Way back when I was trying to justify in economic terms buying a glider. My guesswork about the cross-over point came roughly speaking to renting for 25 hours a year a single-seat Grob. Lots of fudging with the numbers, glider kept in trailer, not that high priced glider ($10-12k) and none of the realism about annual routine costs listed by Steve or Renny.
The best bit about owning is that you can decide at any time to go fly, and you can fly as long as you like without the FBO (or club President) screaming your time is up on the radio when you are at 6k agl in 6 knots with another 2k still to climb (do not ask how I know that). There are only your own restrictions on flying cross country ... and then there will be trips to camps, contests. Beats renting, especially if the best available is a worn-out 1-26.





On Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 2:08:02 PM UTC-4, wrote:
I am looking to buy my first glider and wanted to get some feedback on total cost of ownership. Excluding tow fees and club membership fees, what do you typically spend on insurance, annuals, spare parts, etc.?

Looking to buy an ASW20, Discus B, Discus CS, LS3, LS4, DG-202, DG-300, etc. Trying to get a good quality ship for under $30K. Thanks