Do you include SMOH on the prop when buying an airplane

[Pecaslockey]

We have narrowed down the type of airplane we need for our uses. A straight tail 182 for it's hauling capacity and classic look.
We even have about 5-6 specific airplanes that we are looking at.
Now the question is, when comparing various 182's do you add or subtract the value of the prop SMOH. Let's say an airplane has 70 SMOH on the prop as opposed to 1800 on another prop. Do you add value (or the worth) of the airplane with a 70 SMOH prop?
Thanks in advance for any replies

[planesafe1]

I guess an important thing to consider with the prop is how many times has it been through overhaul and will it make it through the next time. Generally speaking, prop overhauls for a constant speed prop will be around $16-1800.00. Not too bad. If the prop blades are under specs or the hub fails inspection and the prop is unrepairable, your looking in the range of around $7,000 for a new one or you can maybe find a used serviceable one. Used ones are a crap shoot and may not pass inspection either, so be careful if you ever go that route.

Don't forget about the governor, that's about a grand to get overhauled
(+ or -).

Good luck with you search!

Sam

[Pecaslockey]

Thanks Sam,
The airplane that we are seriously looking at has 60 SMOH. It cost the seller $9000 so I added $8500 to the value of the aircraft because of the almost new prop.
Is this too generous?
Tim

[planesafe1]

Tim,
There's a big difference between SMOH and TSN. If the time is 60 TSN (time since new), which I suspect it is due to the $ amount you stated, then there can be a value increase in the airplane. I don't know if I'd lay out $8500 to the seller.........maybe 5K in added value to the airplane. It's not your problem that he had to install a new prop, although you're lucky that he did. I'd let him take more than a $500.00 hit on it. I may be off on this since I don't know all of the numbers involved, but it's just my 2 cents on it.

If it is an overhaul,(SMOH) then there is very little value added to the aircraft, except for the fact that you shouldn't have to worry about the prop for some time. What is the condition of the governor? It is equally as important as the prop since it controls the propeller operation.

Sam

[Pecaslockey]

Thanks so much for the response Sam,
I'm pretty sure it's TSN, but I'll verify that.
Thanks again