$175k

[GaryP1007]

Parker....what did you see for cruise fuel consumption?

[Parker_Woodruff]

Here's the figures with video proof: :D

 

11.6-11.8 GPH which gave me the approximate speeds depending on altitude:

6000 - 160 KTAS
10,000 - 170 KTAS
14,000 - 175-179 KTAS
15,000 - 180 - 183 KTAS
FL190 - 188-191 KTAS
FL210 - 190-195 KTAS (195 is easy when you're lighter at end of trip)

 

http://mooneyspace.com/topic/9385-m20k-fl210-performance/

[GaryP1007]

I can't get below 13.0 in my Dakota and max is 137kts. Haha

[Bravoman]

Gary, I love my Bravo. Sure it's a bit of a fuel hog but it is as fast as a scalded dog and looks great on the ramp! I payed less than your figure when I bought it in December, but have upgraded the panel a bit so I am somewhat above it now. My bird has a bit over 1000 hrs on both airframe and engine, so if I ever have the engine overhauled, I'll be well above it. So goes plane ownership.

The turbo is nice to have here on the east coast because it allows you to get up to the smooth cool air and above a good bit of the wx. With the newer turbocharged engines, the reliability is great as long as you fly them correctly. I understand that the Bravo engines get to TBO and beyond with regularity.

Your Dakota is an excellent plane and is a great load hauler. Mooneys are not Dakotas or Saratogas so if you have a big or growing family it could pose a problem. I consider my Mooney a two person and luggage plane, so if you can justify keeping your Dakota for when you need to haul more people and stuff, that would be optimal.

Best of luck on your search for the right plane. Regards, Frank

[GaryP1007]

Thanks Frank. No, most of the time it is me or me+1. Rarely even 3. I like the concept of the turbo for the reasons you mention. Just learning different perspectives here prior to making the jump. Thanks for the input.

[gsengle]

While the turbo is sweet and the 252/encore one of the best mooneys ever, I've had my Ovation up to 18000 feet or so - the engine is just that strong that even without turbo it does well....

[triple8s]

If I had the mission you have my first choice would be an ovation with TKS, my second would be a Bravo with TKS and my third would be a Rocket with TKS. The turbo would be great to get over the weather but as posted by gsengle if you can get nearly twenty thousand without the turbo and the majority of your flying will be east coast then the expense my not be worth it.

[teethdoc]

J model and lots of gas