I currently drive an Archer II and have about 200 hours with an instrument rating. Looking to move up in the next year and the Bo is in #1 position.

I'd like to expand my current one tank circumference, in that, I like to fly to locations on one tank.

I'm not rich, drive a beat up truck and the kids are in public school. Just an average joe with a PPL and TBM 900 dreams.

Welcome Jeff!
Tip tanks on a Bo greatly expands the "one tank" radius. I currently sit at a 900nm max trip -but that was limited by my but and bladder
Good luck on your quest to move "up". You will not regret flying such a wonderful machine.
Where are you located?

Scott

I moved up to my Bo from a 2001 Archer that I really enjoyed. You may want to simply consider moving up to a newer Archer to build up hours. What I really enjoyed in the Archer is the 530/430, 330 with traffic, AC, leather interior, and Stec 55x AP. It was a breeze to fly IFR, comfortable, but slow. That being said, slow can be good when flying a lot if IRF at night like I was. Prior to that Archer, I flew a Warrior and Arrow, both older with older avionics. My 2 cents is the upgraded avionics make flying more fun and safe. Also, I upgraded my Archer to a quiet interior that my passengers loved. I don't want to discourage you to buy a Bo, just give you some food for thought.

There's a Bo for every budget.

I'm doing the same thing but moving from a Cessna 172 with 310 hours and hope to get into a Bonanza as soon as possible. Good luck!

Jeff,

I had a very nicely equipped Archer before moving to a Bo almost two years ago. The Archer was great for building hours and getting IFR experience. I simply wanted more performance, and once I flew an S35 for my high performance endorsement, I was sold.

My Bo is much more efficient. With the Archer, I got 125kts at about 12 GPH, ROP. In my Bo with Gami's, I typically get 170kts, at 13-14 GPH LOP.

Jeff, welcome to BT. There are ABS Ambassadors and BT Mentors that would be happy to introduce you to Bonanza ownership.

List of ABS Ambassadors is located at:
http://www.bonanza.org/images/pdf/test% ... hcraft.pdf

Search for BT Mentors in your area at:
mentor.php

Where are you based?

What Chris said. Tell us where you live and you'll probably get ride offers. But be warned, once you're in'um, you'll need to own one.

Thanks guys. Is there a specific model I should be looking for? I want at least 5 legal seats and around 170 kts. I have been trolling Controller and Internet searching, but all the different models are rather confusing.

V tail, straight tail, no idea what it all really means. I have heard the V tails called doctor killers though.

I'm sure I will be exploring the site and searching the threads a bunch. I'm not one to dive in first. I like to dabble my feet for a while before committing to the deep end.

The 33 and 35 are the same fuselage, one with a straight tail(33) the other with a V Tail(35). If you need 5 seats then you want a 36, that is a stretched version of the short body 33/35's.

Actually, Doctors are V-tail killers but that is another story. I am a doctor (but I flew before I was a doctor so I hope I'm ok )
Sounds like you want an A36 but you will have to drive it like you stole it ROP to get 170 KTAS. Count on 150-160 KTAS @ 12.5-13 GPH LOP and enjoy the carrying capacity and awesome big barn doors in back