What a Lake LA-4 Buccaneer costs, how far it flies, and what it costs to keep
PlaneFox tracks 1 Lake LA-4 Buccaneer aircraft for sale and re-reads every one of them from the broker and dealer sites it watches, so the figures below move when the market moves. Every number on this page is measured from those live listings, not taken from a published price guide.
How far can a Lake LA-4 Buccaneer fly?
A Lake LA-4 Buccaneer flies about 717 nm, roughly 1,328 km, which is about 6 h 17 min in still air at typical cruise.
What does a Lake LA-4 Buccaneer cost to own?
A Lake LA-4 Buccaneer costs about EUR 3,078 a month to run, or about EUR 308 for every flight hour when it is flown 150 hours a year.
More questions about the Lake LA-4 Buccaneer
How much does a Lake LA-4 Buccaneer cost?
What is the price range for a used Lake LA-4 Buccaneer?
How many Lake LA-4 Buccaneer aircraft are for sale right now?
Where can I find a Lake LA-4 Buccaneer for sale?
What should I check when buying a used Lake LA-4 Buccaneer?
About the Lake LA-4 Buccaneer
Aircraft overview
The Lake LA-4 Buccaneer is a four-seat amphibious flying boat built by Lake Aircraft, with origins in the Colonial Skimmer design. The LA-4 line first flew in the late 1950s, and Buccaneer production followed as the more powerful LA-4-200 version in the late 1960s and 1970s. Its role is distinct: a piston single that can operate from conventional runways or sheltered water, using a pusher engine mounted above the hull and retractable tricycle landing gear. For buyers, it matters because it offers true amphibious utility without moving into larger, costlier seaplane conversions.
Performance & specifications
Typical Lake LA-4 Buccaneer performance is modest but useful for recreational and regional travel. Cruise speed is commonly around 100 to 110 knots, depending on loading, rigging and propeller choice. Usable range is generally in the area of 500 nautical miles with reserves, again varying by aircraft and operating profile. Useful load is often roughly 850 to 950 lb, so payload planning is important with four seats occupied. Published service ceiling for the LA-4-200 is about 14,700 feet. The Buccaneer is normally powered by a 200 hp Lycoming IO-360 series fuel-injected engine driving a pusher propeller.
Cabin & avionics
The cabin seats four in a compact layout, with excellent forward visibility and the practical benefit of direct water access when moored. Baggage capacity is limited compared with land-based touring singles, and weight distribution deserves attention. Most Lake LA-4 Buccaneer panels were delivered with conventional analog instruments. Used examples may carry legacy navcoms, Garmin GNS 430 or 530 units, Garmin GTN upgrades, ADS-B equipment, modern audio panels and engine monitors. Factory integrated suites such as Garmin G1000 or Garmin Perspective are not typical for this model.
Buying & value
On the used market, the Lake LA-4 Buccaneer sits between basic floatplane conversions and larger amphibians. Condition matters more than cosmetic presentation. Pre-purchase inspections should focus on hull integrity, corrosion, past saltwater use, landing gear operation, water rudder systems, sponsons, engine pylon structure, propeller condition and compliance with applicable airworthiness directives. Logbook evidence of regular amphibious operations and knowledgeable maintenance is valuable. Common buyer-relevant distinctions include earlier LA-4 aircraft versus the 200 hp Buccaneer, plus avionics, paint, interior and corrosion-control upgrades. The later Lake LA-250 Renegade is a related but different model and should not be used as a direct specification comparison.