Republic RC-3 Seabee vs Icon A5
The Republic RC-3 Seabee and ICON A5 are very different amphibians — the Seabee a rugged four-seat post-war classic; the A5 a modern two-seat LSA with folding wings, a parachute and contemporary handling.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 3
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1946–1947
- For sale now
- 20
- Median asking
- $295,000
- Range
- $233,000–$451,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 3
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 2016–2024
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) | Republic RC-3 Seabee | Icon A5 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 1 | 7 |
| Serious | 0 | 2 |
| Fatal | 1 | 1 |
| Fatalities | 2 | 1 |
| % Fatal | 100% | 14% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Republic RC-3 Seabee | Icon A5 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $147,261 – $231,500 | $233,000 – $451,000 |
| Category | Warbirds | Light Sport |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 2 |
| Cruise Speed | 90 kts (167 km/h) | 84 kts (156 km/h) |
| Range | 490 nm (907 km) | 427 nm (791 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) | 1,510 lbs (685 kg) |
| Engines | — | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Republic RC-3 Seabee or Icon A5?
Bottom line: Choose the ICON A5 for modern design, easy sport flying, folding wings and a safety parachute. Choose the Seabee for four seats, classic character and a rugged go-anywhere boat hull — a vintage experience versus the A5's modern recreational one.
Pick the RC-3 Seabee if…
- Budget matters — from $147,261 vs $233,000, you save ~$85,739.
- Faster cruise — 90 kts vs 84 kts.
- Longer range — 490 nm vs 427 nm.
Pick the A5 if…
- More inventory — 16 listings vs 2.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.