I have a friend who has a farm with a short (~900' , tall trees one end) grass strip. He used to fly ultralights, but now is thinking about a real plane. I suggested a Super Cub, but he is a little scared of taildraggers (but I suspect he might change his mind). Suggestions?
Zenith indicates no preference, and a lot of different engines have been installed, though I would guess the 100 HP Rotax 912S is probably common. The CH-750 STOL (not the newer Cruzer) is the other option from Zenith.
My very humble opinion is that an experimental, but proven, STOL design like the 701 or 750 should be seriously considered for someone like your friend. As soon as he starts to consider keeping it hangared at his place then he'll probably find it a great convenience to be able to do his own maintenance on it.
But Zenith 750 is probably the best choice for most people. The 701 is cool and everything, but it really is a very small airplane with a limited payload. A 750 with a bigger ULpower would work best, I think. You can get a good one for $80k.
He can get a nicely equipped CH-750 for $49,900. And not just any CH-750 but one (I think!) that appears to have won an informal STOL contest at this year's Zenith Open Hangar Days. The OP can find the ad on Barnstormers:
