Hi Jim,

  I decided to go for the 130. Paid $20k for the entire FWF from firewall to spinner.  The entire FWF weight including propeller, spinner, mount, engine, fluids etc is about 250 lbs which keeps me within the 265 max 601 HD design limitations. I just decided I wanted the very latest technology out there and an engine that is still in production.

I was quoted $12 k for the 110 with Fwf package, however, Apparently that engine is in high demand, so supply and demand may dictate a price change, I dont know.

I understand.  As for the O-200's, the weight was also a concern of ours.  Rotax being the lightest is a serious contender but the price is too high for us.  We also looked seriously at Corvair and UL.   The reasons we selected the Viking 130 was that although it weighs about the same as an O-200 or Corvair, it puts out an additional 30hp, and with a drive gear like a Rotax it has more torque.  UL was considered, but being from Belgium, the lack of available parts and service was a major consideration.  That brought us back to Viking with lower price, more power to weight, and parts and technical support readily available.  You should contact Bob Jones, he's a Zenith member and has built two or three 701's and only flies them on skis and floats.  He probably knows more about 701's than anyone.