Sport Pilot Talk

NCPilot · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2011 8:36 pm Post subject: Zodiac 601 vs. 650

Are there any real discernible differences between the Zodiac 601 XL and the 650? I'm alittle concern that the 650 may actually have less baggage area in the rear than the 601 XL.

Thoughts?

rsteele · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 261

The bulkhead that defines the back of the baggage area is about 10 inch farther forward in the 650 that the 601. However the baggage area is higher in the 650. From a volume stand point it may be a wash. You won't get skis in either.

I'm a kit builder and have both sets of plans if you have any other questions.

Ron

NCPilot · Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2011 9:35 pm Post subject:

rsteele wrote: The bulkhead that defines the back of the baggage area is about 10 inch farther forward in the 650 that the 601. However the baggage area is higher in the 650. From a volume stand point it may be a wash. You won't get skis in either.

I'm a kit builder and have both sets of plans if you have any other questions.

Ron

Well I'm not looking to get skis in there, just either a duffel bag, or some camping equipment. The 601 seem to have better baggage area for the camping gear than the 650.

rsteele · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 261

NCPilot wrote: rsteele wrote: The bulkhead that defines the back of the baggage area is about 10 inch farther forward in the 650 that the 601. However the baggage area is higher in the 650. From a volume stand point it may be a wash. You won't get skis in either.

I'm a kit builder and have both sets of plans if you have any other questions.

Ron

Well I'm not looking to get skis in there, just either a duffel bag, or some camping equipment. The 601 seem to have better baggage area for the camping gear than the 650.

I'm not so sure. The baggage space in the 601 is much lower. I probably really depends on what you are packing.

If camping is your thing, the 750 might fit your needs better. It has a lot more cargo space and is of course designed for off field use. It's going to be slower in cruise.

NCPilot · Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 4:33 pm Post subject:

rsteele wrote: NCPilot wrote: rsteele wrote: The bulkhead that defines the back of the baggage area is about 10 inch farther forward in the 650 that the 601. However the baggage area is higher in the 650. From a volume stand point it may be a wash. You won't get skis in either.

I'm a kit builder and have both sets of plans if you have any other questions.

Ron

Well I'm not looking to get skis in there, just either a duffel bag, or some camping equipment. The 601 seem to have better baggage area for the camping gear than the 650.

I'm not so sure. The baggage space in the 601 is much lower. I probably really depends on what you are packing.

If camping is your thing, the 750 might fit your needs better. It has a lot more cargo space and is of course designed for off field use. It's going to be slower in cruise.

Eh I'm not really a high wing kinda guy. All of the aircraft I've flown are low wings, that's what I'm used to.

Any Utility aircraft that has low wings? :lol:

drseti · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 1387 Location: Lock Haven PA

I'm given to believe that both the 601 and the 650 can be built with wing lockers. You'll still be weight limited, of course, but that should give you room for lots of camping gear.

rsteele · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 261

drseti wrote: I'm given to believe that both the 601 and the 650 can be built with wing lockers. You'll still be weight limited, of course, but that should give you room for lots of camping gear.

Wing lockers are quite common. They aren't large, about 8 inches deep and about 20 inches square. Certainly a help. Especially for things like tie downs, extra oil or some beverages to enjoy at the end of your flight. They are not weather tight however. If it rains anything in there will be wet.

Ron

theskunk · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 2:17 am Post subject:

could you not add some weather stripping to the inside and make them mostly weather proof?

rsteele · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 261

weather stripping might help, but would be difficult to install so that it was both effective and not change the profile of the lid. It's also possible for water to enter at seams and migrate around inside the wing. If you need something dry put into big plastic bag.

theskunk · Posted: Sun Jan 01, 2012 1:19 pm Post subject:

That makes a lot of sense -- admittedly I'm about to go look at one of these (601XL) in the next week or so, so any and all information that anybody can provide would be greatly appreciated!