Hi Flyboy,
I have not been on this site for a whle and just now read your questions about Variezes. I have a Varieze with a C-85 Continental that I first flew in 1981. Burt Rutan originally provided engine plans that allowed for a starter to be used with a C-85 engine since it was a bit lighter than the O-200. Since that time several light weight starters have came along and many O-200s have them. There are a few individuals that still fly without a starter, but I think they are pretty silly. Not because of the hand starting, since they hand prop very easily........ but any chance to do an air restart is a plus.
Landing and taking off in a cross wind is a snap compared to the Cessna 150 that I got my license flying. On take off the plane will immediately crab into the wind by itself and fly straight down the runway pretty much without doing anything! On landing it can be crabbed into the wind and kicked straight just before touchdown....but doing a slideslip is a no-no. The downwind wing can be blocked by the fuselage which will lose lift and the plane will flip over. Burt had limited the rudder travel years ago from four inches to about two inches to prevent a strong slideslip.
I am sure you have discovered from others by now that the plane has a great baggage area which doubles as a back seat if that baggage proves to be a passenger.........but the only other way is to add baggage pods on the wings. I have not done this, but I understand that they do allow you to carry quite a bit inside them.
The Varieze has had wing fitting corrosion problems, but if you find a plane that has been hangered most likely it is okay. The wing fittings should always have a good grease on all exposed surfaces. Also, if the top of the fitting is flush by covering or filling no lake is left for water to make a small lake.
There are two best (or more ) or favorite things about my plane. The first is the canard. It the IDEAL instrument for pitch and roll when flyiing the airplane !! The second thing is the plane has very few parts to have to remove and inspect vs a metal plane with screws and panels to remove, etc. And here is the third thing that is also really great......the mpg at a good speed. My plane is just average in performance, but it cruises at 150 mph at about 4 gph. And if I were to fly high and lean beond peak EGT like Gary Hertzler, I could maybe get close to 6o mpg. So with today's gas prices this is my new favorite thing. And maybe the last favorite thing is that it is REALLY fun to fly !!! My first long cross country was from the Los Angeles area to Arlington Washington in 7 1/2 hours with one fuel stop, so it makes a cross country plane. If you have a passenger in back, I would recommend carrying enough fuel for two hours plus reserve and be aware of density altitudes.
For insurance questions I would check with the EAA.
The only un-favorite thing is people are selling their planes at way, way too low of a price. Some Variezes have been selling for around $15k and comparing them to any other plane that flys fast, is efficient, fun, etc.....I probably would not sell mine for $25k.
Hope your questions are being answered and are able to find a good plane !!!
Wayne Johnson ........Lake Stevens, WA...........Varieze N 725EZ
email me if you want at..........
santee2602@hotmail.com
