Cessna 185A vs Cubcrafters Nxcub
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 185A
No active listings right now.
Cubcrafters Nxcub
- For sale now
- 5
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 2020–2022
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 185A | Cubcrafters Nxcub |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 20 | — |
| Serious | 2 | — |
| Fatal | 2 | — |
| Fatalities | 4 | — |
| % Fatal | 10% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 185A | Cubcrafters Nxcub |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $150,000 – $354,000 | $425,900 – $515,980 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 2 |
| Horsepower | — | 215 HP |
| Cruise Speed | — | 126 kts (233 km/h) |
| Range | — | 520 nm (963 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 18,500 ft (5,639 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 2,300 lbs (1,043 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 49.0 gal (185 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 9.0 GPH (34 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $28,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $16,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $120 |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 185A
Cubcrafters Nxcub
Fuel$50/hr
Variable$120/hr
Annual Fixed$16,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$40,000/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 185A or Cubcrafters Nxcub?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Nxcub cruises at 126 kts with 520 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 185A: from $150,000.
Cubcrafters Nxcub: from $449,900.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 185A and Cubcrafters Nxcub?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Nxcub: about $120/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Nxcub: 2 seats.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Nxcub: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$28,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data