N185RK is a 1977 Cessna 185F. It has a gross take-off weight of 3350 pounds and has a useful load of about 1500 pounds which includes the pilot & passengers, cargo and fuel. The wing span is 36 feet and the length is 25 feet 7 inches. Power is from a Continental 520 D, 520 cubic inches, which is rated for 300 horsepower for take-off and normal cruise is 65 - 75% of max power. The propeller is an 86 inch seaplane prop. The wing has a sportsmans STOL wing leading edge which provides better take-off and landing performance. In the winter and during the Iditarod the aircraft is fitted with Landes Airglas 3600 wheel penetration skis. Wheel penetration skis means the wheel protrudes through the ski for hard surface runways and the ski provided flotation on snow. The 3600 indicates each ski will support 3,600 pounds on snow.