The Tri flys hows it looks, not the most responsive but a stable platform for instrument flying. Have about five hundred hours in the long nose (BN2 Mk 3 series2). Will need ballast for single pilot ops with no payload. An awful aeroplane in a strong crosswind, need to use assymetric power until you have enough rudder authority on the take off roll. Only flew an Islander a couple of times but it appears to be a much better performer. Saying that quite often carried 17 pax and bags on short hops in the Tri, but forget it on a hot and high day. Watch the tips very easy to misjudge your distances taxing.