I flew an early M20 with the Johnson bar gear - 10+ hours for my
commercial. Tight? My Maule MX7 is tighter but easier to mount,
dismount and load.

The plane is optimized towards cross country performance. Nice wing for
cruising but you are definitely aware when it is in the 'laminar mode'.
Not particularly fun to take off and climb out on an aged 200hp
lycoming. Once it gets up on the step, it performs. Same on landing
except once you get it slowed down past a certain point, you can do some
really nice obstructed short field stuff. I can more easily land short
over a 50ft obstacle than my Maule! (Easier, not shorter).

Hard to say it's fun to manuever but it's a satisfying cruiser. Point A
to B efficiently.

I'm sure it does fine on turf but not it's favorite place.

God, I'd love to have one but I'm on turf and I like to go in all
conditions. So I'm flying it's complete opposite and loving it too. So
it takes me 20 mins longer.

wrote:
Hi there
I am a '78 Grumman Tiger owner here who is toying with trading up to a
Mooney. Not sure which one, perhaps a 201 for starters or maybe a 231.
My question to the group is "have you ever flown or own a Mooney?" What
are your thoughts about its reputation for being a "cozy" fit and its
performance? What year model was it and what was the cost of insurance?
Any insight into these speed demons greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Lou