Ray,
the man is a Money driver I would say that ship has a complexity factor
much higher then a 304.
Beside not every one needs that level of training.
Now I do recommend dual cross country exposure before one starts racing as
this cuts the learning curve dramatically.
Contact Karl Striedieck and make an appointment now here you can learn
something real quick.
Udo

Not exactly responsive to your question, but don't go directly from the
2-33 to glass with flaps and retracts. There are a number of operations
around the country with glass two-seaters with retractable gear and
spending 15-20 hours with an instructor in one of these will make the
transition both easier and safer. Dual cross-country is a marvelous
learning technique. On our coast, Caracole, Williams and others have Duo
Discii, Great Western a DG505, and Warner Springs a Stemme, no less. I
think the west coast DG dealer has a DG-1000. Estrella has Grobs and an
MDM Fox.

Time spent in these aircraft with really good instructors will also give
you a better framework for choosing a glider. I loved the first single
seat glider I flew, but I wouldn't be happy with it now.

Adequate time spent with a good instructor in one of these ships will,
IMHO, make the transition both safer and more satisfying. Let the
instructor inform the decision as to when you're ready to go it alone.
Also, don't rule out a good used aircraft as your first ship. As long as
you spring for a thorough prebuy inspection by a sailplane savvy A&P, they
provide a lot for the money and tend to maintain their value. Marty Eiler
at Caracole does prebuy inspections using a multipage checklist that's
worth every penny. Robert Mudd in Moriarity, NM provides a similar
service. I'm sure there are others. A good reason for having the prebuy
done by an A&P is that he/she can provide an estimate of the cost of
needed (or just wanted) repairs as part of the process.

Ray Warshaw
1LK