matthew wise wrote: > > Has anybody been able to meet the design empty weight > of 605 lbs using a C-85 w/electrical system? I'm > debating on whether or not to use the > generator/starter to save weight. Any comments on the > subject? I have a C-85 with full electrical system, including lights, strobe, and transponder. It comes in at an 805-pound empty weight. The guy who built my airplane waaaaaayyyyy overbuilt it as well (1/4" plywood, 0.040" aluminum cowling, etc.), but I figure the majority of the weight it due to the electrical stuff. Battery, starter, and generator probably total about 60 pounds or so, plus the circuit breakers, wire, coax, meters, enclosure, antennas, ground planes, and all the other stuff necessary. N500F had a C-85 without electrical; it weighed about 700 pounds. Leave the electrical system off...you'll be much, much happier. Ron Wanttaja