I've been pondering the question. I'd like to get something that's
better for traveling than my citabria and an older Bo or older Mooney
that's been well maintained seems like a good choice. Insurance isn't
as bad as I thought it would be. I joined the American bonanza
society, ABS, www.bonanza.org. They have a ton of information on their
website. They're monthly magazine has some good information also. One
thing that's not clear to me is the latest Raytheon SB regarding the
carry through inspections. It seems to be a pretty onerous problem.
I'm not sure but I think G models and older are exempt. You can read
about that on their website.
Dave


wrote:
Hello,

I'm interested in hearing from people who have 'real' first-hand
knowledge of the true costs of owning an older (early 50s) V-tail
Bonanza. I've heard all the horror stories about the outrageous costs;
but the thing is that I heard the same stories before I bought my
*last* plane (a 1963 Beech Musketeer). The Musketeer turned out to be
much cheaper to own and operate than most people told me to expect.


A buddy of mine is looking at buying an older (but very well cared-for)

C-35, and I'm considering buying in. Obviously we'd have a VERY
thorough pre-buy done by a good Bone mechanic. But I'd really be
interested in hearing some info from owners who have been through
owning these old birds for a while. Insurance isn't a problem (I'm a
CFI, and he's 2000+ with a ton of IFR time), and we're both already
quite familiar with the ups and downs of owning a plane; but we've
never owned anything complex before. This would be my second plane, and

his third. Old birds don't scare me, if they are take care of...but is
an old Bone *really* a different animal? If so, why?


So...any ideas or suggestions?


Thanks in advance,

Cap