$150,000 budget...

[Tom-D]

My dad used to own one. It was a lot of fun. Not sure why so much negativity towards sea planes on here. Sure they are not fast, The original post mentioned that he doesn't need to go fast and needs to fly over a lot of water. I would feel much more safe in the SeaBee landing on rough water in an emergency than I would a typical airplane. He also doesn't have to land in the water.

I love See Bees, it just doesn't fit this mission.

 

[oregonboy109]

Get a twin. A second engine is much better than a chute in your case (and most others but I'm not gonna go there...). The extra fuel burn and more training is a small price to pay for a second engine that could save your a$$ one day.

A nice twin can be had within your budget and the money you save can go towards training/fuel/maint.

Here's a 310 for under 100k
http://www.trade-a-plane.com/detail/aircraft/Multi+Engine+Piston/1973/Cessna/310Q/2157372.html

And a 55 Baron within your budget
http://www.trade-a-plane.com/detail...Piston/1975/Beechcraft/B55+Baron/2053462.html

Here's a Seneca for under 100k as well
http://www.trade-a-plane.com/detail/aircraft/Multi+Engine+Piston/1980/Piper/Seneca+II/2155293.html

If you're worried about single engine handling with a twin you can look at a Cessna 337 with the pull/push configuration although they have other issues...
http://www.trade-a-plane.com/detail/aircraft/Multi+Engine+Piston/1974/Cessna/337G/2087060.html

Hope this helps.