Best single-engine airplane for the money question

I would go for the B36TC. You should be able to pick up and early 80s model with decent engines time within your budget. With more than 2 passengers the club seating will be much more comfortable than the T210 seating and a higher useful load and a fuel stop you won't have any serious weight limitations. It should get you as close to 200 kts as you can get with your budget and if you can get one for $150k put $50K into TKS. It is not FIKI but leaves you and out if you get yourself into the ice.
 
Bernoulli Fan said:
I didn't find much in an initial search for P210 pressurization problems. Got any links?
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I haven't heard much on problems with them. But I do know they have a fairly high accident rate. Could just be that rich guys with no experince or brains have bought them all up though.
 
I gave the only masculine answers to this question.

I will add - and this is extremely serious: A Cessna 180/185. Better than a 182, will haul about anything, out of anywhere, and the only knock against the machine is a flat engine. Seriously - I would put it among the most versatile and impressive singles ever built. It's an amazing machine.
 
FlyByWire22 said:
I'de re-recommend a mid 90's Mooney Ovation. They're not real big, but they are good at going fast.
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What about a M20M Bravo? Looks like 20 knots faster for about 3 more gph. Any experience with the differences between the normally aspirated Ovation and the turbo Bravo?
 
Bernoulli Fan said:
As close to 200 ktas as possible, as I said. Primary mission is for two people and not a lot of baggage, but I'd like a reasonable payload for other/future needs. The Vans RV10 seems like a pretty good option. I'd like to buy it instead of build it, though. Anyone have qualms about buying something not built on a production line?
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I built and own an RV my buddy bought one. Loves the airplane. He does his own maintenance and friendly A&P signs his annual (condition inspection) There are couple pros building customized RV10s for sale. It's very possible to squeeze brand new machine in your budget.
 
I did a trip from CA to Chicago in a turbo 210 this last year. Comfortable plane for the long ride and I know they can be found in your price range.
 
WacoFan said:
I gave the only masculine answers to this question.

I will add - and this is extremely serious: A Cessna 180/185. Better than a 182, will haul about anything, out of anywhere, and the only knock against the machine is a flat engine. Seriously - I would put it among the most versatile and impressive singles ever built. It's an amazing machine.
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You feeling alright? Go see a doc man, I think you might be sick.
 
A P210 is a great plane, it does have some quirks with the fuel system and pressurization problems but they are very manageable. The P210 I was flying didn't like to pressurize above FL 190. It would just fluctuate and give you a headache. The fuel system is conductive to air bubbles working through the lines when you do a steep turn.

Cruise around 170 knots at 17 gph. Useful load was something around 1650 lbs. Keeping the engine cool kept me from climbing much more than 500 fpm.

It does get a bit snug for my comfort with 6 people but tolerable for a long flight. A Malibu has much more leg room.

A Super Viking is another option if you aren't afraid of fabric and wood. Cruise 162 knots and can be bought well under 100K.
 
I have time in the M20R with EFIS and lived it. It is a sports car of the air. I recall though it didn't have the best payload though but it did go fast. The only negative I had was it doesn't like turbulence with its high wing loading. It is like trying drive a corvette down a dirt road. You feel every bump.
 
Look into the Velocity, the bigger engined models will do 200-250. It's a SE piston.

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