Looking for input on purchase

[jeff hodgson]

New to site!, Hoping to find some help. I am currently a beechtalker, having just sold my 1984 P Baron I am looking to an Ovation as most of the time my pax seats are.....empty, and fuel is....you know.

Looking for advise on; Mooney Ovation 3, possible purchase.

1. What is the cost to upgrade the G1000 to WAAS? What are you guys seeing for resale value on WAAS upgraded units? does it matter as far as resale price? What kind of premium should I be paying for a bird that already has it done?

2. Is the GFC a/p worth the premium over the STEC 55?

3. What is the general feeling about buying a bird with a recent prop strike? assuming the engine has been properly torn down and magnafluxed etc.

4. Has anyone ever actually put 3 pax in the 5 seater configured ovations?

Thank you very much for your feedback, looking forward to joining the club.

jgh

[gjkirsch]

Jeff

 

I really like the looks and capability of the G1000 and GFC autopilot.  I have been told it is a $10K upgrade to WAAS.  I have also been told that there are a number of other expensive requirements every annual, that if all true would make me question the value. 

 

If I was looking for an Ovation, I would probably look for a good deal on a low time older model and up;grade it with the 310 HP mod and prop and just go with a upgraded garmin 430 or 530 until I needed to do something with the panel and then look at the Aspen.

 

I have a Bravo with a 480 (WAAS already) with a KFC 150 and it intercepts and flies approaches just fine..  For my type of flying it does everything I need.  I have flown with a stec 55 in the past and it was similiar with possibly even lower maintenance 

 

Regardless, welcome to the Mooney side of the world! 

 

Gordon

[jeff hodgson]

Thanks Gordon, I do believe its a buyers market and I am hopeful to get a good deal on a g1000 unit, however, upgrading an older model is sound option as well.

What is the verdict on TKS? I would never fly into ice with a mooney regardless, but does TKS have a good resale? I think I would rather have the useful load and not sacrifice the speed.

[carusoam]

I agree with Gordon above.

Add a GTN to provide WAAS GPS,ILS,VOR approaches.

Add Aspens for improved situational awareness.

Add 310HP and TopProp to shorten T/O distance.

Add GPSS to have the O fly for you.

Or take what's in the plane and just go with it.

The Eagle is a good machine to start with for the same reasons...

Welcome aboard.

Best regards,

-a-

[carusoam]

Guys with turbos like FIKI. They have places to go on a schedule. O2 finishes the trifecta...

Best regards,

-a-

[AndyFromCB]

I'd get a Bravo over an Ovation especially if you're stepping down from a Baron 58P. I cannot ever imagine not flying a turbo after owning one for a year and half now. And Bravo seem to go for next to nothing lately vs an Ovation. Yes, a bit more fuel burn, but not that much. Mine will do 190knots all day long on 17gph at 18,000 so about 2 gallons more than an Ovation. Or keep up with your 58P on about 21gph for 220knots at 22,000. Or bump along at 155knots for 12gph.

 

As to G1000, I would not want to own a Mooney with a G1000. The factory support is dead and it wasn't Garmin who certified that system for M20R, M20M and M20TN, it was Mooney so I don't see any future upgrades in the pipeline. It's already more or less orpahned.

 

I think a G500 with GAD43e and KFC150 and GTN 750 and a GMX200 combo is more powerful and capable than the G1000 as installed in a Mooney other than maybe the airspeed hold.

[AndyFromCB]

Thanks Gordon, I do believe its a buyers market and I am hopeful to get a good deal on a g1000 unit, however, upgrading an older model is sound option as well.

What is the verdict on TKS? I would never fly into ice with a mooney regardless, but does TKS have a good resale? I think I would rather have the useful load and not sacrifice the speed.

 

As to TKS, having have used mine about 6 times, it smokes anything else out there short of hot wings and a pair of jet engines. Once you use it, you'll change your mind about flying into ice with a Mooney. Anything short of continuous freezing rain is non event. The entire airframe gets coated and the slower you go, the better is actually works, so wonderful for climbs and approaches, unlike boots. And with a Bravo, you'll never be in ice for more than a few minutes anyway as long as you get unrescricted climbs/descents. Airplane will maintain 800fpm to 18,000 at gross.

 

Ice will simply not accumulate with TKS.

[N33GG]

I moved to a loaded J Model Mooney from a 58TC because my mission changed and I was flying around solo 98% of the time. Now I am in a C Model. While I do miss the performance, I am glad I am not filling up the 58TC with today's gas prices. Welcome to Mooney, regardless of which model you choose!

[gjkirsch]

Jeff

 

I have a FIKI approved system and never have a problem keeping ice off the plane.  That said, I am conservative and use it for climbing into either clear air or air to cold for ice to form and then descending back through to land.  I would take it over boots any day of the week.  As far as value, buy a plane with it installed.  It costs about $50K to get a new install and only holds from $10K to $20K (inadvertant versus known ice install) in a resale.  I live in Michigan, it is a must have here.  If I lived in Florida and flew mostly in the South I think AC would be more important.

 

Gordon

[Joe Zuffoletto]

The G1000 with WAAS and the GFC700 autopilot make an incredible combination. I would step up to that combo if you can. It makes flying approaches in the soup an absolute breeze.

 

The Encore I sold last year had the G500, GAD43e, KFC150 and WAAS, and flying approaches with that combo is definitely more complicated than with the G1000/GFC700.

 

TKS also rocks and holds its value pretty well at resale.

[jeff hodgson]

Great input everyone thank you.

So I looks like its for me it's either,

1. Ovation 3, TKS with g1000 stec 55, or

2. Ovation 3, GFC with no TKS, or

3. Acclaim with both TKS and GFC but that's getting expensive, is it worth the 50-60k premium for the twin turbos. I only fly 200 hours a year, but I can get use from turbos.

Thanks again.

[PMcClure]

Hey Jeff, I stepped out of a B36TC into an Ovation 2 after owning a M20F. I loved the B36TC and have a family of 5. But the extra maintenance cost, fuel costs, etc...of the BT36TC could not be justified. in 2 years, we had 5 seats full exactly 2 times. I searched the Ovation 2 and 3 and decided on the 2002 O2 with a 530/430 WAAS. For me, the G1000 is a great system, but all the available examples were $50-100K more than the 2002 O2. Also, having about 50 hours in a G1000 system (172SP and DA40), I found that as nice as it is, there is always something going on and in both examples, the G1000 was the number one reason for not dispatching. The 530/430W gives me incredible capability and reliability and I have not found anything lacking over the G1000. I am still learning the O2 but am regularly getting 180-190kts at 17gph at 8-12,000'.  I have not gone higher yet. The B36TC was good for 180kts at 18-20gph. I will say that I do miss the comfort and more solid feel of the Bonanza and the rear entry door for passengers. 

 

I don't know your budget, but I found an O2 was the sweet spot. You may be able to find one with the 310hp engine, making it an O3. You almost get turbo performance, even up high with less fuel and maintenance. 

[PMcClure]

One more comment, mine has the KFC 225 A/P. This thing is incredible. I prefer it over the Stec 55 or the 150. Coupled with the 530/430W, it will do anything you can imagine. 

[aviatoreb]

One more comment, mine has the KFC 225 A/P. This thing is incredible. I prefer it over the Stec 55 or the 150. Coupled with the 530/430W, it will do anything you can imagine. 

 

What is functionally different from my KFC200 and your KFC225?  Just curious.  Thanks.

[PMcClure]

Sorry - I never used the KFC 200 so I can't compare. One advantage of the G1000 would be the GFC700. Personally, I find the KFC225 with 530/430W as capable as the G1000/GFC700 on approach. But I understand the reliability of the GFC700 hardware is better. 

[randypugh]

I just sold my Bravo with G 500 and GTN 750. It was a great plane but after owning an Ovation with TKS before the bravo I too am looking to go back to the Ovation. Just don't need the turbo and maintenance of exhaust. The G1000 with WAAS and the 700 autopilot is a must. There is nothing like having everything you need neatly right in front of you. I had the Avidyne system in a Columbia and loved the big screen. The G500 is just too small in my opinion. So maybe I'll see you on the road shopping the same plane. Enjoy, it's all fun.