ilovecornfields Posted July 12, 2017 Report Posted July 12, 2017 After pondering the Bravo vs Ovation topic for a while I've decided that an Ovation would probably be the best fit for me. I'm hoping to spend about $175-200k on it (seems like some on the higher end have really nice panels or FIKI). I'm located in CA so it would be nice to find one nearby, but I'm not holding my breath for that. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. My email is the same as my username@gmail.com. Thanks, Raul Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote
carusoam Posted July 13, 2017 Report Posted July 13, 2017 Newer Os... 1) 310hp and TopProp 2) G1000 with all the updates, WAAS and ADSB... 3) AC 4) Built in O2 5) GTNs If it has all of this stuff, expect the price to reflect it. It is tough having to select from the list of what you need to leave out... I left out 2 - 5... Will have to go back one day to have these included... Best regards, -a- Quote
LANCECASPER Posted July 13, 2017 Report Posted July 13, 2017 As you're shopping, the 1999 (somewhere in '99 they made the change) to 2004 Ovations and all Eagles had Moritz engine gauges (see picture #1). They showed digital and analog and were very accurate, which sounds nice, however the indicators start failing one at a time. The Mooney parts book says you can't replace just one gauge at a time but you have to replace the entire assembly. Budget in some money to recut the panel and replace those with a JPI EDM930 or 900 or an EI MVP50. This gets expensive since you'll probably do a few other upgrades while everything is out. I had a 2000 Ovation where the previous owner had done all that and by the time he was done had spent about $40000 (new panel, 2 Aspens, JPI 930, standby electric gyro, etc, etc - see picture below of the way it was when I bought it). I'm glad he did it instead of me, however panel upgrades are personal and everyone would do them a little differently. You may look at an Ovation where all of the Moritz gauges are working now but it's only a matter of time since there is no support by the company who made the gauges. I've seen ones where they pulled the Moritz gauges and went with a JPI or EI and just put a blank there to match the panel, but you are giving up a lot of panel space, you're better off just recutting the left panel. These are still great airplanes but on these model years this will have to be addressed by the present owner or you. On the bright sight most of the Ovations in these years had a KFC225 autopilot which is the best of the King autopilots that were put in Mooneys. 3 Quote
Godfather Posted July 13, 2017 Report Posted July 13, 2017 The Moritz gauges have been wonderful over the past 15 years of ownership. The fuel gauge accuracy was better than any other system in small GA aircraft new or old. I still like the fuel accuracy/readout on the moritz over the 900/930/50 display. Having said that, I'm well on my way to the $40k system that is referenced above. I wasted time and money trying to save the moritz system when I should have cut and run. My opinion... No 930/900/50...minus $5k Only one gps/nav/com...minus $10k No waas...minus $6k No adsb...minus $3k No 2700 rpm...minus $5k No top prop...minus $5k prop strike...minus $10k gear up...minus $25k No FIKI...minus $20k Aspen 2000 or more...plus $12k garmin g500...plus $20k The above is for pre 1000 planes. For post there would be large deductions for no 700AP...no waas...no sv...etc Quote
Godfather Posted July 13, 2017 Report Posted July 13, 2017 Also keep in mind a full overhaul cost me around $45k this past year which included everything including an overhaul on my top prop from the factory ($4300). Probably could have saved $5-7k if I went CB on it. What I'm implying is make sure you factor in the engine time... Quote
ilovecornfields Posted July 13, 2017 Author Report Posted July 13, 2017 (edited) 56 minutes ago, Godfather said: Also keep in mind a full overhaul cost me around $45k this past year which included everything including an overhaul on my top prop from the factory ($4300). Probably could have saved $5-7k if I went CB on it. What I'm implying is make sure you factor in the engine time... Those are all good points, thank you. Not sure what to do about the camshaft SB either but hopefully I can find one that isn't affected by it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Edited July 13, 2017 by ilovecornfields Quote
carusoam Posted July 14, 2017 Report Posted July 14, 2017 At least know what the status of the cam gear is. There is good records of what is in each engine built and remanned by Continental. An engine serial number search is usually what is required... Best regards, -a- Quote
Tx_Aggie Posted July 16, 2017 Report Posted July 16, 2017 Don't discount the early Ovations without the 310hp upgrades. I fly the 280 hp derated O2, and it has great power even when all loaded up. I flight plan for 180 KTAS in the 10-12k range and I consistently get an average of 14 gph at 50* ROP. Plenty of speed and plenty of available power. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 3 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.