ChristianGodin Posted May 27, 2016 Report Posted May 27, 2016 I request your experience. I fill like buying the following Mooney Ovation: http://www.controller.com/listings/aircraft/for-sale/1393085/2003-mooney-m20r-ovation2-dx Since I am in Canada, it is easier to import from US than UK but the seller might be willing to pay partly for the import. This is not the point. I want to know what you think of the airplane... The fact that it does not have the Ovation 3 upgrade, 2 blades prop, top at 800 hours, etc. I need TKS and a usefull load at least 950 lb. I really need and appreciate your inpout. Thank you Quote
Cruiser Posted May 27, 2016 Report Posted May 27, 2016 You have already said you like the plane. It has the equipment you are looking for. What you need now is a knowledgeable mechanic to complete a thorough inspection as to the condition of the plane. 2 Quote
ChristianGodin Posted May 27, 2016 Author Report Posted May 27, 2016 Do you think the price is right ... would you prefer an ovation with a Ovation 3 upgrade What about the 2 blades prop instead of the 3 blades.... Thank You Quote
larryb Posted May 27, 2016 Report Posted May 27, 2016 Since you asked... It has the kfc 225 autopilot. After reading peters investigation on this I may not want one myself. http://peter2000.co.uk/aviation/kfc225/index.html No WAAS on the navigators. Moritz gauges which I hear are expensive to maintain. 1 Quote
Guest Posted May 27, 2016 Report Posted May 27, 2016 The plane is showing an "N" registration so importation should be straight forward. Summer is here so flying it across the Atlantic should easily done. Check out www.220kts.com for crossing routes. Clarence Quote
Godfather Posted May 27, 2016 Report Posted May 27, 2016 He needs TKS...way too expensive to put on a used bird. The two blade on that Mooney is a very efficient prop but is crap for getting off the ground. You don't need to upgrade to 310 hp but I would recommend getting the top prop conversion. 1 Quote
Godfather Posted May 27, 2016 Report Posted May 27, 2016 1 hour ago, larryb said: Since you asked... It has the kfc 225 autopilot. After reading peters investigation on this I may not want one myself. http://peter2000.co.uk/aviation/kfc225/index.html No WAAS on the navigators. Moritz gauges which I hear are expensive to maintain. Good link... I've had one pitch servo fail in 2500 hrs. Memory puts the repair price at ~ 2k but I also sent my control unit in for a check and they nailed me on a bench test. Quote
Steve Dawson Posted May 31, 2016 Report Posted May 31, 2016 Does anyone know what the cost is to upgrade this plane to the "3" or 310 hp STC? Quote
LANCECASPER Posted May 31, 2016 Report Posted May 31, 2016 2 hours ago, Steve Dawson said: Does anyone know what the cost is to upgrade this plane to the "3" or 310 hp STC? The cost of the prop ($12,000?) plus about $8000 for the STC, prop governor modified for 270 rpm, labor. Quote
PMcClure Posted May 31, 2016 Report Posted May 31, 2016 Looks like a fair price to me, perhaps even a very good deal. Missing WAAS, which I think has to be added. Also, you may need to consider a top to the engine sooner than TBO. Those two items could run you $15-20k. But even then, you have a plane with WAAS, O2, TKS, new jugs, etc for less then $215k. I don't have the 310hp upgrade on mine and I can't say I am missing anything. I do have the 3 blade prop and find take off and climb is very impressive. I also have the original Mortiz gauges and so far so good. I also have the KFC225 autopilot which I think is an outstanding piece of equipment. It flies like it is on rails. My roll servo has been replaced once, since 2002. That was about $2000. no other issues. 1 Quote
carusoam Posted May 31, 2016 Report Posted May 31, 2016 A full upgrade... 1) factory reman engine 310 hp. 35amu 2) Top prop. 15amu 3) Instrument update. 4) STCs. 5) R&R 10amu 6) all in 60+ AMU. 7) It really makes sense if you have had a prop strike, need a MOH, or live on a short strip, or have a strong aviation budget. 8) Rough numbers. 9) Consider using the latest cylinder design on the (N) vs the (G). A few pounds lighter with updated cooling fins. 10) You won't need CloudAhoy to measure improvements in T/O distance, you can feel it and see it. PP Thoughts that come to mind. Best regards, -a- Quote
Godfather Posted May 31, 2016 Report Posted May 31, 2016 No reason to think about an overhaul...probably have another 1k hrs before you need to pay the piper. Quote
ChristianGodin Posted June 1, 2016 Author Report Posted June 1, 2016 Anyone knows the extra weight that comes with the Ovation 3 upgrade? Quote
LANCECASPER Posted June 1, 2016 Report Posted June 1, 2016 8 hours ago, ChristianGodin said: Anyone knows the extra weight that comes with the Ovation 3 upgrade? Just the difference in the 2 blade and 3 blade prop. The rest is negligible. Quote
carusoam Posted June 1, 2016 Report Posted June 1, 2016 It is small enough... But, You would have to add all the bits and pieces to get that answer... The TopProp three blade weighs more than the original Mac three blade. The TP also comes in thick, thin and composite blades to give some weight options. The IO550(N) weighs a few pounds less than IO550(G). there were no other changes that I am aware of. No additional Charlie weights or change to the trim system.... I went (N) with thin blades. I have not noticed running out of trim while flying solo.... Haven't had a tail stall either. (Disastrous humor) flying with two people up front may be different. Best regards, -a- Quote
Tx_Aggie Posted June 2, 2016 Report Posted June 2, 2016 (edited) This is from the Ovation 2 DX I fly, at 11,000'. Mine has the stock 2 blade. Nothing wrong with the 3 blade, other than negligible Prop noise and a boost in fuel consumption. I can't see what the benefit of the STC adds? Perhaps I'm a little partial however Edited June 2, 2016 by Tx_Aggie Quote
mike_elliott Posted June 2, 2016 Report Posted June 2, 2016 the O3 mod brings the plane to life! Take a ride in one and you will be convinced! Quote
carusoam Posted June 2, 2016 Report Posted June 2, 2016 There are two benefits... 1) Getting off the ground. 800' ground roll, with two aboard, near see level. Data collected using CloudAhoy and a WAAS SkyRadar. 2) climbing to where tx a's photo was taken. Byron posted a photo of the VSI climbing at 2,000fpm on a chilly day, snow on the ground at AOPA HQ. Or did you mean the reason for the STC? 3) That is a means to pay for the development work that proved out the technical details of the 310hp and TP mods. Unfortunately in Mooney theory, power doesn't overcome drag very well. Lopresti did a fine job of using this to our advantage. But, exceeding 200kts gs with regularity will require a TN and the FLs... The sales technique is dirt simple. 'The first ride is free...' If you take the offer, Hold onto your wallet, tightly. this is from an Old Guy's aged memory collection. But the details are unusually clear... Best regards, -a- 1 Quote
gsengle Posted June 2, 2016 Report Posted June 2, 2016 Also re: useful, TKS fluid is heavy and the six or so gallons of a full TKS tank are included in the weight of the plane just like engine oil. All summer I fly with an almost empty TKS tank and get that load back... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote
Robert C. Posted June 3, 2016 Report Posted June 3, 2016 If you buy the O2 and plan on doing the 310HP STC then I'd suggest getting the 4-bladed MT prop instead of the 3-bladed Hartzell. Less weight, less vibration, negligible loss of cruise speed. Quote
LANCECASPER Posted June 3, 2016 Report Posted June 3, 2016 14 minutes ago, Robert C. said: If you buy the O2 and plan on doing the 310HP STC then I'd suggest getting the 4-bladed MT prop instead of the 3-bladed Hartzell. Less weight, less vibration, negligible loss of cruise speed. The 310 HP STC is specific to the 3 blade Hartzell prop http://hartzellprop.com/hartzell-aluminum-composite-top-props-now-available-various-mooney-models/ Quote
Robert C. Posted June 3, 2016 Report Posted June 3, 2016 Correct, but the 4-blade MT has an STC that is compatible as I read their sales material. So more accurately you'd end up getting 2 STCs, one for the new governor and one for the MT prop (unless the 4 blade MT also includes the governor - i didn't check that yet). http://www.mt-propeller.com/pdf/stcflyer/FL061US.pdf Quote
Godfather Posted June 3, 2016 Report Posted June 3, 2016 14 hours ago, Tx_Aggie said: This is from the Ovation 2 DX I fly, at 11,000'. Mine has the stock 2 blade. Nothing wrong with the 3 blade, other than negligible Prop noise and a boost in fuel consumption. I can't see what the benefit of the STC adds? Perhaps I'm a little partial however The Ovation 2 prop is great for efficiency and cruise. The only advantages of the three blade is getting off the ground and initial climb. I'm not sure about prop noise...from memory the 2 blade had a larger diameter and therefore tip speed vs the three blade (both at 2500 rpm). I know I received top dollar for the used prop as multiple people were polishing the ground with the blades on that model... 2 hours ago, Robert C. said: If you buy the O2 and plan on doing the 310HP STC then I'd suggest getting the 4-bladed MT prop instead of the 3-bladed Hartzell. Less weight, less vibration, negligible loss of cruise speed. I wonder if the 4 blade MT is useable for flight into know icing? Quote
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