The SEABEE is a high wing, single pusher engine, low-cost, pilot and three passenger amphibious aircraft first built in 1946. It was designed for those who enjoyed flying into remote lakes or equally remote saltwater inlets. It was the first all-metal amphibious aircraft ever produced for the civilian market. It was low-powered, slow, and noisy, but was a lot of fun for those who enjoyed fishing or camping in remote areas.
The name SeaBee came from the United States Navy’s Construction Battalion (CB’s). The U.S. Navy had a copyright on the name which they granted to Republic Aviation for the aircraft. The museum’s SeaBee, No. 710, was formerly owned by Alaska Coastal Airways and then by Norie Brothers Logging of Vancouver Island. It was donated to the museum by the Norie family.
