Okay first post here. Currently own a Cessna 140 (see pic below) that I absolutely love but the wife and I have decided to take the plunge and get a family cross country machine. We have 3 small children 4, 7, and 10. I've been an Air Force pilot for 13+ years now and we've never been able to live near family. We'd like our kids to be able to visit more often with their grandparents while they're still young and figure a Bonanza might help us out with that. I've been looking at the mid 60s Bonanzas with the 5th seat in the back. We can pack light and my kids are young so I think we can swing it. I don't think I can afford a 6 seat Bo for a few more years, and I hate the thought of slumming around in a Cherokee Six. I'd probably go buy a Cessna 195 before I did that. I still have a few financial ducks to get in a row (one of which is selling the 140) but hopefully that won't take too long.

Anyone live near the Pensacola with a mid 60s V35 that wouldn't mind showing me around their airplane?

Thanks!
-Matt

Are you specifically looking at the 1966 and 1967 model?

You should be able to find a good M35 N35, P35 or S35 (with the IO-520) as well.

I wouldn't limit yourself just to the V35. Unless there is something specific about the V35 that you really like.

Edit: I missed the need for the fifth seat on the first read through. I agree with Scott, you want a S35 or newer.

You definitely want the S35 or newer as they have the extended cabin. Just know it's a short term solution as you really are going to need an A36.

Copy, thanks for the tip!

Matt, I live in Gulf Breeze and keep my plane in Gulf Shores KJKA. August is a super busy month for me but we should try to get together I'd love to take you for a flight and there are many other more experienced bonanza owners you should meet here. What you're asking for with five seats I think the F33A would fit. But if I had three young kids I think you're going to want the A36 for space and greater useful load. But I love my hot Rod!

Wow beautiful airplane! I'm your Neighbor! I live in Navarre. I keep my Cessna 140 up in Milton. Just say when and I'll buzz over to see you.

Depending on how much you love the 140, you may regret selling it. Owning two planes is not a sin, you know! Well, not a mortal sin anyway...

jh

The A36 would be a wiser and safer choice with your family.
Just saying..
BQ

there you go... Spending other peoples money again!

Can't swing the A36 on my budget right now. That will have to wait a few years.

Matt,
Mine is a 1963 P35, so it is 4 seats, but does have the IO-520 engine. Mine is in for annual right now, but would be glad to show you around and go flying once I get it back.
Tom

Copy, thanks for the tip!

An alternative might be a B55. They carry as much as most any A36 and CG is much less of an issue. Biggest downsides are the 50-60% higher fuel consumption, higher insurance premiums, and typically 50% higher maintenance costs. On the plus side they're actually cheaper to purchase than a similarly equipped A36 and you can get onboard radar and boots if your flying involves dodging TRW or ice. They also fly higher and faster than a NA A36.

One final note: If I were the OP I'd seriously consider partnering with someone on the cross country machine so I could keep the 140 for local flights. Keep it long enough and at least one of thge kids will want to learn to fly in it. Maybe you could even find a partner that wants to share the taildragger as well as a Bonanza or Baron.

At the risk of being a heretic-

140-195 Hmmm, still a taildragger, cool ramp appearance, draws a crowd anywhere, 3 wide in back, @140 kts, only hard part is to find one with a good lower time engine and no oil leaks OH wait, Its a radial, its only marking its territory when parked :-) :-)

Haha! Yes I know. I've always liked the 195s. That's what I originally set out looking for. I'm still not opposed to going that route.