Phill C – on paper, the Mooney does it all so why does it have such a bad reuputation for being cramped? I’m 6ft 1in, so would I comfortably fit into it? Is it because the height and width of the cabin are ok but the shape is very curved, such that hitting one’s head is a definite possibility?
I went from a PA28 to a Mooney 201 almost 20 years ago. I'm 6ft, and one co-owner was slightly taller. Neither of us found the Mooney cabin a problem. Lots of leg room, you just sit fairly low. So go and sit in one and try it.
The M20J (201/205) looks ideal for the job. Fast and frugal. There are 3 excuses for not owning a Mooney:
* if you operate out of a very short and/or bumpy strip -- the undercarriage is, er, simple.
* if you find yourself regularly needing significant crosswind capability -- I found take-off in excess of 15 knots of crosswind to be "sporting".
* if you need a genuine 4-people carrier -- the useful load is fine for 2+2, a few bags and sensible fuel, but by the time you put 4 adults in, there's not much useful load left.
If none of those apply to you, go and buy one.