Welcome Scott!

I haven't really, and probably won't. I'm pretty sure my co-pilot would have a thought or two about its unique aesthetics regardless of its capabilities or economy.

Hi Scott,
If you want to look at a baron you can look at mine all you want. I loved the TC 182 great bird climbing at 800 fpm at fl 160 over the Sierras.
LB

Welcome to BT. My first owned airplane was a 182. Same reason, cut a 9 - 10 hour drive down to 3-1/2 - 4 hours. Bo cut it to 3 - 3-1/2 hours. I recently bought a Travelair with two other co-owners. Reason we went with the Travelair over the Baron was the significant difference in cost as well as much simpler engines. Personally I would not have wanted to make the initial move from the 182 to Travelair. The move to a Bo was pretty intimidating, but fun. Transition from the Bo to the Travelair has been fairly easy as they have similar V speeds and handling. I think transition to the Baron would have also been similar.

As for icing, read Tom Turner's recent article in ABS magazine. Known Icing capabilities only protect you from 50 micron ice particles for 14.9 nm. A hair is 90 micron. Bottom line, in GA best icing protection is staying on the ground if it is a remote possibility.

All the best in your decision making process. Right now you have a very economical and safe platform, so I encourage you to take your time and get to know pilots in your area that are flying BeechCraft aircraft. PM Mentors in your area, I know they will be happy to take you on a ride.

Owned a 182 for 22 years. Flew it all over the west. It was a great airplane. Before that owned a 260 Comanche for 6 years. Liked the 182 better. Now have a TravelAir. Love it. Fly it over the Sierras hauling grandkids. The second engine makes my wife and myself feel better about crossing the rocks. ICE!!!! I have been in it enough to know I DO NOT want to be there. I may get some flack here, but a single or a light twin is not an airplane to be in ,to try to go through ice in the West. Add a turbo and I might rethink it a little. I just wanted to add this because I know of several instances where experienced pilots have lost the battle with ice . I am probably a big wussss, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.