Howdy all! I'm looking into purchasing my first aircraft since my kids are getting older (heavier). Currently we rent an Arrow which is fun for nearby day trips, but a bit lacking in useful load. I have been looking at the 36 or A36 models with a useful load in the 1300 1400 lb range. A friend suggested joining here to see the wealth of knowledge available in things to consider pre-purchase and post purchase.

Thanks for all the great info. I definitely have a lot of reading to do.

Welcome Charley!
You'll love an A36.

Unfortunately finding a decent A36 in my budget is a little tougher than I hoped. There is a plain 36 listed in SC but after doing some reading of the logbooks and reading on BT, I'm a little more leery. I'm just not sure how much maintenance to expect in the logs. It flew quite a bit 100+ hours per year into the late 80's. Not as much in recent years which is not unexpected for a 52 year old plane. But looks like a lot of inspections/overhauls may need to be done (Prop/Gear Motor/Flap Motor). The engine was new in 2013, but doesn't have many hours for that age so I would imagine all the rubber, baffles, hoses need a going thru. Definitely a tough decision, and can't even go take a look-see with the virus stuff.

I've also looked at the U206's for similar useful. Just would be nice to go that 20kts faster in the Bo.

Charlie

Get the free Bonanza performance app from POHPerformance foe either iOS or Android. Plug in the empty weight and CG from a few Bonanza ads and see what models fit your needs.

I have a V35 from 1967, it was 4 seats and a significantly bigger baggage space than the Arrow. Works for us, but the kids are under 5. I can take the four of us, fuel, 150lb baggage. A decade from now it could be a different story.

A36 will have more room and a better CG for putting weight in back. Also more expensive.

Thanks for the suggestion! I will certainly look into that.

Yeah, that decade will change a lot of things! I have a 14 and a 12. They can fit the adult headsets no problem now and buckle their own seatbelts. Next thing ya know, they're wanting flying lessons

For the most part if you need that kind of load you either need:

1) tip tanks

2) an older plane

I have E-161, a 69 36 model. She has a UL of 1381, and that is without tips tanks.

I am a big fan of the strait 36's (1968-9) The are lighter and that gives you more options.

Tre'

Welcome,

Last year my growing family bought an A36, 1974 with extended baggage and 1,300lb useful load. We upgraded from a K35 Bonanza and absolutly love the A36.

I'm getting 166KTAS, with an IO-520 with RamCam at 11gph L.O.P.

Single yoke, which my wife loves, she doesn't want anything in front of her to disturb her movie!!

You wouldn't regret an A36. If you find yourself budget limited the Piper Lance/Saratoga are other options. Since you mentioned C206, take a look at the Piper Cherokee Six as well, the 260hp are fairly resonable on the purchase price. Everything is a trade-off.

Good Luck on the search.

Russell

Thanks Russell,

Lots of options. Of course right now with the limits on travel, anything more than 150 miles from here is a bit far to go look at. At least I'll have some time this weekend to do internet shopping and research. Never know, I might have more time if they close down my lab.

I do like the speed of the retractable but I know there is the added maintenance and costs. Always trade offs. I just appreciate the resources here so that I can get smarter about the maintenance issues with the older planes.

Are you multi rated/ want to be multi rated. Cause what I'm hearing is you need a Baron. T Bone would be perfect.

Oh BTW. We here at BT LOVE to spend your money

Can't wait to hear what you decide

Hahaha I wish I had the pay grade for a Baron. I've got about 3 hours in a Duke, but the operating costs on a twin would wipe me out.

Spending other's money is always much easier!

Just glad to be on here talking planes during the shelter in place.

I had the same problem. I bought a Turbo Lance. Take a hard look at the W&B on the Bos before committing. With the Lance, I get 100 lbs in the nose to ballast the load. Some people want a Cadillac at the expense of leaving bags or people behind. People like me need a suburban I can pack to the gills. Hence, I gave up 20 knots to take everything I needed to take. Logically, it’s not a had choice. But each brand owner will always try and sell you their experience, including Beech owners. Seeing through the smoke is your task.

That "heated baggage compartment" in the Piper's is very twin-like. If you want room and lower price rather than speed the various big Piper singles are worth a look. Considerably wider than the Bonanzas and more baggage room.

Here's a link to some guys moving a piano in one:
https://www.gjenvick.com/DigitalAssets/ ... no-500.jpg

Also looking at the Comanche. Comparable u/l and speed. Unfortunately with the current situation, I can’t really go look at anything distant from me, so I let my hangar go. Hopefully when this virus gets done, I can get back in the hangar rotation and get a plane that fits my mission well. Definitely will keep the Pipers in mind. I do like the Arrow I’ve been renting. Fun to fly. Thanks again for all the discussions. It certainly is more fun than discussing the virus.

B55 will get you around 1600 lbs useful load and ~185 KTAS at 23gph. Plus you'll get the redundancy of two engines - something to think about with the family on board.

Operating expenses can be offset by the much lower purchase price compared to an A36, it just depends on how frequently you fly. Asking/advertised prices are not selling prices...

Note that MX can eat you alive on either a single or twin depending on how well it was cared for, your maintenance philosophy, your mechanic, etc (and partially by luck of the draw).

Have to agree with Ray - I was in the same boat with my family/mission. Was flying a Cherokee 6/300...SOLID airplane but useful load was just OK and speed was deplorable with 4-people traveling just about any direction. Friend of mine talked me into looking at a Baron!!!

C55 was just the ticket for my people. 200 mph cruise speed with nearly 2,000# useful load. My family goes 6’5, 6’4, 5’10” and 5’6”...and 775# of people. With full fuel of 142 gallons (136 useful) we can still carry 400+ pounds of luggage...or friends.

Flight plan for 24-GPH ROP...but really get about 22 gph at cruise altitude of 10,500+/-

Room for days in the 2nd row - like a first class seat for my son and daughter. Easy & fun to fly, stable in bumps weather and the safety of two of everything. When we take the 3rd row seats out we can fit snowboards and all the luggage you can fit through the door. We’ve flown coast to coast with 5-people and luggage.

1st annual ran me about $6,000 and we installed brand a new break system (everything - not just pads) tires, plugs and all the other basic items...replaced some gauge lights, enhanced the avionics (by choice)...but I wouldn’t say it will eat you alive if you stay on top of the routine stuff and don’t defer maintenance.

Loved the V35...but NO CHANCE it fit my family of 4.
Loved the older A36...but 4-people max, no luggage for my crew.

Baron...exactly what the doctor ordered. Good luck!!!