Anyone Switch from Bonanza to Mooney? Reasons? Thoughts?

[Jeff_S]

10 hours ago, StevenL757 said:

I'll agree with the size and useful load comment, but disagree on the speed.  I have 2 Bonanzas close to my base (an A36, the other a B36TC), both of whom have "compared" speeds with me, and both have lost - each coming within about 3 knots of my 188+KTAS (normally-aspirated) with the 310HP engine.

 

Please tell me how you're getting 188+ TAS in your O3. I can get that in an air race configuration, e.g. minimum weight, low altitude, 2600RPM and WOT @ 25gph. But I can't get there at any power setting I would cruise at with any meaningful load. Enquiring minds want to know!

[aviatoreb]

For me, a tall person with long legs, I found the Beech line to be not so comfortable from the pilot's seat, but the Mooneys are quite comfortable for long legged folk.  I was considering a V35b when I ended up turning my nose up to all the Beech after sitting uncomfortable in it.  I am tall but not crazy tall at 6'4''.  Al Mooney was 6'5''.

[PMcClure]

16 minutes ago, Jeff_S said:

Please tell me how you're getting 188+ TAS in your O3. I can get that in an air race configuration, e.g. minimum weight, low altitude, 2600RPM and WOT @ 25gph. But I can't get there at any power setting I would cruise at with any meaningful load. Enquiring minds want to know!

I'll see 185 TAS at WOT and 20 ROP. Occasionally 187 TAS in my O2. 

[Oldguy]

10 hours ago, aviatoreb said:

For me, a tall person with long legs, I found the Beech line to be not so comfortable from the pilot's seat, but the Mooneys are quite comfortable for long legged folk.  I was considering a V35b when I ended up turning my nose up to all the Beech after sitting uncomfortable in it.  I am tall but not crazy tall at 6'4''.  Al Mooney was 6'5''.

I was considering a Bo when I got my J. Sat in an F33 and a J and was amazed at the difference in comfort. The Bo was like sitting in a truck and the J like an older British sports car. Spoke with the two mechanics at my airport and both said the Bo would be good for them but not necessarily for me maintenance $$-wise. At 6'5" and 210 lbs., I can pop in and out to the Mooney with little problem.

So while I don't qualify perfectly with the OPs topic, like several others my choice was between the two and I chose Mooney.

[StevenL757]

11 hours ago, Jeff_S said:

Please tell me how you're getting 188+ TAS in your O3. I can get that in an air race configuration, e.g. minimum weight, low altitude, 2600RPM and WOT @ 25gph. But I can't get there at any power setting I would cruise at with any meaningful load. Enquiring minds want to know!

Very simple - the Acclaim Type-S propeller (F7498).  Drastically different than the F7493 DF-2 that 99% of all Ovations converted to 310HP airplanes are using.  Pull the latter off any O3 (w/o TKS), and install the 7498 and you will gain ~5 to 7 knots without making any other changes.

The large majority find it hard to believe that a simple prop switch can give this performance, but it does make that big of a difference.  That prop is a Bob Minnis-developed design, so he's happy to corroborate these findings.  He worked with me for a couple of years informally as we were talking through engine and prop options, and can speak to my specific airplane's numbers.  :-)

[Jeff_S]

Ah, yes, the Acclaim Type - S prop is now certified for the Ovations. I do remember that, and probably worth considering.  How much is the conversion...about $12AMU as I recall...is that right?

[bonal]

As someone that had a bit of experience with power boat props and how important they are to a boats performance I'm surprised there isn't more options for airplanes probably that damn certified deal again.

[aviatoreb]

4 hours ago, Oldguy said:

I was considering a Bo when I got my J. Sat in an F33 and a J and was amazed at the difference in comfort. The Bo was like sitting in a truck and the J like an older British sports car. Spoke with the two mechanics at my airport and both said the Bo would be good for them but not necessarily for me maintenance $$-wise. At 6'5" and 210 lbs., I can pop in and out to the Mooney with little problem.

So while I don't qualify perfectly with the OPs topic, like several others my choice was between the two and I chose Mooney.

You are built just like Al Mooney.