberg]

Hello Mike. While I would much rather sell you a new kit, sometimes a second hand kit already in the neighborhood is too good a deal to pass up. There have been a few changes over the years but nothing that would keep an older kit from being airworthy and a good Bearhawk. As far as to the condition of a kit that has been sitting around, that is for you to determine. Getting a kit out of storage and into an eager builder's hands - that is good for everyone.

Our obligation is to provide an FAA approved invoice to the original buyer of the kit. So Jared is giving you very good advice. Mark

[alaskabearhawk]

Hey Mike...

I thought that was the kit, but it's good to confirm. It is an older kit, which isn't bad. But there will probably be some minor changes that have been made since the kit shipped. I do know he has an engine mount for a Lycoming O-540 and it is the "short" mount. A number of years ago Bob shortened the motor mount length by 2 inches, then went back to the original length. The mount was made during that transition period. That is the only difference I'm sure of...I'm sure there are a few more. One concern I would have is where the kit was stored because Seward is at tidewater. I think Dan Shilling has seen the kit, but I'm not sure about that.

[onebadjudge70]

Mark, While I would love a new kit from the factory it is tough to pass up saving $10,000 or more for one that is basically "In the neighborhood". Thanks for the confirmation about the invoice, I need to make sure the owenership chain is properly documented to begin before any further action on my end. Does the original invoice show the build date? I will use Beartracks to assess the engineering changes once I know when the kit was made.

Paul, I too have concerns with it being stored in Seward from a corrosion standpoint. Especially if it is still shrink wrapped. A thorough inspection is definitely going to be needed. I will try to contact Dan and see what his thoughts are on this particular kit and check if it is the one he may have looked at. Thanks for the info on the engine mount, The original ad talked about a subaru engine so I had already anticipated needing a new mount.

[Enewton57]

If you look at the root rib on the wing near the main spar, there should be a tag that gives you the serial number of the kit. If you can determine the original date of the kit, i have a listing of all engineering changes, listed in date order here: http://mybearhawk.com/engineer.html

[Mark Goldberg]

Guys contact us when they are close to registering their planes for the FAA approved invoice. As far as the engine mount - there are some shorter ones and some longer ones. But both are fine. The shorter ones are what we started with and I have flown close to 1000 hours with the shorter mount. It is fine. Mark