Rotax 277 advice

[fly_boy_bc]

I am in the market for a good 277. What version do you recommend? Fan cooled or free air? Also what is the installed weight of a 277 including exhaust gear reduction and etc? I am willing to hand prop or use recoil starting in order to keep the weight down. (Can I remove the recoil starter and hand prop to save weight?) Is the free air version lighter? Do I need to cowl or baffle a free air engine? If so will I really save any weight?

What else should I be looking for? (aside from condition/hours etc.)

 

[Dana]

 

[texas-buzzard]

 

[Dana]

 

[fly_boy_bc]

 

[fly_boy_bc]

 

[slevair]

 

[Jak Stoller]

 

[fly_boy_bc]

 

[Armilite]

 

[lake_harley]