Forget about a private yacht, a Beechcraft Model 18 seaplane is the ultimate pleasure boat

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It’s hard to get into the RV game without looking like a big show off with too much time and money on their hands. If you’re class-conscious but have the cash to spend on a toy, you can own something far more dignified and intimidating than a speedboat or yacht.

You can even buy something that’s just as comfortable in the air as it is on the water. Say hello to this magnificent Beechcraft Model 18 twin-engine seaplane conversion from 1954. For those not in the know, the Model 18 has been flying since the late 1930s. It had originally been used in the armed forces of the British, Canadians and Americans. Some even came with M1919 .30 caliber machine guns as armament.

But the Model 18 experienced a second renaissance after the war. Some 9,000 units have been built and are just as important to the private twin-engine market as the Cessna 172 is to single-engine private jets. This example from the mid-1950s grew out of this historical conception, well after his time in the military. This example underwent a conversion to a seaplane with twin landing pontoons in 1972. Since then it has been called lakes and rivers across America.

Under the proverbial hood of most standard models, 18 Beehchcrafts were twin Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp engines rated at 450 hp each in their standard configuration, with the LH 297 SMOH engine and the RH 801 SMOH engine. (since the major overhaul). Similar to those found in other famous aircraft of the time, including the Lockheed Model 10 Electra, Vought OS2U Kingfisher, and Grumman G-21 Goose. The paint was redone in 2005, as was the interior. An assortment of modern avionics, communications and navigation equipment makes this a package that is just as capable as it is classic to behold.

It can be all yours through the Duluth, Minnesota-based Alex Vickroy company for the price of $ 699,000 before taxes and fees. It might sound like a lot, but they sell speedboats with added champagne flutes and rare earth building materials to justify its insane price tag. At least this Beechcraft can get away from other marina enthusiasts enough for a bit of peace and quiet. Oh, and the 1974 Chevrolet truck in one of the photos is included in the price of the plane, like you need to convince.

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