Mooney or Bonanza? (Let's start a debate!)

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Stegoo_86

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Stego_86
Hey Everyone,

I've narrowed my options for buying an airplane to these two. A few things to note:

- Useful load for both would be in an acceptable range as I will not be flying any longer than my bladder or (wife) can hold! lol So, I won't be using full fuel, looking at a 3hr flight time max for most legs.
- In regards to the models I'm only interested in the A36 for the Bananza and the M20J or Bravo for the Mooney. (I also like the ovation, I couldn't afford an Acclaim)

With those notes, what are you're thoughts? Which would you prefer for a XC traveler and why? How about flight characteristics? What are the pros and cons of each? I'd really like to hear your thoughts!
 
A36 is a larger airplane that doesn't directly compare to the M20J, just seems curious. A 33/35 Bo/Deb would be a more even comparison.
 
midget.....vs large boned.....:D

Apples vs oranges.....the A36 is a six pax plane....Mooneys are 4 with limited baggage.
 
Okay, so maybe I should have explained this more....

Clearly, they're not the same. I'm not asking for a comparison, I'm looking for opinions on which YOU would buy following the notes I listed, and WHY you would choose it. I have friends and family that would enjoy traveling with at times, for that instance, the A36 would be optimal. However, something that I've noticed is the price difference, and honestly, I feel that it would be me and my wife more than anyone else. But I enjoy the benefits of speed from the Mooney...
 
Oh boy..

This is like comparing a Saab to a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Land Cruiser

Have you sat in or flown either?
 
1) have YOU flown either?
2) has your wife sat in either?
 
Cirrus (ducks for cover) :)
 
idk the price range these sell for but if they are close I’d choose the A36 simply for the flexibility of having extra seats. If I didn’t need 6 seats and the A36 was more expensive I would get a Mooney or a Conventional tail 4 seat Bonanza.
 
EdFred said:
I've flown both. What do I win?
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the opportunity to bash them both and claim how the only option is a comanche. you know, go all steingar/tantalum on us about how the 'manche is the best plane evarrrrr.
 
Except I've never made that claim. Even in *that* thread I never did. Simply pointed out the comfort and load difference.
 
but you CAN carry a dog in the back seat of 'manche
 
OP really has to go sit in one, and preferably fly one. This isn't like asking about a PA-32 or 206/210.

Part of me has to think this is a bating thread.. I'm trying hard not to bite.
 
Ah....you don't like V-tails. lol o_O


Just go fly them....and buy what you like. They're all gonna cost about the same to maintain.
Grum.Man said:
idk the price range these sell for but if they are close I’d choose the A36 simply for the flexibility of having extra seats. If I didn’t need 6 seats and the A36 was more expensive I would get a Mooney or a Conventional tail 4 seat Bonanza.
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I haven't flown the Mooney but have a good amount of time in an A36TC. Fantastic handling airplane, and although not a true six seater it'll be super comfortable for four. The doors in the back are great.

Hard to beat a 4 cylinder Mooney from an efficiency standpoint, but if you can properly feed an A36 I don't see why you wouldn't go that direction.
 
Sit in a Mooney. Any Mooney pretty much, the cockpit has changed little through the years. If you fit comfortably then perhaps the Mooney will be the ship for you. Efficiency and a stout build. If not, never has been anything wrong with a Bo and lots right with them.
 
weilke said:
Al Mooney was a 'little person' and designed the plane to fit his stature.
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Glad to see somebody is taking seriously the "let's start a debate" part of the thread title. ;)
 
if you suck at landings, then go bo. bo's are easy to land and will hide bad landings, isn't that right @Checkout_my_Six ? ;). except this one:

 
weilke said:
Al Mooney was a 'little person' and designed the plane to fit his stature.
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Al Mooney was 6'5" and did indeed design the aircraft to fit him, push the seat back and you can easily fit a tall person with room to spare. He must have been skinny though, as Mooneys don't well fit those wide in the beam. Sitting in one prior to purchase is a darned good idea.
 
Stegoo_86 said:
I have friends and family that would enjoy traveling with at times
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I think it boils down to whether you plan to put these friends and family in the back seat, and if you intend to remain on cordial terms with said friends/family.
 
I've busted my knuckles on Mooney's enough. I would not own one. I have enough time in them to know I will not own one. There is a reason Bonanza's are expensive to buy, they are worth it.
 
Checkout_my_Six said:
Ah....you don't like V-tails. lol o_O


Just go fly them....and buy what you like. They're all gonna cost about the same to maintain.
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I don’t mind them but they can get tail happy i. Turbulence. I was just saying that if I have A36 or M20J or above money laying around it would be a straight tail Bonanza.
 
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