Seeking 1977-1988 Model J or K

[da3b242]

Hello everyone!

I am currently seeking a 1977-1988 Mooney 201 or 231. This will probably be the last airplane I buy for many, many years to come, so I would like to buy the perfect airplane for my needs. I need something faster and bigger than my current Piper Cherokee 140 to transport myself and my family for personal and business reasons.

I am very much a function over form kind of guy. I don't turn away from bad paint or an interior that needs some TLC. I will, however, turn away from corrosion, structural integrity issues, or the like.

So here are a list of required equipment and features, and some preferred.

Required:

1.) Model J or K

2.) Garmin 430W with WAAS, or better/later model (G530, G650, G750, etc)

3.) Functioning Autopilot with altitude hold, GPSS (S-TEC 30 or similar w/ alt hold)

4.) In annual, Transponder/Pitot Static certs up to date

5.) Modern 4-place intercom

6.) Graphic Engine Monitor with fuel flow (Insight 730 or above)

7.) Minimum of 960 lbs useful load

 

Preferred (nice to have):

1.) Auto pilot with altitude pre-select and approach (glideslope) capabilities (S-TEC 55X or similar)

2.) Dual Garmin 430W or similar, or better/later models

3.) Dual localizers/glideslopes

4.) Garmin 330 series transponder w/ ADS-B Out compliance

5.) PS Engineering 2000 Intercom

6.) AoA Indicator

7.) Glass Panel(s) (Avidyne, Garmin G500, etc)

8.) Turbo-normalized engine with intercooler

If you are thinking about selling or know someone who more-or-less fits the bill, please let me know. I am a very serious buyer. I just have to find the right plane for me, even if it take a year or more. Additionally, I can use as partial trade my Cherokee 140 if anyone is looking for something to downsize to and putz around in. Otherwise, I'm selling it outright for my Mooney. My email address is this screen name at gmail.com if you have any questions.

Thanks! 

Edited July 16, 2016 by da3b242
I miss-quoted what I meant.

[carusoam]

Nicely thought out list da3.

If you go the turbo route, have you thought out the inter cooler and pressure controller options?

Everything from the 231 to the 252 and 262 have some interesting options...

a TN'd IO550 would be really cool.

Don't forget the Rocket while you are looking.

Best regards,

-a-

[da3b242]

31 minutes ago, carusoam said:

Nicely thought out list da3.

If you go the turbo route, have you thought out the inter cooler and pressure controller options?

Everything from the 231 to the 252 and 262 have some interesting options...

a TN'd IO550 would be really cool.

Don't forget the Rocket while you are looking.

Best regards,

-a-

Thanks for the input. Yea, that's why I kept the list open in terms of all of the options out there. I don't get wound up about engine times among a bunch of other factors. But I am certainly open to what is out there. A 252 would be incredible, but I just don't see myself sinking that kind of cash right now for a little bit more performance than the regular K- vice the K- MSE.

I haven't been able to find much market info on the Rocket. What's the deal with it, out of curiosity? And are they worth the upgrade?

Thanks!

[carusoam]

For that answer, you need to find a bee holder and look him in the eye..?  Because the beauty of the Rocket is in the eye of the beholder... 

Rocket owners love their ships.  As do their brothers with their NA Missiles...  Both are Mooney products enhanced by Rocket Engineering.

the challenge you may have will be with UL.  Keep your eyes open while going through the log books.  How big will your back seaters be during your ownership period?

Best regards,

-a-

[da3b242]

Just now, carusoam said:

For that answer, you need to find a bee holder and look him in the eye..?  Because the beauty of the Rocket is in the eye of the beholder... 

the challenge you may have will be with UL.  Keep your eyes open while going through the log books.  How big will your back seaters be during your ownership?

Best regards,

-a-

Fair enough. We all like our airplanes for different reasons, so that makes sense.

I am well aware of the UL issue. Generally speaking, it will, for the time being, be kids and perhaps a dog + luggage. Not four grown adults. But I want to stay as close to the 1000# or higher UL as possible. Anything else I might be missing?

Thanks,

J

[carusoam]

Bravos have sold at quirky low prices this past year.  A fully capable long body from a known owner sold for less than 150AMU.  The story is a bit more complex than what I am covering, but the economy, fuel price, and interest level in capable planes has been all over the place.

This summer has been showing great interest in flying from newbies to upgrades to everyone in general.

Best regards,

-a-

[Hank]

Good luck with your search, J. Don't forget to include the Encore, an improved K model with more useful load.

On the other hand, it will be easier to find a J with 1000 lb UL. Even my lowly C has 970 lb, and everything on your required list except Altitude Hold and Engine Analyzer. But it makes up for that with Carb Temp gage, two localizers, one glideslope and PS Engineering PMS8000 4-place intercom. And she's only ~15 knots slower than a J. Options, man--you've got more options than you know!

[rbridges]

that's a good basic list and hits all the bases.  I think the UL is realistic, but I'm not positive.  My C model has gotten heavier and only had 880ish prior to the bladders.  Speaking of which, you may want to make sure the tanks are sealed well.  Leaks are fairly common in the fleet of planes with original tanks.  Have you considered an F?  Same basic plane as a J but without the more aerodynamic cowling and such.  You lose a little speed but probably could acquire one for considerably less than a J.

[Piloto]

Another item to consider is the hours on the engine. An engine overhaul can run into the $30K.

José

[da3b242]

On ‎7‎/‎16‎/‎2016 at 5:12 PM, carusoam said:

Bravos have sold at quirky low prices this past year.  A fully capable long body from a known owner sold for less than 150AMU.  The story is a bit more complex than what I am covering, but the economy, fuel price, and interest level in capable planes has been all over the place.

Makes perfect sense. I have been watching Bravos. Good call. Thanks!

 

On ‎7‎/‎16‎/‎2016 at 11:51 PM, Hank said:

Good luck with your search, J. Don't forget to include the Encore, an improved K model with more useful load.

On the other hand, it will be easier to find a J with 1000 lb UL. Even my lowly C has 970 lb, and everything on your required list except Altitude Hold and Engine Analyzer. But it makes up for that with Carb Temp gage, two localizers, one glideslope and PS Engineering PMS8000 4-place intercom. And she's only ~15 knots slower than a J. Options, man--you've got more options than you know!

Yea, I have thought about the Encore. What is the improvement? More HP?

That is one of the reasons the J-model is so attractive- more UL. And you're so right- there are more options than I can honestly weigh at one time.

On ‎7‎/‎17‎/‎2016 at 8:43 AM, rbridges said:

Speaking of which, you may want to make sure the tanks are sealed well.  Leaks are fairly common in the fleet of planes with original tanks.  Have you considered an F?  

I am completely open to an F-model, especially one that has a modified TN on the engine. I won't sweat over 4-5 knots of airspeed. I have a feeling that I will end up with an F-model at the end of the day, anyhow. Strangely enough, I am even starting to consider E-models as well, despite them having shorter fuselages. My thought process is to have the E-model while the kids are young and small then upgrade to a much larger airplane in about 10-12 years (6+ seats) when I REALLY need one. Most of my flying in by myself or +1, so economy might be the way to go.

And leaky tanks is one of my main concerns going to a Mooney. Having had experience in Cherokee with wet wings, I understand the value in having kept the tanks full and the sealant "wet," if you will. So leaky tanks scare me and push me more towards fuel bladders. But even that isn't a deal breaker.

On ‎7‎/‎17‎/‎2016 at 0:02 PM, Piloto said:

Another item to consider is the hours on the engine. An engine overhaul can run into the $30K.

José

José- Certainly a consideration. Deal breaker? Far from it. I routinely fly airplanes with high time engines and they run as good, or better in some cases, than new ones. I know that engine overhauls can be anywhere between $16-45k. But that is alllllll factored into my agreed-upon purchase price. Good call, but I don't sweat engine times as much as I do how much the airplane hasn't been flown since OH.

[TWinter]

We love our Es..Great option. Speed, economy and fuel injected. Electric gear and flaps are a plus for me. Some prefer manual. Sports car with wings...............Good for two and dogs and luggage. Four adults can be done, but you want frequent stops. Overhaul time is a little easier on the wallet.

 

-Tom

[Tx_Aggie]

I would guess it could be relatively easy to get the UL close to 1000 on J's by taking out the near obsolete adf's/old nav coms out and replacing with updated instruments/Garmins. Another thing to keep in mind with "large bodies" though is that the UL doesn't necessarily increase. The Ovation 2 I fly is set at 1001. My two cents

[da3b242]

Still looking, if anyone has come across anything.

[peterlight]

Still looking?  How about a 1981 M20K Rocket?  

 

I absolutely love the plane.  Seems to meet all of your reqs, w/ the exception of the trend monitor, which is an easy add-on. Deets below. Happy to send pics!

 

1981 M20K Rocket, TT 2700, SNEW 190 TSI O520, prop 190 SPOH. Paint/9, Interior/7. 210 - 220kts. Factory oxygen, UL 1100lbs.  extended tanks 105 gal. VOR/GS, HSI slaved to Garmin 430 WAAS GPS. instant TIT/EGT/CHT readouts. King KX155 dual Com. Fresh ann. Complete logs. Always hangared. No damage history. Includes Garmin 696 w/ XM Weather. Great IFR machine!