Re: What would you buy with a 50k budget?

Frank Stutzman wrote:
> Newps <nowhere@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> 
>> $50K budget for a cross country machine that won't eat you alive with 
>> fuel bills?  Late 50's Bonanza.  180-185 MPH on 11-12 GPH.  150 MPH on 
>> 8.5 GPH.  Mine's a 64 and I have a bigger engine but the airframes are 
>> basically the same. I would guesstimate $1000-1500 per year in 
>> maintenence outside the annual.  
> 
> Well, Scott, as the owner of a '49 Bonanza, I'm not so sure I'm so
sanguine.
> 
> Performance wise, I usually figure 155 MPH on 9.5 GPH so I won't quibble

> with you there.   But I really think the maintenence between my A model 
> is can be signifantly different from your S model.  Parts for the
E-series 
> engine are becoming difficult.  Better hope you don't need parts for the
> electric prop or the Hartzel for that matter.  Very expensive, if you
can
> find them at all.

Right, I wouldn't touch an A model(1949) with a 10 foot pole.  Stick to 
the late 50's or newer like I said and you get at least an IO-470 and no 
prop issues.  Same basic engine and prop that's in a 182.